Your proposal is a moment worthy of being as one-of-a-kind as your love. This is such a joyous time filled with love, excitement, and anticipation, and I want you to have an unforgettable experience.
If you don’t know where to start when it comes to planning a proposal, don’t worry – below I’m sharing with you my best tips for planning your proposal.
Keep reading to learn more.
How to Plan the Perfect Proposal: 5 Ideas From a Wedding Photographer
Here are my top tips on how you can go about planning the perfect proposal:
Discuss it with your partner first
This is something you definitely need to have a conversation with your partner about before moving ahead with your proposal. You’ll want to make sure that this is something that your partner is ready for and wants, and that it’s the right next step in your relationship. On the day of your proposal, your partner shouldn’t be caught completely off guard.
Plan ahead
If you want your proposal to be a true surprise, there’s some prep work you’ll want to do in advance to make sure that your partner has no clue what’s about to happen and that they don’t start to get suspicious on the day of your proposal.
To make planning your proposal even easier (and less stressful), you can also always work with a proposal planner.
On the day of the proposal, make sure your partner’s calendar is clear and avoid doing anything too out of the ordinary. It’s best to keep the day as normal as possible and follow all your regular routines.
During the planning phase of your proposal, you’ll also need to think about whether you’re going to invite anyone to be a part of the proposal and where it’s going to take place. If you’re planning to invite family and friends to the proposal, just make sure they are all people you truly trust to keep a secret.
Also, when it comes to location, there are so many different routes you could take, from going back to the place you had your first date or going to a location where you both always have date nights, etc.
Just be mindful if the location you’re considering gets super busy at certain times of the day, as figuring out the time of day is just as important as planning where you want the proposal to happen.
Find the right photographer
This is a huge moment in your life, and your love is unlike anyone else’s, and it deserves to be photographed with care, intention, and creativity. My advice? Find a photographer who listens to your top priorities and understands what you want your proposal to be.
I would very strongly suggest having a conversation with the photographer you’re considering before booking them, if possible, to make sure that you’re both in alignment and that you vibe with the person you’re wanting to hire.
When having a conversation with them, don’t hesitate to ask them about their prior experience photographing proposals, such as will they help with any of the planning? Do they have a gallery of previous proposals they could share with you? How do they work with you to make sure that the proposal is successfully executed?
Another important thing to consider when hiring a proposal photographer is whether they know the area/place where you want to propose. This works in your favor if they do, because then they can suggest the best times to plan your proposal and give you feedback on the location as well.
If you’re still on the fence about where you want your proposal to happen, you can also always ask your photographer for suggestions on location, as well.
Stay connected with your photographer
Pro tip – On the day of your proposal, share your location with your photographer so they don’t have to text or call you, as your partner can potentially see their name flash across your screen.
However, if anything comes up, please make sure that you let your photographer know, especially if there are any changes to your schedule and your photographer needs to arrive later or earlier at your chosen location.
Practice your speech and how you’ll carry the ring
You’ve figured out when and where the proposal is happening – next on the checklist is to practice your speech. I wouldn’t suggest just saying whatever comes to mind on the day of your proposal because you might find that in the big moment, your mind goes blank.
You’re probably going to be very nervous on the day of your proposal (this is totally normal), which is why it will fare much better for you to run through what you want to say a few times.
You’ll also need to think through how you are going to keep the engagement ring hidden on the day of your proposal. Find a secure place where you can hide the ring and make sure that it’s well concealed.
Where to Actually Pop the Question
The final piece to your proposal puzzle is where to actually get down on one knee! There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to where to propose. I would definitely suggest having a few options that you can choose from (especially if you are planning an outdoor proposal, since you never know what the weather is going to do), but here are a few great options that can help point you in the right direction:
- Where you had your first date
- Somewhere you and your partner love to go (maybe even your favorite date night spot)
- Somewhere meaningful to your partner
- Your favorite park in your neighborhood
- Somewhere, you and your partner have always wanted to go together
- On a scenic walk or overlook
Ready to Plan Your Proposal?
I hope you found all of these proposal tips helpful – this is such a big and special moment for you and your partner!
And…if you are still looking for the perfect wedding photographer in New York to photograph your proposal, I’d love to connect. Your story is one-of-a-kind, and my mission is to preserve it with care, authenticity, and intention. You can click the link here to check out my wedding photography services or get in touch here!
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