How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

Proposing to your partner is one of the most important things you’ll ever do in your relationship and it’s only natural that you want everything to go just right. While you can never guarantee any proposal will be 100% perfect, a little planning certainly goes a long way.

Whether you’re keeping things simple or going all out, this guide will help you plan a thoughtful, heartfelt proposal that feels just right for both of you.

1. Be Sure and Be Ready

Before you start planning the perfect proposal, you need to ask yourself: are you truly ready for this next chapter? You need to be certain that you’re both on the same page when it comes to marriage. If you’re feeling confident and excited about spending the rest of your life with your partner, it’s a good sign you’re ready to go forward.

2. Keep it Quiet

Part of the magic of a proposal is the surprise, so try not to broadcast your intentions to everyone. It’s fine to tell one or two trusted people (especially if they’re helping you with the planning), but keeping the secret close to your chest will help make the moment more special.

3. Decide on the Ring

Some couples find picking out the ring together to be part of the experience while others prefer to keep it as a surprise. If you’re choosing it on your own, take a look at our guide to learn everything you need to know to buy the perfect engagement ring for the first time.

Do your best to find out their ring size before you buy it, either by subtly borrowing one of their rings or asking for help from close friends or family. It’s important to remember that some engagement rings can be resized, but not all of them.

4. Choose the Right Location

The location is one of the most important parts of the proposal. When choosing it, think about your partner’s personality. Are they a private, quiet moment sort of person? Or would they love the attention and celebration that comes with a public proposal?

Unless you’re 100% certain, keep it low-key and personal. Choose a location that means something to both of you, like the place where you had your first date or your favourite restaurant.

5. Plan What to Say

You don’t need to be an award-winning poet or make a grand speech, but you need to think about what you’d like to say when the time comes. A good guide is to speak from the heart. Tell your partner why you love them, why you’re excited about your future together, and why this moment is so important to you. It doesn’t have to be long, just truthful.

Give yourself plenty of time to practice what you’re going to say. Say it out loud a few times so you get comfortable with it. You might feel a little silly, but practicing will mean you’re less likely to freeze up when the moment comes.

6. Keep the Ring Safe

Store the engagement ring inside its box and keep it in a safe place. Don’t leave it in your car or anywhere else that could be broken into. Pick a safe hiding spot at home where your partner will never find it and keep it there until the big day.

Capture the Moment

If you want to capture the moment forever, consider hiring a photographer to discreetly take pictures of your proposal. Find someone with experience shooting proposals so you know they won’t distract from the moment. If you’d prefer to savour the intimacy and keep your proposal personal, you can skip the photographer and capture the moment in your mind.

Trust Yourself — You Know Them Best

The best proposal reflects how well you understand your partner. Whether you choose something quiet, extravagant, or something in between, it needs to feel true to you. As long as you’re planning your proposal with love and care, you’re on the right track.