Planning on popping the question to your significant other and lost on where to begin? You’re going to want to read this and possibly take some notes. Having photographed dozens of marriage proposals all over the Country the past twelve years, I’ve learned a thing or two about marriage proposals. Here are my tips to creating the perfect proposal for your partner.
1. Do your Research
Not internet research, talk to your partner and find out all of the things they dream about for a proposal. What kind of ring do they want? Are they going to want a private proposal or do they want a crowd of people watching? Do you think your partner would love an Engagement Party right after the proposal? Would they want professional or amateur photographs taken of the proposal?
Start to feel out what your partner envisions before you start making plans. This is the key to a perfect proposal.
2. Buy the Engagement Ring
People can be super picky about jewelry, especially for something they wear every day. Definitely make sure you find out all the information before you make a commitment like this. Not just cut, clarity and color but find out style and ring size too. I’m personally a fan of going Engagement Ring shopping together to narrow down all the details so you don’t buy the wrong ring.
If you’re dropping a significant amount of money on the Engagement Ring, definitely take a look at insurance plans for the Ring. They are targets for theft and are easily lost, an insurance plan will give you both peace of mind.
3. Pick the Location and Date
Once the ring is ordered start planning your location and timeframe for the Proposal. From experience, it’s better to solidify your plans once the ring has been picked up from the jeweler. Don’t ask me how many Proposals I had on the books that had to be rescheduled because the ring did not arrive in time.
When deciding on a backdrop for your Proposal, consider what your partner might like. Meaningful locations such as your first date or where you shared your first kiss might be a cute memory to unlock. If you have travel plans in a really cool place, consider setting up the proposal during your trip.
Definitely consider the time of year you are planning your Proposal to coordinate with weather. Will your partner want the proposal while wearing a snow suit? They probably wouldn’t enjoy a sweltering summer day either. Fall and Spring are definitely the best times of year for planning any kind of outdoor activities so keep the date and what the weather might be like in mind while you’re planning.
4. Hire a Proposal Photographer & Plan Logistics
Proposals can require some creative skills beyond photography so make sure you hire a Photographer who specializes in them and shows them in their portfolio. You’ll have to decide how you want the Proposal captured.
- Hide the Photographer: The Photographer will make detailed plan with you to stay hidden until after you get down and do the Proposal. Then proceed to take Engagement photos after your Proposal. This is one of the more popular ideas but takes a lot of detailed planning to make sure it’s executed seamlessly.
- Planned Couples Portraits: Your Partner knows you booked a photo session together. This is usually the best route so your Partner can be photo ready and excited about photos. You’ll pop the question at some point throughout the session and your Photographer will be ready for it. The sky is the limit with why you booked the photo session. These work great with vacation Proposals! Other “excuses” you can use include: “I planned a date for us and it starts with a Couples session!” “My parents gifted us a Couples session.” I’ve had Couples hire a picnic company to set up a cute beach scene and then propose during the picnic. One Couple chartered a sailboat and I pretended to be a part of the sailboat experience, it “comes with a photographer”.
- Proposal Set: If you want the type of Proposal where you lead your Partner over to a “set” dolled up with flowers and candles you’ll probably want to enlist more help. If your friends and family aren’t gifted with a set design, I suggest hiring a Proposal Planner who will help you with flowers and overall vibe you’re going for. Letting a professional planner do the work will create a less stressful Proposal for you.
5. Plan the After Party
Make sure the guest list includes only your closest friends and family who are a positive part of your relationship. You don’t want anyone negative who will bring down your celebratory mood.
If you’re throwing a surprise gathering after the Proposal consider hiring the Photographer to document the first hour of the party in addition to the Proposal itself. This way your friends and family can focus on surrounding you two with lots of love instead of playing photographers. You’ll also really appreciate having professional photos with your loved ones on such an important day.
If you love your experience with your Proposal Photographer (hopefully me) perhaps we can continue the love fest and have me document your Wedding or Elopement too! Have cameras will travel.
How to Plan the Perfect Proposal
Destination Wedding Photographer
© Tiny House Photo
