Whether you choose to do it in an unassuming situation or the middle of a crowded restaurant, a proposal is significant and special. But having a plan in place will ensure that it’s even more exciting and memorable.
5 Tips to Get Your Proposal Right
The key to executing a successful proposal that delights your fiancé and makes her feel special is to spend some time planning the details ahead of time.
Here are a few specific tips worth heeding:
1. Select the Right Ring
“An engagement ring is, by both definition and financial commitment, a big deal. If you do want to go it alone and make the entire proposal a surprise, then you need to do some work on what type of ring will be suitable,” an expert from Estate Diamond Jewelry explains. “Jewelry is a very personal choice and almost an extension of the personality of the wearer. To make the right choice, you need to carefully look at what your partner’s current jewelry design choices are.”
If you can’t come up with a style that you confidently feel like your fiancé will like, enlist the help of others. Her best friend, mother, and/or sister should have a pretty specific idea of what she wants. (As a final resort, you can always see if she has a Pinterest page of rings.)
2. Time it Right
Timing is always an important part of the proposal. The last thing you want is to feel rushed. If you’re planning an entire day of events, create some space and be willing to be flexible if things change.
If you’re planning an event after the engagement, it’s good to have someone else be in charge of these details. You can then send a quick text message update to keep them in the loop regarding the exact timeline.
3. Choose the Appropriate Location
You and your soon-to-be wife will always remember the spot where you proposed. In light of this, take some time to choose an appropriate location that you’ll want to cherish for years to come. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, a beautiful park, or famous landmark, strategic site selection is key. (And if you are planning an outdoor proposal, it’s always wise to have a backup plan for inclement weather.)
4. Plan Out Your Words
The ring might seem like the big gesture, but the most important part of a proposal is the words that come out of your mouth.
You might be the sort of person who lets words come to you in the moment, but this isn’t a time where you want to “wing it.” Carefully choosing and practicing your words ahead of time will help you get the moment right.
For best results, keep your proposal short and sweet. Both of you will be so overwhelmed by the moment that you won’t be able to sit through a long soliloquy. Profess your love, explain your hopes and dreams, and ask the big question.
5. Set Up Some Post-Proposal Festivities
“A proposal is about the two of you and does not need to include 100 of your closest friends,” wedding planner Jennifer Spector says. “Even if you want to shout your love from the rooftops, wait until after you get that ‘yes.’ This will be one of the most intimate, special moments in your newlywed life!”
While you probably want to keep the proposal itself very intimate and private, it’s always a good idea to schedule some sort of post-proposal festivity or event. This gives you a chance to bring your friends and family together and celebrate this once in a lifetime event.
Enjoy the Moment
More often than not, couples have a hard time remembering all of the details of their proposal. It’s not because it wasn’t special, but rather that they were so excited and overcome with emotion that they didn’t have time to soak in what was happening.
Planning a proposal is important, but don’t get so stressed out about the logistical details that you forget to enjoy the moment. Make it a point to commit every little detail to memory so that you’re able to relive it over and over again in the future.
