How To Propose – Our Top Tips for Proposing

So, how do you propose? Whilst asking the actual proposal question is up to you, we have some top tips to help you along the way!

Keep in mind, there are no blanket rules to proposing as each proposal couple is unique! So, take our guideline as inspiration for your future proposal. 

1. Decide if you’re ready

Whether you and your partner have spoken about getting engaged or they have been throwing some *not so subtle* hints at you… when you know, you know!  We would say this is the most important step and is something you must feel confident about before planning your proposal. If you are yet to talk to your partner about getting engaged, this is your sign to have the conversation tonight and see if you are both ready to start the next exciting chapter of your relationship!

2. Ask for the family’s blessing

Today, there are less rules around asking ‘permission’ from your partner’s family before popping the question. This step is very personal and the key is to think about the relationship your partner has with their family. If your partner is very family oriented, you may want to consider having a conversation with their parents to ask for their blessing. Not only is this a respectful gesture, but they may also have some amazing insights into what your partner would like for their proposal!

3. Find a ring

If you and your partner have discussed getting engaged recently, they may have dropped a hint about (or even shown you) the ring of their dreams! Lucky you.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the luxury of any ring hints, you can click here for some of our tips on what to do.

4. Decide on a date 

While the ring is in motion, it’s time to pick a proposal date.  

To do this, you could consider any of the following:

• • The date your ring will be ready

• • How much time you need to come up with an idea and plan it all. 

• • Proposing on a sentimental date like an anniversary or the day you met – cute!

• • Popping the question on another milestone day to throw your partner off the scent, like their birthday or even YOUR birthday. This is a great option because you would be planning a night out anyway (right?).

Remember, there is absolutely no need to rush the proposal process, it’s better to relax and perfect the planning stage instead of rushing through it and stressing yourself out.

5. Come up with an idea 

Okay, now the fun part (well, the part we love anyway) – the proposal idea! What is the best way to propose?

This is a huge question and the world is your oyster. You can propose down the road on a walk or on the other side of the world on holiday. The key to coming up with a proposal plan is to always have your partner in mind; the kind of person they are and what they would love to do. 

• • If they are shy, don’t plan a public flash mob. Choose a private location and an intimate setting like a private dinner or a private holiday home. 

• • Do they love the outdoors? Organise a romantic outdoor activity like a chartered boat in the harbour for the two of you. 

• • Are they a fan of music? Organise a band to play their favourite song.

• • If they love capturing the perfect photo, arrange for a stunning proposal backdrop to bend the knee in front of. Something Instagram worthy!

Of course, when in doubt, a proposal planner can always help you – it’s our job to be romantic. 

Click here for some proposal inspiration and here for 6 proposal ideas. 

6. Work on the logistics

If you don’t have a proposal planner, there are a few key factors you need to consider when working out the logistics of your proposal:

• • Location and council / venue restrictions

• • Wet weather plan 

• • Time of day

• • Who will set up and pack up for you on the day?

• • Where and when you will buy or hire everything you need for the setup

• • Organise a photographer to capture the moment (not essential but always recommended) 

• • Who will be the main contact person? (you don’t want suppliers calling you if you’re with your partner!)

• • Find trusted proposal suppliers and brief them on the logistics 

• • How you will get your partner there (more on this later)

• • Choose your outfit, because it’s important to look your best when you’re trying to impress!

• • Organise parking so you’re organised and running on time on the day

7. Come up with a fake story

It’s now time to decide what you will tell your partner, so you don’t give away your plans to propose…

If you’re the type of person that plans spontaneous date nights, just pretend it’s another date night – easy. 

Here are a few ideas on the little white lies that can help keep your proposal day a surprise: 

• • Pretend you have a friend or colleagues’ birthday that you are both invited to (have them send a fake invite text)

• • Tell them you have an engagement party or wedding to go to (create a fake invite and mail it to yourself)

• • Pretend you have won a competition for a night out or a photo shoot (create a fake prize voucher)

• • Tell them you want to go for a walk or just a regular dinner and instead take them to the proposal location

• • Plan the proposal on a milestone date like a birthday or anniversary where you would be going out anyway

We have organised many fake vouchers and wedding invites and it always works a treat when done properly!

8. Nail the proposal moment!

The day has arrived!!!! Everything has been planned and all the wheels are in motion, now it’s time to run a few last-minute errands and get your partner to the proposal location for the big moment. 

Here a two frequently asked questions and helpful hints.

1. What to say

• • Some of our clients like to say a few words before they ask the big question. For example, why they love their partner, why they want to be with them for the rest of their lives and even a cute story or personal joke they share together. Keep this short and to the point. 

• • Others prefer to head straight to “Will you marry me?”. This is just as romantic, so don’t worry if you are a man or woman of few words.

2. Getting on one knee

• • If you get down on one knee, get the ring box out of your pocket first! This avoids the awkward fumble when you’re trying to balance yourself (handy hint). 
  • Some clients choose not to drop the knee. If this isn’t your thing not to worry. Just take your partner by the hand, look them in the eye and ask the question. 
  • As long as you say it like you mean it, there are no real rules anymore.

Photographer: Momento

9. Organise what to do after you get a “YES!’

Congratulations, you’re engaged!!! You don’t want to head home and call it a night, so what do you do now?

• • It’s nice to have a bottle of champagne on hand to pop open and celebrate with!

• • Spread the word to your nearest and dearest! Yell it from the rooftops! Say it loud and proud! You’re engaged. This is where you should expect an influx of calls and texts. 

• • Have family and friends join you afterwards to celebrate the occasion.

• • Keep the moment intimate and romantic and organise a restaurant reservation or hotel booking, just for the two of you. 

Proposal planning can be tricky and we know that you want to create the perfect moment for you and your partner. So, we hope our top tips on how to propose have helped and if you feel you need some expert guidance, our team is always here to lead you in the right direction with your proposal plans!

After more tips and tricks on how to plan your proposal? We have you covered with our new How To Propose series on Youtube. Our lead proposal planner covers everything from choosing your proposal location to what you should say on the day! Subscribe to My Proposal Co. on Youtube now to start watching.