You found love, whether it was in high school, through a mutual friend, or on a dating app, and now it’s time to make it last. But, as you’re probably aware, figuring out how to propose is a major undertaking (hello, shopping for a ring and memorizing that speech), gistpeople reports
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We enlisted the help of an expert to make your long-awaited moment go as smoothly as possible (and to ensure it’s the type of proposal your partner actually wants). We weighs in on 7 things you must do before getting down on one knee.
How to Create a Proposal
Are you ready to pop the question? Here are some things to think about first.
1. Ensure Everyone Is on the Same Page
This may seem obvious, but before you start plotting, make sure you both have marriage on your mind. Discuss the future with your partner. Tell them you want to marry one day and ask if they see marriage in their future as well. Are you concerned that this conversation will sound too much like a proposal? Keep it broad by bringing up your best friend’s recent engagement as a starting point. Is it a difficult conversation? Yes. But, hopefully, you’ll walk away knowing what your partner will say when you open that ring box.
2. Talk to Their Parents
What about old school? Yes. Important? Maybe. It is entirely dependent on the family. If your partner has hinted in any way that you should ask his or her parents for permission to marry, do so. However, this does not imply that your partner is anyone’s property. Consider the following: “I adore your son/daughter, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together. I intend to propose and would like you to be a part of this exciting time.”
3. Purchase the Bauble
The engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that your partner will wear every day for the rest of their life, so consider what they truly enjoy. Take photos of the jewelry they wear every day, look through their Pinterest boards, or ask a close friend or family member for advice. When it comes to jewelers, get recommendations to ensure you’re buying from a reputable store with excellent reviews and service.
Last but not least, determine their ring size. Just ask if it’s not a secret. Check your partner’s jewelry if you’re planning a surprise. Find a ring that he or she regularly wears (and make a note of which finger it goes on). Then take it to a jeweler or mark how far it fits on your own finger. Many jewelers can also make an educated guess based on your partner’s height and weight. There’s also the option of resizing.
4. Make It Personal
It’s time to plan the proposal now that you have a ring. Consider whether your partner would appreciate a grand gesture, an intimate moment, or a surprise surrounded by family and friends. Whatever your budget, Uritis recommends starting with a beautiful, sentimental location that you can easily glamorize to set the mood. “Find a cool place that has meaning for them. It could just be your cozy living room, but adorning it with a slew of candles completely transforms the atmosphere “She gives advice. Personalization is also important, so avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
5. Consider Hiring a Professional
You know your love best, but it’s sometimes worth it to hire a proposal writer. Companies like The Yes Girls handle everything from logistics to vendor sourcing—just keep in mind that such a luxury comes at a cost. With thousands of proposals under their belts, these planners know a thing or two about making this occasion memorable and, most importantly, stress-free. “You can keep your cool and enjoy this time because it’s a big deal for you, too,” Uritis says. “We can handle everything on the back end so you can take all the credit and look fantastic.”
6. Make Observations
You don’t need to have your speech completely written out, but you should spend some time jotting down what you want to say. Even if you end up winging half of it anyway, writing down your thoughts will give you some direction when it comes time to pop the question. When it comes to proposing, Uritis’s clients typically highlight their partner’s best qualities or even recount the moment they knew they were the one. “It’s just being genuine and making [them] feel loved and excited in that moment,” she continues. “And it can be brief—just a couple of sentences. However, discussing what they like about each other and how excited they are for their future together would be the two best topics to bring up.” Don’t forget to include the “Will you marry me?” part.
7. Arrange a Party
You don’t have to throw a full-fledged engagement party, but make sure you have a plan for how the two of you will celebrate the big day. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant, stock up on Champagne, or have a few friends waiting in the wings.
