4 Tips for Planning a Wedding Proposal

The day you pop the question is probably the second biggest day of your life. The wedding day, of course, being the only day that can top that. It’s the day you decide that you’ve found the one for you and that you want him or her to be yours forever. With a decision that big, you want to make it unforgettable. (Not to mention, you want to make it so they couldn’t possibly say no.) These suggestions will help you craft a proposal more special than you or your beloved could have ever dreamed.

1. Public or Private?

Before you plan how you will propose, you’ll want to take a close look at your soon-to-be spouse. Is he or she the kind of person who wants to be in the middle of a crowded arena when you get down on one knee? Or would he or she prefer a more intimate setting where it’s just the two of you? It’s important to take into consider who your partner is, not just what you want to do. If he or she is a private, reserved person, a ballgame proposal may make your significant other wildly uncomfortable—uncomfortable enough that you might hear a no. We hope not, but let’s not play with fire here. For the more reserved, even a proposal in front of family may be unsettling. Know your partner before you go public with the proposal.

2. Surprise or No Surprise?

Again, you really need to know your partner for this one. Does he or she like surprises? Some people are outrageously offended by surprises—not necessarily because you surprised them, but because you did it knowing don’t like surprises. Surprising someone who hates to be surprised may turn them off from the whole engagement idea all together. Of course, that would be extreme, but every person is different. Be open in your communication with your partner before you pop the question to ensure you know what he or she has in mind. For example, I know my husband got a lot of flak for not making our proposal a surprise, but I always liked knowing what that night had in store for us, allowing me to take in each moment. Bottom line: everyone is different. Always do what will make your soon-to-be spouse the happiest.

3. Speech or No Speech

Let’s be real here, the speech is the best part of the proposal. This is the moment where ultimate vulnerability kicks in and you get to hear what your loved one really thinks of you. It’s an exceptionally special moment. That being said, if you are in the middle of a noisy baseball game, the speech may not be possible. In that case, you may want to forego the speech for now, but later when you have that quiet moment together where you reflect on the life-changing event that just took place, that would be the time for that speech. So, depending on the venue, decide whether or not your speech is appropriate at that time or after. But I assure you, a speech, whether long or short is always on point.

4. Corny or Not Corny

These days “promposals” are the thing to do for high schoolers who want to ask their crushes to the school dance. Usually these “promposals” involve a corny little message like “I’d be one lucky nugget if you’d go to prom with…” then “askee” has to eat a dozen chicken nuggets to find the “asker’s” name inside. Cheesy right? It is, but it’s also a lot of fun.

I don’t recommend giving your fiancé chicken nuggets to find the words “will you marry me?” rolled up on a piece of paper inside one of them… unless you’re both big fast food fans. However, you might want to dress it up in a similar fashion. Whether it’s a plane spelling out the words in the sky or the constellations at the planetarium, there are some who appreciate this level of theatrics. For those who don’t, just stick with the basics: a romantic setting, down on bended knee, with a simple, but romantic speech. Don’t offend your soon to be spouse with a proposal that is so far off from his or her personality.

So, How Will YOU Propose?

Planning the perfect proposal is entirely possible, but it all depends on how well you know your partner. You’ll always want to stick with what he or she enjoy and appreciate. If you know your significant other hates surprises, don’t surprise him or her. If you’re dating someone who values a close family, consider asking for a parent’s permission before you propose. Or, if you’re dating an introvert who doesn’t like crowds, don’t throw him or her in a mob where all eyes will watch as you pull out the ring. If he or she has a serious/intellectual personality, don’t insult your partner by sticking the ring inside the dessert. It never fails to communicate these expectations beforehand just to ensure you’ve got it right. Take heed to these tips and you’ll have the second most perfect day of your life.