Proposing
“Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the one you think you can't live without.”
— James C. Dobson (Christian psychologist)
Preparation
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Choose the right time of year.
Be sure to discuss with her the approximate time of year you want to be married. -
Plan Ahead.
Be sure to propose about 7-12 months prior to the ideal month you'd like to be married. There are many reasons why this much time is important, but a big one is accommodating for the time it takes to order/customize a wedding dress. Trust me, she will not be happy if there's no choice but to take what's on the rack. -
Pick the right environment.
Determine if she’d want something public or private. -
Determine who will be there.
You know her personality, so be sure to include family and/or friends if she would want them there. -
Tell only those who need to know.
Keep it a surprise for as long as possible before you literally pop the question. -
Consider getting some hired help... ask for:
-The costs related to time (flat fee or hourly)
-The hard costs (transportation, equipment rentals and other items)
-Deposit amount
-Payment/refund policy
-A complete understanding of your responsibilities
-A signed contract
-Assistance from a hotel concierge/maitre d' (if applicable)
-Resources: Brilliant Event Planning or Go Get It Events -
Take notes from those that have gone before you (real proposal videos):
-Top Gun Style
-On A Game Show
-Making The Movies Jealous
-On Stage At A Concert
-Dancing In The Park
-A Billboard Style Mural
-On Live TV
-In The Middle Of Disneyland
-Staring In Your Own Movie
-A Serenade On The Subway
Do’s and Don’ts
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DO follow tradition.
Ask one or both parents for her hand in marriage. -
DO think of how she would want it done.
Be as sure as possible that the way you propose is going to be meaningful and memorable to her. -
DO adjust for any potential conflicts.
Make sure her schedule is free both during and after your proposal. -
DO account for any necessary clothing.
Make sure what she’s planning to wear is appropriate, or bring something along for her. -
DO bring additional gifts.
Have flowers (we recommend red roses) and champagne. -
DO tell only those who need to know.
On the day of your proposal, keep it a surprise for as long as possible. -
DO be specific.
During your actual proposal, tell her exactly why you want to spend the rest of your life married to her, and be sure it’s done in a way she will understand and appreciate. You should also incorporate examples of why you love her, how having her in your life makes you a better person, and why you believe you’re so perfect for one another. -
DO get in position.
Drop to one knee when you present the engagement ring. -
DO say it all.
Say her full name right before you ask her to marry you.
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DON’T propose too early.
It’s important to see how you both handle each other during and after some tough experiences. -
DON’T do it in front of people.
Only do it publicly if you know that’s what she wants. -
DON’T propose at a sporting event.
Even if she’s really into sports, this probably won’t have the level of romance she’s looking for. -
DON’T steal attention from anyone.
Just celebrate their special event/day, and save yours for another time. -
DON’T propose on a national holiday.
Only attempt this if it’s really creative/original. -
DON’T hide the engagement ring in food or a drink.
It could be an awkward evening if she happens to swallow it.
Location Ideas
- Where you first met
- Where you went on your first date
- Where you had your first kiss
- Where you first said “I love you”
- Where you first knew she was the one
- A place that has special meaning to both of you
- A favorite place you like to go together
- A meaningful romantic getaway destination that wouldn’t give away your proposal
Hire A Proposal Planner
Let our propsal planners help you make your marriage proposal something your bride will want to share with everyone for years!
Step 1: Introductary Meeting.
Here will get to know more about you, your fiancee, the relationship and set a budget.
Step 2: Brainstorming Sesson.
In this meeting we will share our ideas, and select the best one to implement.
Step 3: The Details.
In our final meeting, we will run through all the details to make sure everything is ready to go.
Step 4: Time For Action.
We will put everything into action, and set you up for an amazing marriage proposal.