You've bought the ring... now what!?
Don't worry - I am here with my top five proposal tips to help you create the dreamiest proposal for your spouse-to-be!
Getting engaged is the start of the next new and exciting chapter in your lives, and you want to make sure that you start it the right way. Planning a proposal doesn't need to cause you sleepless nights; it's important to stay focussed and remember exactly what it is that you're trying to achieve! Follow my tips to keep you on the right path to deliver the best proposal for you and your partner.
Firstly - think about your partner, what sort of proposal have they always imagined?
Do they want an all-singing, all-dancing spectacle? Would they prefer an intimate moment just between you two? Or have they always dreamt of having their Mum/Nan/Bestie there too? IF you have NO IDEA what they would like...think about what would be their worst nightmare...and avoid that!! It's really important that you don't do something purely because it's the in thing right now, make sure that it suits your partner's personality.
Make it unique to the two of you!
Do you have a special place? A favourite restaurant? Where you had your first date? Where you first told them that you loved them? Location is key and makes all the difference when creating a truly personal proposal! You don't want to propose somewhere just because it's where your friend proposed to their partner; or where you think you should, because it's meant to be very romantic. To get the proposal right and to reduce your over-thinking, keep it simple and choose somewhere special to the two of you.
Do you want the proposal to be captured on camera?
Would your other half want photos to always look back on? Or have it videoed to replay the moment over and over? Decide if you want a friend to film or if you'd rather a professional who could go incognito?! Capturing the moment that your partner says yes is going to be magical; however, not everyone would like the idea of this - so again, think about what your partner would like. If you think they would like to have this special occasion captured on camera, then think carefully about how you will do this and who you will get to help you. You don't want the photographer spotted in advance - maybe you could disguise them by staging a couples' photoshoot?
Plan what you're going to say - but don't have a script!
Your fiancé/e will want you to speak from the heart (cliched, I know) but will also want you to say the right thing!! It's best to have a rough idea, but then go with the flow in the moment and say how you really feel...awww! Before you set off to ask that all important question, it might be a good idea to jot down some of the things that you love about your partner, or some of the promises that you want to make to them. At the end of the day, as long as you're positive, say how you feel and end with the actual question - you can't go too far wrong!
What will happen once they've said yes?! (They will - trust me!)
Will you have a romantic dinner planned? Video call loved ones? Have a quiet stroll together to take it all in? You don't want to plan a fantastic proposal and then just be stood there, unsure what to do next! To finalise your proposal planning, it's a good idea to have the next steps planned out, do bear in mind that the proposal may run a little over or you may want a few moments together before heading off for a dinner etc. Again, this is totally up to you and what you think your partner would like. My husband had planned to go out for dinner with my mum and step-dad, but the proposal didn't quite happen when he wanted it to as the beach was too crowded! So he had to change the plans and after he proposed the following day we went to the local pub for a delicious roast dinner!
Planning a proposal is a big thing and it can seem daunting; if you follow my top five tips it should help break-down the thought processes for you and allow you to plan a perfect proposal, unique to you and your partner. If you still feel that you'd like help with arranging the proposal of your partner's dreams, then get in touch via my website and we can have a free consultation to see how I can help!
Photo - https://www.joannecollinsphotography.co.uk/