As well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, 2012 is a special year because it contains February 29th – a date we only see once every four years.

Called a ‘leap day’, it is added to the calendar in order to keep our calendar year synchronised with the astronomical year. Simply put, the sun doesn’t orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days, so by adding a day every four years, this drift is corrected.

Supposedly initiated in Ireland in the 5th century by Saint Patrick or Brigid of Kildare, the British Isles has a tradition that women can propose marriage only on leap years. It is claimed that in 1288 at the age of five, Queen Margaret of Scotland made a law that if the man refused marriage on a leap year, they would have to pay a fine to soften the blow, with compensation ranging from a kiss to a silk gown. In some places, this tradition was tightened further to restrict female proposals to February 29th – the leap day.

Interestingly, in Greece, marrying in a leap year is considered unlucky; therefore, a fifth of engaged couples will avoid marrying during a leap year.

So what if you are planning on surprising your man with a proposal next week? And what if he says yes?

Here at thebestof Haverhill, we are proud to have a number of highly recommended local businesses specialising in wedding services.

Engagement and wedding rings

With Tony Strowger Jewellers in Haverhill, you are assured of stunning, quality jewellery, invaluable advice and a truly personal service. Kaz R, who asked Tony Strowger Jewellers to make her rings commented, “Thank you so much for making these rings – they are absolutely perfect! Thanks again Tony, I made a wise choice coming to you.”

Wedding flowers

With 55 recommendations from happy customers, there is only one name to choose for your wedding flowers in Haverhill – Blooming Lovely Studio.

Catering

Why not go for something a little different and spice up your life with an Indian buffet or silver service meal from Haverhill Tandoori? No, it’s not traditional but take it from someone who knows (I opted for an Indian buffet for my wedding only two years ago!) An Indian meal is great value, delicious and perfect for slightly less formal occasions.

Wedding dresses

If you’re looking for that perfect dress (and what women isn’t for her wedding day?) you must visit Amanda Julia Couture. As Emma W commented, “I went to Amanda Julia Couture recently, Amanda was extremely helpful and I found my dream dress in her bridal shop. I felt 100% comfortable and extremely happy with the service. I will definitely recommend her to anyone who is getting married. Amanda is even making me a beautiful jacket to go with my stunning dress.”

Wedding cake

Just thinking of the sumptuous cakes made by Haverhill’s own Cakes by Dee gets my mouth watering! Dee has been baking and decorating celebration cakes for more than thirty years and is renowned for her artistic skill. Rest assured that whatever your taste, style or budget, you’ll find the perfect cake for your wedding day at Cakes by Dee.

So if you are planning on proposing to your man on February 29th, thebestof Haverhill wishes you lots of luck!