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A marriage proposal is one of the most significant milestones in your relationship. It shows you are ready to take things to the next step and signifies your commitment to your better half and the future together. However, figuring out the best way to ask the four magical words, “will you marry me” is challenging. If you are ready to pop the question, here are 10 tips for planning a memorable marriage proposal.
1. Ensure you are on the same page
Before you start planning and shopping for engagement rings, establish that your partner is mentally and emotionally on the same page as you are. Be sure to speak to your partner about the future. Make it clear that you wish to marry in the future, and ask whether they would also consider marriage. If you are hesitant about having this conversation or do not want to make it feel like a proposal, consider relaying stories about newly married or engaged couples.
Next, gauge their body language, reactions, and responses to get an idea of what your significant other might say should you pop the question. Another effective way to establish that your partner is ready to marry is by asking their close friends and family. Remember to be discreet about this, though. You do not want to ruin the surprise!
2. Ask for parental blessings
Most people prefer to get their parent’s approval and blessing before making a long-term commitment such as a marriage. For this reason, if your partner has hinted that you should speak to their parents for their hand in marriage, you should take this step.
Your partner’s family has known your partner longer than you, so they may give insights on how your significant other would want their proposal to look. The family can even help you plan the occasion. However, remember to ask your partner’s parents to keep your intentions a secret until you are ready to pop the question.
3. Buy the perfect engagement ring
Perhaps the most critical part of planning a memorable marriage proposal is choosing the perfect engagement ring. The engagement ring symbolizes your love and commitment to your relationship. It is also something your significant other will wear for the rest of their life, so you cannot afford to make a mistake in your choice.
An effective way to get the perfect engagement ring is by getting your partner what they really want. While your lover will not tell you directly, they already know the type of engagement ring they want, so it is up to you to figure it out. You can achieve this by checking your partner’s jewelry style, browsing through their social media and Pinterest board, or tagging along with their best friend during ring shopping.
Once you identify an ideal engagement ring, consider making it more meaningful and personal. You could engrave it with your name, initials, or a sweet, romantic message. Alternatively, reset it with your granny or mother’s diamond or resize a unique ring to add sentimental value to the engagement ring.
4. Pick a meaningful location
A marriage proposal is a perfect time to get as sentimental as possible, so you should choose the location wisely. To select a sentimental location, consider the special moments in your relationship. Where did you first meet, kiss, or say, “ I love you?” You could propose to your partner on either of these locations.
Alternatively, speak to your partner’s family and friends about an ideal location. Your partner may have highlighted how wonderful or romantic it would be to receive a marriage proposal at the beach or park.
Do not be trendy when choosing a marriage proposal destination. While a restaurant that most people are talking about now may seem like a perfect option, it could be old news tomorrow. Pick a destination that will always be there. Somewhere you could revisit in the future for anniversaries.
5. Hire a professional planner
Planning a perfect marriage proposal is challenging and time-consuming. Why not enlist the help of a pro? Proposal planners can take the pressure of planning for your bent-knee milestone off you, allowing you to enjoy and savor this time because it is unique and significant for you too. Since planners have also handled hundreds of proposals before, they have a few tricks to make your marriage proposal more special and memorable.
6. Make the marriage proposal personal
Consider what your partner loves and incorporate it into your marriage proposal to make it more personal. Do they prefer an intimate moment or a grand gesture? Does your partner love night outs? Do not make your proposal a one-size-fits-all idea. Instead, make it personal and meaningful.
7. Get family and friends involved
Mark this significant relationship milestone with your families and friends. You could invite your family and friends to the marriage proposal location or bend the knee at a family event or dinner. Consider proposing one-on-one, then bring in your loved ones as a surprise. This gives you an intimate moment with your partner and allows your family to share your joy immediately after.
8. Speak from your heart
Choosing the best engagement ring and location is not enough. Make your marriage proposal one-of-a-kind by speaking from your heart. Let your partner know how they make you feel, what you love about them, and when and how you knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life with them. You should also highlight what you want to share with your partner in the future as a couple.
9. Document the occasion
The moment your partner says yes is one of the essential parts of your relationship. Hire a professional photographer or have a friend capture the event and enable you to share the moment with your kids, family, and friends for years to come. You could even make capturing the affair a secret and then surprise your partner with engagement day photos on your wedding day.
10. Have a backup plan
Even when you have picked an ideal location, bought the perfect engagement ring, and hired a professional photographer, to mention a few, a less-than-ideal situation such as bad weather or traffic could get in the way of your perfect proposal. For this reason, you should have a backup plan, especially if you do not want to postpone the event.
For instance, you could pick an indoor location around your preferred outdoor marriage proposal destination to prepare for weather uncertainties.
Endnote
Planning an unforgettable marriage proposal requires organization and forethought. Establish your partner is on the same page, ask for your parent’s blessing, buy the perfect engagement ring, and choose a sentimental location. You should also speak from the heart, involve your family and friends, and document the event to make your proposal memorable.