Planning to pop the question?

You want to create a perfect marriage proposal that you and your loved one will always look back on fondly, but how do you do that? Your idea of a “perfect” proposal may be completely different from someone else’s  — even your partner’s.

This is why a little preparation, planning, and careful consideration can go a long way. And to help you pull your marriage proposal off without a hitch, we’ll share four essential do’s and four don'ts below.

From choosing the right location to understanding your partner’s expectations, we’ll delve into what you should and definitely should not do to craft an unforgettable moment.

 

Do Choose a Location that Suits You Both

 

 

As with choosing your wedding rings, venue, and cake, exploring potential locations for your marriage proposal can be daunting. Do you live in a rural area surrounded by so many picturesque spots that picking just one feels impossible? How about if you live in a bustling city packed with potentially perfect proposal points?

You could exhaust yourself trying to identify the right location. However, make sure you keep your partner in mind while weighing up your options. Just because you love the prospect of proposing at your favourite’s hockey team’s arena during the first game of the season doesn’t mean they will too.

Likewise, you shouldn’t settle for a location that your partner likes but you prefer to avoid. Instead, consider places you both love and that mean something to you as a couple. This might be:

•  Where you had your first date

•  Your favorite restaurant

•  Your own home

•  Your favorite place to take long walks (e.g. a local park, a hiking trail with gorgeous views)

Wherever you decide to propose, focus on creating a moment for you both to cherish — not just one of you.

 

Do Prepare a Small, Special Post-Proposal Celebration

 

Your partner says yes. You’re thrilled. They’re elated.

Now what?

Plan to celebrate this major milestone in your relationship, whether that means a grand shindig or a low-key celebration instead.

Here are a few ideas:

•  Dinner at your favorite restaurant with a bottle of champagne (or pop, if you don’t drink alcohol). If you tell the manager that you’re celebrating a successful proposal when you reserve your table beforehand, they may treat you to a drink or dessert on the house (but that’s not guaranteed).

•  An evening with the family (yours, theirs, or both) is another option for post-proposal fun. This might be at home, at a restaurant, or at a bar you both know well.

•  A spot of window shopping for wedding rings, dresses, and cakes can be a special way to relax after the proposal (though it doesn’t need to be on the same day). Even if you plan on a long engagement, looking ahead can help you both get excited for your nuptials.

Whatever you prepare as a post-proposal treat, consider your options carefully and try to predict your loved one’s mood. If your partner is shy and prefers relaxed nights in, they may feel overwhelmed if they’re expected to follow such an emotional moment with a big celebration.

 

Don’t Just Copy the Movies

 

 

Have you been watching a lot of romantic movies featuring proposals for inspiration? While they can be a fun place to find ideas, don’t treat them as a blueprint.

Your marriage proposal should suit you, your partner, and your relationship. If you drop to one knee and speak in a way that doesn’t sound true to yourself, you could distract your partner from the magic of the moment.

If there are certain lines from a film that you like, try to reword them or find a way to make them sound natural. But no matter what you say, ensure that your proposal is sincere and from the heart.

 

Do Keep Your Plans Discreet

 

Unlike choosing wedding rings and writing your own wedding vows, you may need to plan your marriage proposal solo. That doesn’t mean you can’t consult a couple of trusted friends who you know will keep the proposal a secret. Having one or two confidants can give you a sounding board for ideas and help you relieve some of the pressure that you’re sure to feel.

However, avoid telling friends and relatives that might not be as dependable. Some people might unintentionally let the proverbial cat out of the bag when talking to your partner.

But it’s not just other people who need to be cautious: you should take care to plan discreetly too. If you’re looking at engagement rings or even wedding rings on your laptop at home, don’t leave the screen on if there’s a chance your partner could see what you’re doing. Keep any incriminating receipts or packaging out of sight too.

 

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

 

 

It’s easy for engaged couples to place too much pressure on themselves in the run up to their big day. Everything from picking out the perfect wedding rings to preparing the best entertainment to wow your guests can become exhausting if you hold yourself to impossibly high standards.

Avoid overthinking the proposal and don’t assume your partner expects something huge. If you go into the moment convinced that it’s not as special as it should be, you may come across as defeated or unexcited about marrying the person you love most. That could sour the proposal and leave your partner unsure of how you want them to respond.

Similarly, allow yourself room to breathe when building up to your proposal. You may want to prepare a few words, but don’t write a full script in your mind. Let yourself focus on the beauty and excitement of the situation instead.

 

Don’t Lose Heart if the Moment Doesn’t Seem “Perfect”

 

When you have your wedding rings snugly on your fingers and a honeymoon to look forward to, you’ll be able to look back on your big day fondly — even those moments that might not have gone exactly to plan. Small mishaps that might be frustrating on the day (e.g. a wardrobe malfunction, a slip of the tongue while exchanging vows, a stumble during the first dance) can become funny over time.

The same is true of your marriage proposal. Some things may not go quite right, but others probably will. But don’t let yourself get angry or convinced that the moment is ruined. Roll with the punches and focus on what matters: showing your partner that you love them, that you’re ready to commit to them, and that you want the proposal to feel special to you both.

 

Do Give Your Partner Time to Respond

 

 

While planning your marriage proposal, you probably visualize your partner saying “yes” immediately, throwing their arms around you, and smothering you with kisses.

But your partner may or may not respond exactly as you expect. Perhaps they need a few minutes to consider the responsibility of agreeing to marry you, or they’re not sure whether it’s the best choice for you both at the present stage in your relationship.

However they react to your proposal, don’t be unduly concerned. They could be completely blindsided and so surprised that they don’t know how to handle it in the moment. Even if you’re left with a few moments of silence before they say “yes”, that doesn’t mean they’re hesitant — they may just be pleasantly stunned.

Factor these possibilities into your planning, and give your loved one time to process this huge question before they answer. If you have wedding rings picked out and a venue in mind, it may be best to keep those out of the proposal. Take it one step at a time.

 

Don’t Overlook the Small Things

 

A great, memorable marriage proposal is personal. You might have watched hundreds of people asking the big question on social media in wild and outlandish ways, but you don’t have to take a flight in a hot air balloon or dress in an expensive tuxedo to make the moment special.

Instead, pay attention to those small things that will help make the proposal special. This could be:

•  Wearing an item of clothing that you wore on your first date

•  Bringing along your partner’s favorite sweet treat or bottle of wine

•  Including your pet(s) in the moment

Any of these will add to the sincerity and emotional impact of your proposal.

 

Conclusion

 

 

Planning a marriage proposal can be intimidating and stressful at times, but it should be fun, exciting, and beautiful too. Focus on creating a special moment that feels true to your relationship and your partner’s expectations.

We hope the do’s and don’ts explored in this post help you get your proposal right and create a memory you’ll both treasure for years to come.

If you’re looking for the perfect wedding rings for your upcoming nuptials, Madani Rings has an extensive collection of exquisite pieces for all tastes. You’ll find elegant rings with a timelessly classic style alongside modern designs, with multiple customization options. Browse our range today and get inspired.