If you’re confident that you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with your partner, it may be time to pop the question and make things official. A proposal is a big event for both of you, but making sure that you consider your partner’s feelings and preferences will ensure that they have the amazing experience you’re hoping for.
You know your partner better than anyone else, but you may need some help creating the perfect moment. Keep reading for a few tips that will help you plan the most romantic proposal possible.
Talk to Their Family
While it may seem outdated to ask your partner’s parents for permission to propose, checking in with their family is a nice gesture that your partner (and their loved ones) may really appreciate. If your partner is really close with their parents, siblings, or another relative, you could have a chat with them about your plans and let them share in your excitement. They may even have suggestions for things that your partner would like or recall ideas that your partner had for their ideal proposal or engagement ring.
Purchase the Ring
After you decide that you’re ready to propose, you should start looking for engagement rings. There are more options out there than you may expect, so try to get a feel for your partner’s style and look for certain designs that she would like. You can opt for different metal tones, gemstones, stone shapes, and decorative features like intricately detailed bands or accent stones. You can even choose to purchase a lab-created diamond instead of a traditionally mined one. Whatever you go with, make sure to keep your partner’s preferences in mind.
Brainstorm Location Ideas
After you secure the perfect ring, start thinking about the perfect time and place for your proposal. While you don’t have to make extravagant arrangements to have a beautiful moment with your partner, you will likely want to take the time to bring them somewhere special and think ahead about the best time to get there. Some people choose to take their partner out for dinner at a nice restaurant, which would require you to make a reservation in advance. Other people propose in outdoor locations like parks, so be mindful of any events going on in that location on the day you plan to propose. You may also want to be conscious of particularly busy times to visit your desired location. If your partner wouldn’t mind having people around, this may not be an issue. If they prefer to share special moments with you in private, they may not want their proposal to be so public.
Consider Inviting a Photographer
You and your partner may want to have a photo to commemorate your special moment, so think ahead about asking a friend, family member, or professional photographer to meet you at your chosen location. They can hang back and watch for the moment that you propose and catch a candid photo or video that you will cherish forever. If your partner is particularly sentimental, this may be the final touch that pushes your perfect day over the top.
Plan a Celebration
Finally, you may want to make plans to celebrate your engagement with family and friends. If you choose to keep your engagement a secret, you can simply book a party space and prepare supplies to have in place for a later date and invite guests after the engagement is official. If you choose to include your loved ones in your plans, you can organize a surprise party for your partner so that they can be congratulated by their closest friends and relatives right after your private moment. Different couples may follow different etiquette for revealing their big news, but you and your partner will have a great time celebrating and you’ll be glad that you made some arrangements in advance.
Proposing to the love of your life can be nerve-wracking, but a little forethought and planning will make all of the details fall into place. Follow these tips to ensure that you and your partner will have a wonderful, romantic experience to remember for the rest of your lives.
