Your heart has found its forever home with your partner, and now you want to pop the question and build a life together. However, you’re not sure where to begin to turn that dream into a reality. But, that’s alright, we’ve got your back.
Planning the perfect proposal can be an overwhelming task. So, to make this moment unforgettable, we’ve created a comprehensive guide, complete with a list of best wedding proposal ideas, best proposal locations and more. You’ll feel confident and prepared to get down on one knee and create an unforgettable moment by the end.
When Is the Right Time to Propose?
When it comes to figuring out the right time to pop the question, it’s best to go with your guts. Your love story and relationship are unique, and so is your timeline. While a couple may get engaged after a few days or weeks of dating, others may take years to get there. A marriage proposal is a decision that you and your partner should be on the same page about. So, even if it’s a surprise proposal, bring it up subtly in conversations to get an indication of where they stand (or find out from their friends and family). This will clear up any doubts and let them know that you’re thinking about popping the question.
Planning the Proposal
Ready to make it official? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect engagement proposal.
Choose the Ring
Selecting the right ring is key to making your proposal unforgettable—you want something that wows your partner. To choose the perfect ring, first, you need to figure out your partner’s style. If they love classics, a solitaire ring is perfect. Are they a lover of art and history? Consider getting them a stunning vintage-inspired ring. Next, you need to find out their ring size. If you’re unsure about the size, you can cheque out our guide on how to measure ring size to find the perfect fit.
There’s nothing more special than a custom-designed ring that reflects your partner’s unique style and personality. Our award-winning ‘Create With Angara‘ feature lets you create your dream ring from scratch. Plus, you can add free engraving to make the ring extra special.
Shop Diamond Engagement Rings
For a sparkling promise of unending love
Prepare the Speech
Words have power, and you want to find the right words to melt your partner’s heart. The perfect marriage proposal speech should be short and sweet and include details like the moment you first met, the moment that changed everything for you, how you feel about your partner and the future you envision with them. To take your speech from heartwarming to tear-jerking, add a personal touch; talk about your connection and some of their unique quirks. P.S. It’s ok to fumble.
Find the Best Location
Where you choose to propose can elevate the moment to something truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a unique location or someplace that holds a special significance for both of you, the setting plays a key role. Consider bringing their dream holiday proposal ideas to life or revisiting where you first met, had your first date, or shared other significant moments. These locations often make for the best places to propose, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Capture the Moment
Whether you hire a professional photographer or enlist the help of family and friends to film the moment, documenting the proposal will be a decision you won’t regret. Surprise proposals make for incredible reactions, and having it on film ensures you capture every heartfelt moment.
Celebrate the News
So, they said ‘yes’—it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re gathering your closest friends and family for a joyous toast, planning a romantic dinner at your favourite restaurant, or even escaping for a weekend getaway to unwind and savor the moment together, there are endless ways to make this occasion unforgettable.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Proposal
We can agree that planning a proposal is no small feat. To relieve some of the pressure, we’ve included some tips so you can enjoy every moment, from planning to proposing.
Get the Ring Insured
Your engagement ring holds both sentimental and financial value. Insurance covers your ring against theft, loss and damage. So, getting it insured is like giving it a safety net. Get your ring appraised by a professional to determine its value. Then, find a good insurer that covers jewellery. They’ll guide you through the necessary documentation process. Should the unexpected occur, promptly contact your insurer to initiate a claim. Safeguard your precious ring and flaunt it worry-free.
Shop Gemstone Engagement Rings
Symbolic gems for a unique love story
Talk to Their Parents
Asking for permission to marry your partner can feel old-fashioned, but it can mean a lot to them, especially if they value tradition. Take the time to meet their parent(s), and don’t put it off—it shouldn’t feel like an afterthought. This shows you care about their feelings and want them to be part of the experience. It’s all about making them feel included, and it goes a long way to show how much you care about your partner and their family.
Involve Trusted Friends and Family
For something as special as your proposal, it’s only normal that you want to involve your loved ones, and that’s great! But while having more hands to plan the proposal may be helpful, you need to consider if it’s something your partner would appreciate. Involve only your closest and most trusted people because the more people that know, the harder it will be to keep the secret.
Consider the Weather
If you and your partner are lovers of the outdoors, there’s a chance that you’re planning an outdoor proposal. But just like a lot of things in life, the weather is completely unpredictable. Prepare for changing weather by having a backup plan or choosing a location that offers shelter or indoor options nearby. This way, you can ensure your proposal remains magical no matter what Mother Nature decides to do.
Get the Necessary Permits
If you’re planning a grand proposal in a public space, such as Chicago’s Millennium Park or the San Francisco Ferry Building, we highly recommend that you get the necessary permits to prevent the cops from interrupting your special moment.
Make it Personal
Take your planning a step further by adding every detail that’s meaningful for your partner—whether it’s the choice of location or other subtle elements at the proposal spot. While they may be caught up in the excitement of the moment, these personal touches will resonate deeply, whether recognized immediately or when looking back on photos and videos later on. Trust us; your thoughtful efforts will make the proposal truly unforgettable.
Incorporate Music
Music is a huge part of life, and that includes your love story. It serves as a link to the memories you create and the emotions you felt at that time. By incorporating music into your proposal, you’re encoding the song with your memories, which you’ll always remember when that song comes on. So, choose the right song, whether it’s a new one or one that already means a lot to you both.
Get Down on One Knee
This tradition dates back to medieval times. It symbolizes respect and is considered the best way to propose. Many people envision this classic gesture when imagining a proposal moment. However, there could be reasons why kneeling down on one knee isn’t feasible for you–whether it’s due to a bad knee, an injury, or an unconventional proposal setting (like in a helicopter). Rest assured, your partner will surely understand your circumstances.
Proposal Mistakes to Avoid
We’re certain that you don’t want your proposal ruined by mistakes that you may or may not be aware of. But do not worry; all your ideas for the best proposal will go as planned as long as you avoid these mistakes.
Long Speech
We’ve said it once, but we’ll say it again – keep the speech short and sweet. While we recommend being present in the moment and speaking from the heart, we know you may also like to come prepared. Whether that’s with a memorized speech or points you’d like to talk about, it’s your call. But don’t shy away from letting your partner know just how special they are and how much you love them.
Missing Ring
If you plan on being spontaneous and popping the question anytime, anywhere, all that we ask is that you do it with a ring. A survey carried out on the biggest engagement faux pas ranked ‘proposing without a ring’ as number one. So, even if you’re unsure what ring style your partner likes, get one anyway (choose a ring you can exchange) because if there’s no ring, did it really happen?
Copied Ideas
When it comes to the setup and the speech, getting your wedding proposal ideas from the internet is a way to get inspired, not for you to copy exactly what you see or read. If you’ve seen it, then chances are your partner probably has, too. So, get inspiration from different sources and create a meaningful proposal that’s unique to your love story.
Not Planning Ahead
A proposal requires careful planning months before the proposal day. This is where a proposal chequelist will come in handy because there are a number of things you have to factor in, like the place, people and price (i.e., where are you proposing, who are you including and what should be your budget for everything, including the ring).
4 Marriage Proposal Ideas
Are you drawing a blank on engagement proposal ideas? Get some inspiration from these:
1. Romantic Wedding Proposal Ideas
Pile on the romance with a proposal that will make your partner’s heart race. Make it unforgettable with a setup and words that will make them feel loved. A Valentine’s Day proposal lets you celebrate your love in the most beautiful way. But there are other ways you can propose to take romance to new heights, too.
2. Outdoor Marriage Proposal Ideas
Want to pop the question when you’re out in nature? You can go hiking on your favourite trail, turn your rooftop into a cinema, have a picnic at the park or in your backyard, go on a boat ride, etc. There are different outdoor proposal ideas from which you can get inspiration.
3. Indoor/Intimate Marriage Proposal Ideas
Proposals don’t always have to be grand gestures; you can also consider keeping them intimate with intimate and simple proposal ideas. Stay in and surprise them with a breakfast-in-bed proposal, incorporate it into your entire day or have a game night that ends with you popping the question.
4. Picture Perfect Marriage Proposal Ideas
Make your proposal unique with insta-worthy engagement proposal ideas. Whether that means traveling somewhere picturesque or looking for somewhere nearby – proposing at a scenic spot adds beauty and a movie-like feel to your proposal.
Make It Happen!
Proposing to the love of your life is a monumental occasion, one that both of you will cherish forever. While it’s easy to get swept up in the planning, the most important thing to remember is the love you share.
Shop Lab Gemstone Engagement Rings
Get a bigger carat for less
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to propose to someone in a unique way?
Plan a personalized experience that reflects your relationship, such as a favourite location, a special date, or incorporating inside jokes or shared hobbies.
Q2. Who proposes?
Traditionally, the man proposes, but in recent cultures, women have taken up the baton. Do what feels right for both of you.
Q3. Do I need a ring?
Yes, you do! One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to propose with a ring. This is why you should get the ring months in advance of the proposal day.
Q4. Should we involve family and friends?
Involving loved ones can add joy and support, but consider your partner’s preferences for a private or public moment.
Q5. Should I hire a photographer?
A photographer can capture the special moment for lasting memories, especially if you plan a surprise or a scenic proposal.
Q6. What if they say no?
Respect their feelings and have an open, honest conversation to understand their reasons. It’s important to be prepared for any response.
Q7. How much should I spend on a ring?
Spend what you can afford without financial strain. The sentiment behind the ring matters more than its cost.
