Everybody loves a good proposal story, right? We have heard so many wonderful and unique stories over the years. As wedding planners, it’s one of our favorite parts of the job because we get to vicariously live through each and every magical moment. Those stories have given us perspective on what makes a proposal so special. We want to touch on some tips on how to plan the perfect proposal for your soon-to-be fiancé.

Purchase the Ring Thoughtfully

When you’re ready to buy an engagement ring, it should be a thoughtful, well-considered purchase. If you want to get her something she will love and cherish, it’s important that you consider her tastes, as well as your budget. Some things to consider – Does she have a favorite stone? What kind of metal would she prefer? Would she like something simple, flashy or something in-between?

As you shop for an engagement ring, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not just buying a piece of jewelry — you’re making an investment. For that reason, we would highly recommend that you purchase the ring through a reputable source. You should also insure the ring, as you need to protect your investment in case of damage or loss.

Have A Plan

While this might seem obvious, many people don’t actually take the time to think about what they are going to do before they get down on one knee. This is a very special moment for the both of you, and it should be personal to you and your significant other. Consider what they may want (friends and family in attendance, an intimate moment, something extravagant, etc.).

You should also be prepared for anything and consider having a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Life happens, and some things are out of our control – you may have to improvise or go with the flow if things don’t go as planned.

Consider Hiring A Photographer

Hiring a professional photographer to capture your engagement is a great idea. Engagement photos are a great way to commemorate the proposal. Your photographer will be able to capture the moment in a unique way, and you’ll have these special photos as a keepsake for years to come!

In addition to providing you with beautiful photos, a professional photographer can guide you the process, and help you with locations, wardrobe, and ideas that you may not have thought of.

Think About What You Want to Say

Put some consideration into your words. You don’t need a five-page essay or a whole song and dance routine. Just be genuine and sincere with your feelings when proposing marriage — whether that means being romantic or funny or both!

A proposal should be personal and meaningful — but it can also be short and sweet. Start with how much they mean to you and how happy you would be if they were to marry you. The rest will come naturally.

Keep It A Secret

It may seem like it’s impossible to keep your plan a secret, especially if you’re going all out with an elaborate proposal that involves multiple people and lots of planning, but there are ways to still keep the surprise intact.

You could consider doing the proposal at an event/time that you already have scheduled out. Sometimes, planning a special outing can cause speculation from your significant other (especially if this isn’t something you normally do). If you already have a fun date night planned, or a vacation coming up, work the proposal into it.

To summarize – when you’re thinking about proposing, remember that it’s a special moment that should be approached thoughtfully and carefully. No matter what you decide to do, your fiancé deserves to know how much they mean to you. And when in doubt, just ask yourself if you could imagine doing it any other way—if the answer is no, and you’re confident in your decision, then go for it.

It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to propose. The only thing that matters is that it comes from the heart and makes your partner feel loved and special.