How to plan the PERFECT marriage proposal
The most perfect marriage proposals are a combination of things; thoughtful, carefully planned and special for that individual. So how can you make this once in a lifetime moment memorable for your partner? We’ve got 10 tips so you can get it right and information on booking photography so you can make it personal and ensure it’s something they’ll remember forever.
Consider the Style of the Marriage Proposal
You know your partner better than anyone, so you’ll know the kind of marriage proposal they’d like. You might have chatted about it before or they’ve hinted at the kind of thing they’d love.
Do they want something traditional where you ask for their parents' blessing beforehand? Are they a hopeless romantic that wants a large, movie-esque gesture? Perhaps something simple and pared back is the dream proposal for your partner. Sit down with pen and paper for an hour or two and really go wild on writing down the kind of marriage proposal your partner might like.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring
The ring is probably the most significant, tangible element of the proposal. Oval, Princess, Emerald, Cushion, Heart, Marquise… there are so many styles to choose from so why not chat to your partners friends and parents and see if they’ve mentioned or shown them any particular rings. Have a look at your partners jewellery at the moment to see what they currently wear and try and see if your partner has a marriage proposal pinterest board of potential wedding rings that you can secretly browse for inspiration. Forevermark has a great guide for diamond engagement rings which gives you information regarding cut, diamond colour and clarity and a ring size guide so you can get it perfect.
Decide on Your Proposal Gesture
Once you’ve got an idea of the style of marriage proposal your partner would like and you’ve secured the ring, it’s time to plan something beautiful and personal. We are exposed to so many marriage proposal ideas with the internet and social media, so how do you decide what to do for your partner? Again, it goes back to the style of proposal that they would want.
If your partner is an active nature lover and they love being in the mountains amongst the breathtaking views, why not propose at the top of the hike? It’ll be a fun, physical activity together and reaching the top will be incredibly memorable and picturesque.
Is your partner reflective and nostalgic and always looking back on memories? You could always take a trip down memory lane and recreate your first date. Head to all the spots you visited and relive the romantic and give it all a newfound meaning with your proposal.
There is so much inspiration out there for proposal ideas that are unique and fun and you can browse so many for inspiration, but these articles from Cosmopolitan and Warble Entertainment are especially filled with amazing ideas.
Pick the Perfect Location to Propose
Deciding on the location is one of the most important decisions when planning your marriage proposal. Locations hold a lot of meaning in our lives, our favourite places, memories in favourite places, so it’s important you think and plan this one carefully. Is there a specific place your partner loves? Where is their happy place? Do you want it to be scenic? It’s also great to think about whether you want it to be private and intimate, or perhaps you both love the limelight and you’re ready for the world to see and cheer along! Whatever you decide, make sure there’s a meaningful element and story behind it. If you’re after romantic spots to propose in Aberdeen, read here.
Write a Personal and Moving Speech for Your Proposal
It’s time to be as cringey and cliche as you can because who doesn’t love being showered with sentimental and loving words? This is going to be a profound moment in your relationship together and it’s time to pour your heart out and tell your partner how much they mean to you. Talk about your life plans, your values and memories you’ve shared. Make sure whatever your saying comes from the heart and rings true, maybe write it down and go over it a couple of times so you can work out how you want it to come across and so it’s fresh in your mind, then ask the million dollar question!
Include Friends and Family in Your Marriage Proposal
A marriage proposal that includes the people you love most can be really special and including friends and family into marriage proposals is becoming increasingly popular. There are a number of ways you can do this from a simple gathering of everyone you both love together, just including closest friends and family or having a big extravaganza like hiring a huge venue filled with friends and family.
Make sure, if you are including others in your marriage proposal, that those involved are able to keep a secret! Pick a reliable individual to help you plan your marriage proposal who can organise everyone involved and help you ensure everything runs smooth.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Want to look back on this moment for lifetimes to come? Make sure you have a professional photographer on board to capture the big moment in the perfect way. Photographers are great to have on board because not only do they capture that once in a lifetime moment they can help you with logistics, location, lighting and time of day. If you’re looking for a photographer with a personal and memorable style, please check out our work.
Seacliff Edinburgh Engagement
Edinburgh Calton Hill Engagement
Dunnottar Castle Aberdeenshire Engagement
Key Tips to Ensure the Proposal Runs Smoothly:
You’ve got the ring, you’ve planned the day and how you want everything to go and the time has come. There are a couple of final tips to help the day go smooth;
Have a backup story: It’s been known that the pressure can get to people in the lead up to the proposal but be sure to remain calm and act natural. Plan a story that you can follow so if your partner is asking lots of questions you have a plan to refer back to so you don’t give anything away.
Keep the ring safe: The one thing you don’t want to do is lose the ring, so make sure you have a safe and secure place to keep it and make sure it’s in said place before the proposal.
Confirm all the details: Make sure you have confirmed any bookings and reservations. If you’re at a restaurant or a scenic location for dinner you might want to let the establishment know so that they can be in on it and make it extra special and ensure you have the best views.
Go with the flow and enjoy it: You can meticulously plan everything down to the last detail but life happens and you can’t control exactly how the day will go, so just take a deep breath and revel in the excitement of it all. Enjoy this once in a lifetime moment.
Congratulations in advance! And once you’ve popped the question and you're thinking about the wedding, here’s a couple of important questions to think about before you start planning your wedding…
GLAD YOU ARE HERE!
Heyy, I’m Aryan - your marriage proposal photographer and filmmaker. Chances are you’re here because you’re thinking of proposing to your other half. If so, I’d love to be part of your story and document this special moment for you. It would be an honour!
Although based in the UK, I travel all over the world to document weddings and engagements. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.