Planning to propose is such an exciting time, but the planning process can seem somewhat overwhelming! I loved planning my proposal to my now-wife, from designing her ring to planning a surprise trip to Paris to propose.
Here are some top tips, from both my own experiences, and as a photographer photographing a handful of surprise proposals each year, alongside weddings.
The location
Think about where you’d like to propose – is there somewhere that’s special to you and your soon-to-be fiancé(e), or a destination you’ve always talked about visiting together? If so, it might just make the perfect place to propose.
When choosing a location, it’s a great idea to think about whether you would prefer somewhere private or where there might be people around. Some spots that are quiet early in the morning might be particularly busy once tourists are out and about, or conversely might be busy once everybody leaves work in the evening. If you’re keen on an entirely private experience, why not book somewhere at a hotel or venue. For instance, so many hotel suites have balconies with beautiful views, or you could book a private dinner at your favourite restaurant.
Locations you might not think of can often also be exclusively booked – for example, when Matthew proposed to Ruth, he had hired the pavilion in Battersea Park.
Matthew & Ruth’s proposal was planned alongside Luxe & Bloom.
Fashion and the “excuse”
Planning outfits can be a challenging one because your soon to be fiancé(e) probably has no idea what you have planned.
This is where the “excuse” comes in. Think carefully about what they think you will be doing when you’re going to propose, as this sets the tone.
Would they love to be in a ballgown (/dinner jacket) or summer dress (/shirt and chinos)? Once you have this in mind, you can choose the sort of “excuse” that will lend itself to the right outfit.
If in doubt, why not reach out to one of their closest friends, who can give you some advice, or even help your soon-to-be fiancé(e) to choose an outfit.
Looking for more inspiration? Haley & Joshua’s surprise engagement in St. James Park is already on the Journal.
Nails
This is similar to fashion, but often overlooked. Finding a way to subtly encourage your partner to get their nails done is sometimes challenging.
Depending on the “excuse,” they might already do this, but if not it’s well worth finding a way to encourage them to get a manicure. This could be a great time to get a friend of their involved too.
Yasmin & Alex’s proposal was planned alongside Luxe & Bloom.
After your proposal
When planning your proposal, it’s so easy for your full focus to be on the proposal itself. Having plans for the remainder of the day/evening will allow you to continue your celebrations. You could book in to a fabulous restaurant, have an evening out planned, or even have something arranged with your closest friends and family – the possibilities are endless.
Above all, make it personal – nobody knows your partner better than you, so go with whatever you know they will love!
