Just like planning a wedding, you have to plan the proposal. It doesn’t take 12 – 18 months to propose, but you must do the work at the beginning in order to create a positive experience. This is the beginning of something new and your partner is going to want to tell this story over and over again. There is more to a proposal than just getting down on one knee. Having a solid plan on what you will say, where you will do it, and when it will happen are all a part of the planning process. Let’s look at how to propose the right way so you and your partner can look back and be happy with how it turned out.

Recognize Your Partner’s Expectations

If you are popping the question, you should know a few things about what your partner would want to happen. Maybe you have been given a detailed script or you’ve been told by friends exactly how it should be done. You don’t have to follow every exact detail you’ve been given in the past, but it is important to know what your partner expects from you.

Does your partner want to celebrate publicly or privately? Before you propose, you need to know the right location, and there is a major difference between proposing in front of Cinderella’s castle and proposing during dinner in a quiet restaurant. One will get a roar of applause making your partner the center of attention while the other can be done and no one around you realizes what just happened. It can be an elaborate spectacle or a straightforward question without the extra showmanship.

Keep your partner’s ideal dream proposal in mind. If you don’t, you leave the chance for them to be upset more than excited…

For example, swimming with the dolphins was a bucket list item for Taylor all of her life. So her boyfriend, Aaron, knew it would be the perfect opportunity to turn into a moment to remember forever. How epic is that?! Thanks to Discovery Cove!

Consider Your Partner’s Appearance

While, yes, your marriage shouldn’t be about appearances, this is one of those times that appearances do matter. We live in the age of social media and nothing really matters until it is “Facebook official” or “Instagram worthy.” Your engagement story is going to be on social media! Think about your partner’s appearance – you know what is about to happen so you will be cleaned up with a nice outfit on. Give your partner the same courtesy and make sure she has her nails done and a cute outfit on; or he might need to get a manicure and have on an outfit that stands out just like you. 
Another part of your appearance that some people forget is your mental capacity. You want to make sure you and your partner are on the same wavelength. If they are distracted by all the hustle and bustle around you, your words won’t resonate. The unforgettable marriage proposal you have laid out in your mind will be totally forgettable because you didn’t get your partner’s attention. Whether it is public or private, having your partner’s focused attention means they will be just as invested in the moment as you are.

Design a Memorable Moment

Capture the moment! You will tell this story a hundred times before the week is over, and having something that enhances the story will make it easier on you. Invest in photography and videography. A photographer will be there to capture the “O-M-G! moment” when your spouse realizes what is about to happen. A videographer will capture the full story and create an immersive experience that will tell the tale for you. Lean on their expertise and let them guide you through arriving at the location and treating it like another casual day out. 

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“ A photographer will be there to capture the “O-M-G! moment” when your spouse realizes what is about to happen.”

So, Brooke and Mark love to travel. So while on a trip to Scotland, Mark made a plan and took Brooke to a beautiful mountain top with a photographer waiting to capture the perfect moment 😀

Practice What You Will Say

Nerves will take over at some point. This is why you want to practice what you will say. Don’t just think about what you are going to say as you get down on one knee; think about the full conversation from the time you arrive to that moment. You want to guide the conversation through happy moments you’ve had as a couple and the possibilities for the future. Don’t be unprepared and let the conversation become an argument that could ultimately lead to a fight and ruin the moment. Have talking points from your relationship and be prepared with anecdotes of all the great times you’ve had together. 

Now the speech – this needs to be practiced quite a few times! If you are searching for the ring and trying to get down, you need to know the words you are about to say. Keep it short and sweet; a maximum of 3 – 5 sentences will work. This moment can feel like forever. Patiently wait on the reaction your partner will have once they come out of shock. When your partner says YES, this is the moment for an embrace. If you have a photographer, ask them for guidance on how long to hold the kiss and which direction you should dip your partner for a great photo op.

Add Your Personality

Popping the question can be a difficult time if you are trying to do it to please others. The proper way to propose is to make sure you include your personality and have fun. Remember, there are two people in this relationship – you and your partner. If you like impromptu flash mobs and can get a group of friends together to do one, do it! If you are a private person and want to ask while you are chilling and watching Netflix, do it! It’s your marriage proposal.

For example, Cody is a HUGE golf fan and being the best girlfriend she is, Nikki started to join in on the sport too. Well, with the whole family waiting in the bushes, Cody asked her the ‘hole in one’ question and she said “YES!”

Last But Not Least

Stay true to you as a couple and do what you feel is most comfortable. If you are overwhelmed trying to choose a location and a photographer, work with a wedding planner to plan out the details. Your personality won’t change, and a wedding planner can be an objective third party to help you sort out the what, when, and where. No matter how you decide to do it, remember the perfect person has been beside you the whole time. 

If you have found this article helpful, then tell us which tip helped you the most! Can’t wait to hear the story