14 Steps To Plan The Best Proposal Your Partner Will Love


Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Have you met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with and feel ready to ask the big question? Planning the perfect proposal might feel like a lot, however, with some thought and preparation, you can create a magical moment that you and your partner will remember forever.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through easy steps to help you plan a sweet and unforgettable proposal. I’ll share everything you need to know to make your proposal truly special. With this in mind, let’s start planning the perfect proposal that will make your partner say, “Yes!”

Know Your Partner

In the first place, you need to know your partner very well. Discover what makes them happy, what they enjoy, and what’s most important to them. Do they like big surprises or something more personal and private? Some people dream of being proposed to in front of a crowd, while others might feel incredibly uncomfortable with all those eyes on them. For this reason, you need to think about what your partner would like the most because it will help you plan a proposal that they would love.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Choose The Perfect Ring 

To begin with, you need to find out the size of the ring if you plan to propose with one. You can borrow a ring your partner already uses on the ring finger for a bit. Take it to a jeweller so they can measure it to find out the size you’ll need. Or, if they don’t wear rings, you can try measuring their finger while they sleep (if they won’t mind), or ask a friend or family member to help.

After, you can consider their style. Know what kind of jewellery your partner likes to wear. Do they like classic and elegant pieces? Or perhaps they prefer it modern and unique? Just imagine what they would like to wear every day.

When you know the size and style, it’s time to choose the ring. There are so many options out there, from different metals like gold (yellow, white, or rose), platinum, or silver to various gemstones. If you can’t decide, ask your friends and family to give you some advice.

If you still can’t find the ring you want, then you might think about getting one made just for you. That means you can choose every little detail to make it unique and special, just the way you like it.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Choose The Date 

Remember special dates from your relationship, such as anniversaries, birthdays, or the day you first met. Asking the big question on one of these days makes it super romantic. You can also propose on holidays like Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve or during festivities. These days are very special but can be busy with lots of people around.  

Check the weather forecast for the date you have in mind. If you plan an outdoor proposal, you’ll want to choose a day with good weather so you can enjoy the moment comfortably.

Make sure both of you are free on the chosen date. Don’t choose a date when things are very busy, like during exams, when work is crazy, or when there are important family events. This moment will only happen once in your life. You’ll want to fully enjoy and remember the proposal without any interruptions or concerns bothering you. Have a look here at when you should avoid proposing.

Choose The Location 

Picking the right spot to propose is very important. You want it to be a special place for both of you. It can be where you first met or had your first date. Or perhaps, you have a special place that both of you love going to, such as a beach or a cosy corner in your favourite park. If you’re into beautiful views, find a place with a scenic backdrop. It will just make the occasion much more memorable. The best thing you can do is choose a place that gives you such good memories and makes you both feel even more connected.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Choose The Best Time  

You can make your special moment even better by choosing the best time of day to ask the big question. Pick a time that fits your preferences and styles and you will have the best proposal ever!

It is a great way to start your day together if you propose in the morning. This is a very quiet and peaceful time, perfect for a private and intimate moment. Watching the sunrise together also brings a magical touch to the proposal.

An afternoon proposal can be relaxed and easygoing. It’s perfect for outdoor activities and you can also enjoy the sunlight and the beautiful nature.

Sunset proposals are romantic and beautiful. The pretty colours in the sky make a magical background for your special moment. It’s also a great time to take amazing photos.

If you both like looking at the stars, asking to marry under the night sky can be super romantic. Whether you’re in a quiet park or on a rooftop, those twinkling stars in the sky make everything feel magical when you pop the big question.

Anyway, if you have a busy schedule, you need to plan your proposal at a time of the day when you are both relaxed and can fully enjoy the moment without distractions.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Pick The Perfect Clothes 

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. You’ll be more confident and relaxed. Your outfit should reflect your style and personality. Your partner loves you for who you are, so be authentic in your choice of attire.

Choose your outfit based on the location where you plan to pop the big question. Whether it’s a park, a nice restaurant, or a beach, choose clothes that go with the spot.

If you have the ring with you, make sure your clothes have a safe pocket or spot to keep it until the right moment. 

Remember, you want to feel like yourself, but a little dressed up for the occasion. When you look nice and feel great, it makes the proposal even more special.

Create A Fake Backstory 

In the first place, start by thinking of a fun and good backstory to keep your proposal a surprise. Consider what would make sense for your partner. Your fake backstory doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simple excuses are often more believable. You could say you’re going to a friend’s birthday, a work event, a sudden trip, or a special dinner for another reason. Just something to throw them off the real surprise!  

Then, plan your backstory details very carefully. The more details you give and the more convincing it sounds, the better it will be. Make sure it is realistic enough to keep your partner from getting suspicious. Use stuff from your real life and interests to make it sound real.

If you’re planning something with friends and family, make sure they know the whole story and stick to it. They can help make the story feel real and also more surprising.

Your partner might ask questions, so be ready with simple and logical answers. If you seem nervous or too excited, your partner might get suspicious. For this reason, try to stay calm and be yourself.

Prepare Your Speech

In your speech, explain why you want to spend your life with your partner. Share a special memory or moment that means a lot to both of you. You can also talk about your hopes and plans for the future as a couple. You don’t need fancy words or a long speech. Speak from your heart in a way that feels natural to you. Your partner will appreciate your sincerity more than anything else.

Rehearse your speech out loud. This way, when the time comes you can be more relaxed and confident. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to see how you do. 

When the time comes, talk clearly and at a speed that lets your partner understand everything you say. Be prepared for tears, laughter, or even silence. Give your partner time to respond and don’t rush the moment. You can find more details on how to make a special proposal speech here.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Hire A Photographer Or Videographer

If you want your proposal to be unforgettable, hiring a photographer or videographer can make all the difference. It’s a decision you won’t regret. They turn your proposal into a beautifully documented moment that you and your partner can relive again and again. 

A photographer/videographer can discreetly capture the surprise on your partner’s face when you propose. They know how to capture emotions and the beauty of the moment in high-quality images or videos. These experts usually have done this before and can give you tips on when and where to propose, as well as how to make sure the lighting is just right so everything looks amazing. 

In the end, you can share pictures or videos with friends and family. This is a nice way to include them in your day.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Pop The Question 

Take a big breath and try to stay relaxed. It’s natural to feel nervous. Depending on your chosen location and style of proposal, find the right moment to get down on one knee if that’s your plan, or position yourself in a way that feels comfortable and natural.

Look into your partner’s eyes as you make your speech. Use the words that feel right to you. Traditionally, this is when you ask, “Will you marry me?” Be clear and direct. Allow your partner a moment to process and respond. It’s a big question, so give them the space they need to answer. 

Once they say yes (hopefully!), this is the time to present your ring, if you have one. Then, celebrate your new engagement together. Hug, kiss, or simply enjoy the moment. Check here for more tips and advice that will help make this moment perfect!

If you’ve hired someone to capture the moment, smile for the camera to capture the joy of the occasion.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Be Ready For Their Reaction 

You need to be ready for how your partner might react. Everyone reacts differently to big surprises. Some people might cry because they’re so happy, and others might be so surprised they can’t say anything. Whatever they do, let them take their time to process (if they need) and answer.

Capture Emotions With An Interview 

You could have a videographer record all your emotions during an interview to make it even more special. This doesn’t need to be long. A few minutes of capturing the essence of your feelings will be perfect.

Right after the proposal, both of you will be feeling a whirlwind of emotions. This is the best time to capture real feelings and reactions. A video interview lets you look back on this special moment and remember how you felt. It’s a great way to share your engagement story with family and friends. They get to see and feel the emotions you have experienced.

During your interview, show how you really feel. Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing. The best interviews are candid and real. Enjoy the moment by focusing on each other and the happiness you’re feeling. Just trust your videographer because they know how to make you look and sound great.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Celebrate Together 

After you ask your partner to marry you and they say “yes”, it’s time to have fun and celebrate together! Whether it’s just the two of you or with loved ones around, make it special. 

Think about doing something special that you both enjoy, whether it’s a romantic dinner at your favourite restaurant or at home, a short trip, stargazing or a party with friends and family. Raise a glass of champagne or your favourite drink to celebrate your future together!

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Have A Backup Plan 

Having a backup plan is very important when you’re planning a proposal. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as you imagined, so it’s smart to have a Plan B just in case. Maybe your first idea for a location isn’t available, or the weather changes suddenly. Look here to see exactly what might happen, so you can be prepared or avoid them.

The most important thing is to be able to change and adjust. Think about all the things that might happen and how you can change your plans. That way, whatever happens, you can still make your proposal very special and unforgettable for both of you.

Conclusion 

Planning the perfect proposal isn’t as simple as it seems. You have to think a lot and put in lots of love. In the end, you’ll create a really special time that shows how much you love your partner. When you use these planning tips and ideas for your proposal, you are creating a magical moment that you both will never forget! Whether it’s a quiet, private moment or a big, public declaration, what really matters is that it comes from the heart. Go ahead at your own pace, plan well, and enjoy the special moment of proposing to the person you love.

I am so grateful that you came on this journey with me. If you liked what you read and are interested in more of my work, please check my portfolio here. I want to know what you think. Thank you very much for your valuable support!

Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

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