How to Plan the Best Marriage Proposal
This is it. She’s your soulmate; you’re sure of it. You’re ready to take things to the next level. You’ve got a few apprehensions, though. In all fairness, marriage proposals can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re not the romantic kind.
Therefore, we’ve come up with a guide for those who may be wondering: “What’s the best way to propose?”
Our Advice on Planning the Perfect Marriage Proposal
You’ve been forced to watch countless rom-coms with her, so you know she has high expectations—whether she admits to it or not. It feels a little like you’re measuring up to the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Richard Gere, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling … and all those other handsome actors out there who’ve popped the question perfectly on-screen. No pressure, right?
Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! To prepare the perfect marriage proposal you’ll need to:
- Find the perfect ring
- Figure out where to pop the question
- Prepare a backstory to lure her in a way you know she won’t refuse
- Know the golden rules of marriage proposals
Oh, and, by the way, avoid hiding the ring in food at all costs. Not only is this a choking hazard, but she might also gobble it down without even noticing—and we’re honestly not too sure which would be worse. Either way, the ER isn’t a very festive place to be celebrating your engagement.
Hire a Photographer
Chances are you’ll both want to remember this moment forever—or even share it with your loved ones or on social media. Hire a photographer to capture the surprise and sheer bliss on both your faces when she says, “I do.”
Don’t worry; you won’t ruin the surprise. Photographers are experts at blending in and not getting in the way of your special moment. Run your idea by 4-célébration’s photographers. They’ll know just how to go about it!
Hiring a Professional Marriage Proposal Planner
You’re feeling confident … that you’ll mess things up? There is such a thing as a professional wedding proposal planner. They’ll have suggestions on how to make this perfect – from a romantic venue to the ring of her dreams. Their job is to help set up a grand proposal that will WOW your bride-to-be while still feeling personal and unique.
Don’t hesitate to call upon a professional if you want to plan an unforgettable proposal!
The Golden Rules of Marriage Proposals
From purchasing the ring to the nerve-racking moment where you reach into your pocket and pull it out, there’s a lot to consider before you pop the big question.
Here are 6 things we think are golden rules that you should consider while preparing for this—hopefully—once-in-a-lifetime event. To romantic souls, these might be obvious, but here’s for those who are a little on the clueless side of romance.
Which Knee Should You Kneel On?
We’re all familiar with what a proposal should look like; man kneels in front of his girlfriend, pulls out a ring—pause there for a second. Is kneeling mandatory?
Don’t sweat it! Kneeling on your right knee while proposing has become tradition, but it certainly isn’t mandatory—especially if you have some sort of physical ailment like a painful knee, for example.
So, unless your spouse has mentioned that this is a must, do what feels natural to you. Chances are she’ll be so thrilled she won’t even notice.
Finding the Perfect Ring
OK, Sherlock, time to whip out your magnifying glass and get cracking!
You’re looking for clues that will point you in the right direction. Check her browsing history – without being too nosy, of course – for any jewelry websites. Does she have a Pinterest or an Etsy account? Those are usually some sure-fire ways of finding out what she likes. Does she prefer gold or silver? Does she like traditional, diamond rings, or is she into original, one-of-a-kind stones? What about stone size and setting?
We also strongly suggest enrolling a close friend or her sister – someone you trust not to spill the beans, of course. Chances are they’ve discussed this with her and will have at least some idea of the type of ring she’d be into.
Make Sure Your Proposal Doesn’t Sound Scripted
First, remember that this is real life, not a rom-com, and you aren’t a professional actor. Things won’t necessarily go exactly as planned. If you prepare an elaborate script, chances are you’ll get nervous and forget important parts. Then, you’ll stumble and get even more nervous, maybe stumble some more … you see where we’re headed?
Instead of coming up with the exact words you want to say, we suggest that you focus on 3 key elements that you absolutely want to communicate to your other half. Not only will this be easier to remember, you will also sound more sincere.
What to Wear When You Pop the Big Question
Consider the practical side of things. If you plan on getting down on one knee to propose, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing something comfortable and relatively stretchy. The last thing you want is to hear a great big rip when you’re about to tell her you want to share the rest of your life with her.
You’ll also want to make sure that the ring is well-hidden, while still being easily accessible.
Where to Propose?
The setting you choose when you ask for her hand in marriage will dictate the whole ambiance of your special moment. Make sure you choose it carefully.
The last thing you want is to have it ruined by an overly curious onlooker.
Where to Propose: dos and don’ts
Don’t choose places that might not have a long lifespan. That trendy restaurant might not be there forever.
Do choose a meaningful spot that you can keep returning to over time: a monument, National Park or a place that’s been around for decades are all good options.
Don’t go for the cliché. Flash mobs are a thing of the past. Remember that touristy places like the Eiffel Tower or Times Square are filled with tourists. You don’t want them ruining your proposal.
Do find an intimate place if you’re dead set on proposing at Disney or another touristy destination. See if the employees there can help you make it special.
Don’t propose at someone else’s wedding even if you’ve gotten the newlyweds’ blessing. There’s too big a chance that they were just too plain uncomfortable to tell you no.
Do create your own memories and come up with something that will be meaningful to both of you. Think location of the first kiss, first date, first “I love you,” etc.
Whether you choose a candlelit dinner or organize a trip to a fancy destination, we’re confident that your proposal will be memorable. When you’re feeling nervous, try and remember that she loves you—regardless of whether you fumble or if you’re as suave as ever!
Once she’s said, “I do,” and you’re ready for the next step, make sure you check out our blog. It contains several articles to help you plan the perfect wedding.
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