I get it. Proposing to your special someone can be intimidating.
You want to get it right and you want to make sure that it feels special and memorable.
Now how exactly does one do this?
As a professional wedding and proposal planner, I want to talk about what you should consider as you’re planning your proposal as well as some tips and tricks to keep in your back pocket.
The key three areas to figure out: engagement ring, environment, and logistics.
Find the Ring:
Before you start preparing the proposal itself, you need a ring. Not just any ring though- THE RING.
If possible, go ring shopping with your significant other to really understand what they are looking for when it comes to cut, color, and design. While you go ring shopping, encourage your partner to try different stone and diamond shapes to see what goes well with their style and nails.
From there, see if they want a special stone or color diamond. Be mindful that certain stones such as opal and pearls scratch easily and, therefore, show wear and tear much faster. Diamonds and sapphires, on the other hand, are much harder and have more longevity.
When it comes to the debate of lab grown or natural diamonds, it ultimately comes down to your budget and personal preference. A 3-carat lab grown diamond will be just as sparkly (if not more) than the natural equivalent; however, natural diamonds hold a more stable value long term and are sentimental for their natural origin.
Lastly, we encourage you to think about the design and how it combines with a wedding band. Some want their wedding band flush against their engagement ring while others prefer a shadow fit.
Knowing these preferences in advance allows you to select or design the ring accordingly, making it the PERFECT fit for your partner.
Have fun with it, and don’t stress yourself out too much in the selection process.
The best rings are those chosen with love and intentionality.
The Environment:
Now that we have discussed how to find the ideal ring, let’s talk about the actual setting of the proposal. For the environment itself, you’ll need to figure out if your partner prefers a public or intimate proposal.
Do they want their closest friends and family members around? Or would they prefer it only be the two of you?
From there, start thinking about locations that would allow you to honor those preferences and let the proposal planning flow!
If you’re feeling stuck with finding the right spot, think about moments and places that are special to your relationship and consider how you can incorporate those into your proposal.
Logistics:
We have the ring and we have the spot. Now, we just need to figure out how to get your partner to the location unsuspectingly.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family when it comes to keeping your partner distracted.
Before the proposal, you want to make sure you both are picture-ready. That includes cute outfits, nails, and genuine smiles!
Scared encouragement to get their nails done will spoil the surprise? Pick up a pack of press-on nails in advance, that she can put on between the proposal and post-yes photos.
Most important, think about the logistics of what happens after you get to the proposal location.
Do you need to get the waiters in on the planning logistics?
Where will you photographer camp out discreetly?
Do you need to be seated on a certain side for easy access to the ring box when it’s time to ask?
Whether you are taking them to the proposal location or they’re meeting you there, cook up a story that explains why you’re headed to this spot without giving away what’s about to happen.
Once you’re there, breathe and slow down! Let your true emotions and feelings take it from there. You got this! <3
JJE Tips & Tricks:
After choosing the perfect ring, finding your proposal location, and ironing out the logistics, you’ll be well on your way! Thoughtfully planning your proposal in advance will allow you to be fully present as you ask for your partner’s hand in marriage.
Here are a few more tips and tricks to help you leading up to the proposal:
- Don’t forget to hire a discreet photographer for your proposal, so that you can have the pictures from that day to reminisce on and share with others!
- Practice kneeling posture in the mirror in advance.
- Rehearse what you are going to say but don’t overpractice. Let it flow naturally from the heart, not robotically from memory.
- Stay down on your knee for a little bit so that your photographer can grab that picture perfect moment
- Don’t forget to actually ASK the big question! It may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to forget to actually ask when you’re in the moment with nerves and all.
If you need help planning your perfect proposal, inquire with us at JJE to make that “YES!” moment extra memorable.
Cheers to your soon-to-be engagement season!
By Selina Hanna, Assistant Wedding Planner
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