A Memorable Wedding Proposal: Simple Steps For Success

Planning the perfect wedding proposal can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The key to a perfect proposal is understanding what your partner loves. If they're a low-key person who doesn't like the spotlight, plan a special and private proposal, perhaps at home or on top of an isolated mountaintop. If they're an extrovert and a 'more is more' type of person, consider a flash mob, fireworks display, or an action-adventure-based outing.

- During dessert at your favourite restaurant

- Under a waterfall

- With the help of your beloved pet

- In the pages of their favourite book

- In your takeout box

- During a photoshoot

- On your favourite trail

- With a bouquet of flowers

- At a family gathering

- During game night

Propose during a shared activity, like a hike or a bike ride

If you and your partner love to get active together, a hike or a bike ride could be the perfect setting for a memorable proposal. Here's how to make it happen:

Picking the Perfect Trail

If you're an outdoorsy couple, a hike can be a wonderful way to propose. Opt for a trail that's challenging enough to give you a sense of accomplishment when you reach the end, but not so difficult that you're too tired to pop the question. Consider choosing a trail that has some significance to your relationship—maybe it's somewhere you've always wanted to hike together, or it overlooks a place that's special to you both.

Planning and Preparation

While a hike or bike ride might seem like a casual activity, your proposal will require some careful planning and preparation. Check out the trail firsthand if possible, and research it thoroughly to ensure it's safe and clear. If you're proposing on a hike, consider opting for an easier trail than you might usually tackle, to ensure you're not too exhausted when you get to the proposal spot.

Keeping the Ring Safe

You'll need to keep the ring safe during your outdoor activity. Store it in a zippered pouch in your backpack, and if possible, affix the ring box closed so it doesn't accidentally pop open. You might also want to consider using a stand-in ring for the proposal itself, especially if there's a risk of dropping the real thing into a river or off a cliff! You can always bring out the real ring once you're back on solid ground.

Setting the Scene

Hiking and biking proposals offer a beautiful natural backdrop, but you can also bring some special touches to make the moment even more magical. Pack a mini celebration in your backpack, like miniature prosecco bottles, some bread, cheese, and chocolate, and a speaker to play your favorite songs. You could even bring a cozy blanket to snuggle under while you celebrate.

Weather and Other Hazards

Be sure to check the weather forecast and come prepared for rain or shine. Bring extras like rain ponchos, bug spray, and an extra sweater. And don't forget to watch out for other potential hazards like rivers, lightning, hypothermia, heat stroke, wild animals, and falling rocks.

Popping the Question

When it comes time to pop the question, keep it direct and heartfelt. You don't need to try to fit the proposal into a nature-themed metaphor—the setting speaks for itself. Get down on one knee and simply ask, "Will you marry me?"

Involve your pet

There are many ways to involve your pet in your wedding proposal. Here are some ideas to include your dog:

Attach the Ring to the Collar

The classic approach is to attach the ring to your dog's collar and have your partner find it either during a walk or when they greet the dog in the morning. You can also buy your dog a new collar and ask your partner to put it on them.

Customised Item

Order a customised item for your dog, such as a shirt that says "Will You Marry Me?" or a dog tag with a proposal message inscribed on it.

Signs

Hang a sign around your dog's neck that asks the question for you. You can be creative with fun lettering and fonts, but make sure to get your dog used to the sign being around their neck beforehand.

Ring on the Nose

This idea requires a well-trained dog. Balance the ring on your dog's nose when your partner isn't looking, and then propose when they turn back and see the ring.

Trail of Treats

Create a trail of treats that leads your dog and partner to the spot where you are waiting with the ring. You can leave a note by the door instructing them to take the dog for a walk.

Fetch the Ring

Put the ring on your dog's favourite toy and ask your partner to have the dog fetch it. You can also teach your dog to "fetch" a brand-new toy that your partner can keep as a reminder of your engagement day.

And here are some ideas for involving your cat:

Hang a Sign

Just like with a dog, you can hang a sign around your cat's neck. However, you will definitely need to get your cat used to this, as most felines are picky about what goes around their neck.

Attach the Ring to the Collar

Attach the ring to your cat's collar and wait for your partner to notice.

Catnip Ball

Cats love their catnip, so put the ring inside a catnip ball and ask your partner to fill it up.

Including your pet in your proposal is a fun and unique way to make the moment even more special and memorable.

Make the most of a holiday or special occasion

Holidays and special occasions are a great time to propose as they are often already associated with celebration and joy. Here are some ways to make the most of these occasions:

Gift-Giving Holidays

Arrange your proposal on a gift-giving holiday by putting the ring box in an inconspicuous box. Depending on the occasion, you could put the wrapped box under the Christmas tree, pass it to your partner on their birthday, or make it the last gift they open on Valentine's Day.

Last Day of Vacation

The last day of a vacation can be a bit of a downer, so why not sprinkle some joy on it with a proposal? Take your partner to their favourite spot at the destination and pop the question.

Family Gatherings

If you have a tight-knit group of friends or family and think their presence will elevate your proposal, plan to pop the question when everyone is together. Wait for a moment to collect your breath, then do the classic glass clink and commence your romantic speech.

New Year

Cultivate an enchanting proposal surrounded by pumpkins in the fall or capture the winter magic under the mistletoe. For a holiday proposal idea, embrace the symbolism of a new beginning by welcoming the new year with a ring in hand.

Your Partner's Favourite Holiday

Plan the proposal around your partner's favourite holiday so it will make their special day even better than they thought possible. For example, if your partner loves Halloween, Easter, Christmas, or the Fourth of July, incorporate the holiday's themes into your proposal.

Anniversaries and Milestones

Take advantage of any major milestones coming up in your partner's life, such as a graduation or birthday. Pop the question on that day to add a layer of sentimental value to the moment. It will be a date neither of you will ever forget.

Include your partner's favourite things

Including your partner's favourite things in your proposal is a great way to make them feel special and show that you care about them. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

Food and Drink

If your partner has a sweet tooth, consider spelling out "Marry Me?" with their favourite snacks or baked goods. You could also incorporate their favourite foods into a romantic picnic or dinner, either cooked by you or at their favourite restaurant. Don't forget to include their favourite drinks too, whether it's a special bottle of wine or some bubbly to celebrate!

Nature and Outdoors

If your partner loves being outdoors, plan your proposal amidst nature's beauty. This could be at their favourite park, a botanical garden, or even a simple sunset picnic at the beach. If they're the adventurous type, you could also pop the question during a hike or another shared sport like mountain biking or climbing.

Sentimental Value

Incorporate items that hold sentimental value for your partner. This could be their favourite book, a bouquet of their favourite flowers, or even a photo album chronicling your relationship's best moments. You could also return to a spot that holds special meaning, such as where you had your first date or first kiss.

Hobbies and Interests

Customise your proposal to align with your partner's hobbies and interests. For example, if they're a music lover, create a playlist with songs that have a special meaning for both of you. If they're into word games, create a DIY crossword puzzle that spells out "Marry Me?". Or, if they're a fan of something specific like the TV show Friends, get creative and find a way to incorporate quotes or reenact a scene.

Personal Touches

Add personal touches that show you know your partner inside out. This could be including their favourite flowers, colours, or music in the setup. You could also write a heartfelt speech expressing your love and commitment, sharing funny moments and inside jokes that only the two of you will understand.

Remember, the key is to make your proposal unique and tailored to your partner's likes and interests. By incorporating their favourite things, you'll create a proposal that is not only memorable but also a true reflection of your relationship.

Propose during a game night

Planning a proposal can be daunting, but a game night proposal is a great way to make the moment creative and special, especially if you and your partner are introverted and enjoy spending time at home. Here are some tips to make your game night proposal a success:

Choose the Right Game

Select a game that is personal to your relationship. Pictionary, Win, Lose or Draw, and Charades are great options as they allow you to incorporate wedding-themed clues or act out special moments from your relationship. For example, you can have your family and friends draw wedding-related items like a wedding cake, a chapel, or a wedding dress. If you're playing Charades, you can act out walking down the aisle or singing the wedding march song. Scrabble is another fantastic option as you can hide the letters in your pocket and spell out "will you marry me" on the board.

Make it a Group Activity

Consider inviting a few close friends or family members to join in on the fun. This adds to the excitement and makes the night even more memorable. It's also a great way to involve your loved ones in your proposal without making it a grand public gesture.

Prepare Delicious Food

While snacks and drinks are essential for any game night, you can take it up a notch for this special occasion. Prepare a variety of appetisers or tapas-style dishes, perhaps even recreating some of your favourite recipes or dishes from a special restaurant. Put some extra effort into the food to make the night feel more festive and memorable.

Set the Mood

In addition to delicious food, you can create a romantic atmosphere with some simple touches. Dim the lights, light some candles, and put on some soft music in the background. You can also use string lights or scatter some rose petals around to set the mood.

Practice Makes Perfect

Before the big night, take some time to practice your proposal. Rehearse what you want to say and how you'll pop the question. You can even do a trial run with your friends or family to get feedback and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Capture the Moment

Consider setting up a camera or asking a friend to discreetly capture photos or videos of the proposal. This way, you'll be able to relive the moment and share it with others.

Remember, while these tips can help you create a memorable game night proposal, the most important thing is that your proposal is personalised and reflects your relationship. Add your own unique touches to make it extra special!

Frequently asked questions