There are few romantic gestures more grand and eye-catching than a proposal of marriage. Ideally, you’ll get down on one knee just once in your whole life – and thus it makes sense to put some thought into it. But what exactly goes into the perfect proposal? There are a few important factors worth bearing in mind.
Make It Personal: Start With What Matters to Your Partner
The best proposals tend to be the ones that match the tastes and personality of the person being proposed to. If you know that they’re an exhibitionist who doesn’t mind being cast unexpectedly into the spotlight, a public proposal at a major event might make sense.
The truth is that inspiration can come from a variety of places. Songs, hobbies, and favourite locations might all provide it. You can work personal notes into the engagement ring you’ll be presenting, too. Birthstones, engravings, and family heirlooms are all great ways to make the occasion a special one.
Choose the Right Location and Timing
You might also seek to evoke fond memories of the time you’ve spent together, by proposing at a place that’s close to both of your hearts. This might be the venue of your first date, or your first holiday. Or, it might be a part of the world that you’ve both wanted to visit for a long time.
There are also certain parts of the world that carry strong romantic connotations, even if they’re not personal. A view of Parisian rooftops, a sweeping coastline, or a soaring mountain peak might all be fantastic, especially if you time the proposal to coincide with sunrise. This is naturally much easier during winter!
Don’t Forget the Details: Capture the Moment and Celebrate Afterwards
Actually asking the question is just one part of the event. For best results, you’ll want to think about what comes afterwards. If you don’t have a plan, then the moments afterwards risk being slightly underwhelming.
Think about the role that a photographer, or a videographer, might play. With their help, you might be able to capture the event in style. You might arrange to see friends or family immediately afterwards, or you might compose a heartfelt speech.
The details of your proposal, again, should depend on your personal tastes and history. The more symbolism you can work into the event, the more memorable it will be. However, you’ll also want to ensure that your plans are not derailed by natural events. If you know that it’s going to pour down with rain, it might be best to come up with a contingency plan – or to delay the proposal for another occasion.