How to Propose in 2023: Expert Tips and Ideas for a Perfect Proposal
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and propose to your significant other. Congratulations! This is an exciting and momentous time in your life, and you want to make sure everything goes perfectly. But how do you plan a proposal that captures the essence of your love story and creates a moment you both will cherish forever? No need to worry, we’ve got your back. In this blog post, we will guide you step by step through everything you need to know on how to propose and what to consider when crafting the perfect proposal.
Short Summary
- Plan ahead and create a personalized proposal that reflects your partner’s passions and interests.
- Rehearse, stay flexible, and capture the moment to make it an unforgettable experience!
- Celebrate with friends & family by planning unique post-proposal celebrations.
Preparing for the Big Moment
The foundation of a memorable proposal starts with understanding your partner’s preferences and planning well in advance. It’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how to make it happen.
When preparing for the big moment, consider the engagement ring and the date of your proposal. You’ll want to choose a ring that reflects your partner’s style and select a date that is meaningful to both of you. Let’s dive deeper into these crucial elements of the perfect proposal.
Engagement Ring Selection
A surprise proposal is always thrilling, but it’s even more special when the engagement ring is exactly what your partner has been dreaming of. To make sure you get it right, have an open and honest conversation about their preferences before you start shopping. If you’re unsure about their preferred styles, enlist the help of their close friends or family members for extra insights. Don’t forget to educate yourself about the retail diamond industry to make an informed decision and confidently navigate the process.
For help in the designing and creating process, Frank Jewelers is a one-stop shop for the engagement ring of your dreams. With our talented goldsmith and our team of experts we can help you create a ring that fits your budget while ensuring its one-of-a-kind nature.
When it comes to purchasing the perfect engagement ring, timing is crucial. Aim to buy the ring one to two months before the planned proposal date. This will give you enough time to find the right ring and make any necessary adjustments, such as resizing or customizations.
Setting the Date
Now that you have the perfect ring in mind, it’s time to set the date for your proposal. The timing of your proposal should take into account factors such as the season, time of day, and day of the week. This day will be special to you and your partner for the rest of your lives, so planning it on a day already special to the both of you can add even more significance.This could be the anniversary of your first date, a special holiday, or any other meaningful occasion.

Crafting a Memorable and Personalized Proposal
Creating a unique and unforgettable proposal goes beyond just selecting the perfect ring at a jewelry store and placing it in a beautiful ring box for the special date. It’s about capturing the essence of your relationship and making it an experience that you both will treasure forever.
To craft a truly memorable proposal, focus on the location and atmosphere, as well as incorporating your partner’s hobbies or interests. These elements will add a personal touch and make your proposal stand out from the rest.
Location and Atmosphere
The location and atmosphere of your proposal plays a significant role in creating the perfect moment. Choose a meaningful location, such as the place where you first met, a favorite restaurant, or a breathtaking view that holds sentimental value for both of you. A stunning backdrop can make all the difference in setting the mood for your proposal.
Additionally, visiting the location beforehand can help you plan with precision and ensure you know exactly where you want the proposal to take place. If you’ve hired a photographer or someone else to capture the moment, getting a feel for the area beforehand can help set up to get the perfect shot of the moments before and after you propose.
Incorporating Hobbies and Interests
To make your proposal even more personal and memorable, consider incorporating your partner’s hobbies, passions, or favorite activities into the plan. This could be anything from a romantic hike to a museum visit featuring their favorite artist.
By integrating shared interests into your proposal, you demonstrate your deep understanding of your partner’s personality and create a moment that truly reflects your unique bond.
Enlisting Help and Expertise
Although planning a proposal can be an exciting and rewarding experience, the process can also be overwhelming. Enlisting help from professionals and loved ones can ensure a seamless and well-executed proposal. From proposal planners to photographers, and even friends and family, having a support system in place will make the journey to your big moment more manageable and enjoyable.
Having a team of people to help you plan your proposal can be invaluable. While we can’t plan the proposal itself, we can take the burden of finding the perfect ring and turn it into something exciting. Designing a ring you know they’ll love adds an authenticity to the proposal that lets them know that they are special to you.
Proposal Planners and Photographers
Hiring a proposal planner or photographer can be a game-changer when it comes to planning and executing a flawless proposal. These professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you create a truly unforgettable moment.
A proposal planner can assist with logistics, while a proposal photographer can capture the emotion and joy of the moment as it unfolds. Investing in professional help can be a worthwhile decision that will ultimately enhance your proposal experience.
Involving Loved Ones
Involving friends and family in your proposal plan can add an extra layer of emotion and support, making the moment even more special. Whether they help with the planning process, play a role in the actual proposal, or simply celebrate with you afterward, having your loved ones involved will create a sense of togetherness and shared joy that will be cherished for years to come.
The involvement of your friends and family will make the proposal even more meaningful and memorable. They can.

Nailing the Details
The key to a successful proposal lies in the details. From rehearsing your speech to capturing the moment on camera, paying attention to the finer aspects of your proposal can make all the difference in creating a smooth and memorable experience.
Let’s explore how to ensure you’ve covered every aspect with our step by step guide, so you can confidently pop the question with ease.
Talk About the Engagement
Although this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s important to discuss what you and your partner want out of a proposal, wedding, and marriage. If one of you enjoys the idea of a grand proposal while the other is expecting a quiet, intimate one there can be disappointment on what should be one of the happiest days of your lives.
There are so many ways to propose, that it’s a good way to get ideas and brainstorm the perfect proposal without giving away the fact that you’re actively planning your own.
Rehearsing Your Speech
When it comes to the words you’ll say during the proposal, practice makes perfect. Take the time to write down your thoughts and feelings, and rehearse your speech to ensure you convey your emotions and intentions clearly and confidently.
Remember to speak from the heart and be genuine, as this will help you truly connect with your partner during this significant moment.
Adapting to the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, unforeseen circumstances can always arise, sometimes catching you in a complete surprise. Being prepared to adjust your proposal plans in response to unexpected challenges is crucial for ensuring a smooth experience.
Keep in mind that the most important aspect is your love and commitment to each other, and any challenges can be overcome with flexibility and understanding, even when it comes to the moment of getting down on one knee.
Weather and Venue Considerations
When planning your proposal, it’s important to research and prepare for potential weather or venue issues. Be aware of seasonal weather patterns and possible venue closures or restrictions.
Having a backup plan in place will help you stay calm and composed in the face of any unexpected surprises.
Staying Calm and Collected
Maintaining a sense of calm and composure during the proposal is essential, even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Focus on your partner and the reason you are proposing, and remember that your love is the most important aspect of this moment.
By staying calm and collected, you’ll be able to navigate any challenges and create a memorable and meaningful proposal.

Post-Proposal Celebrations
After your partner says yes, it’s time to celebrate your new commitment together. Planning post-engagement festivities is a wonderful way to share your joy with loved ones and keep the excitement going. From intimate dinners to surprise parties, there are countless ways to commemorate this special occasion.
Planning a Celebration
Organizing a gathering with friends and family is a fantastic way to celebrate your engagement. Whether you prefer a surprise party or an intimate dinner, consider the interests and preferences of both you and your partner to ensure a personalized and memorable celebration.
Don’t forget to send out invitations, arrange for catering, and set up decorations to make your celebration a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Announcing the Engagement
Sharing the exciting news of your engagement is a joyous occasion. When announcing your engagement, consider doing so in a way that reflects your personal style and relationship. This could be anything from:
- a heartfelt social media post
- a creative video montage
- a personalized engagement announcement card
- a surprise engagement party
- a special date night to celebrate together
Get creative and make the announcement memorable!
Involving loved ones in the announcement can add an extra layer of emotion and create lasting memories of the special day.
Current Proposal Trends and Ideas
If you’re looking for additional inspiration for your proposal, it’s worth exploring some popular trends and ideas. Here are a few examples:
- Themed proposals
- Adventurous engagements
- Surprise proposals
- Destination proposals
- Creative proposal ideas
There are countless ways to make your proposal unique and memorable.
Themed Proposals
Embracing a theme that reflects your relationship is a great way to personalize your wedding proposal. This could involve incorporating elements such as costumes, props, or decorations that are meaningful to both you and your partner. For example, if you both love traveling, consider creating a travel-themed marriage proposal with maps, globes, and other travel-related items.
By integrating a theme into your proposal, you’ll create an unforgettable experience that truly showcases your unique bond.
Adventurous Engagements
For thrill-seeking couples, planning an exciting and adrenaline-filled proposal is a fantastic option. Consider activities such as skydiving, scuba diving, or mountain biking to create a proposal that is both exhilarating and unforgettable.
By sharing a thrilling hot air balloon ride experience together, you’ll create a lasting memory that will stand out as a testament to your adventurous spirit as a couple.
Summary
Planning the perfect proposal takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of your partner’s desires and preferences. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a unique, memorable, and personalized proposal that captures the essence of your love story. From choosing the perfect engagement ring to involving loved ones in your celebration, every detail counts in making this moment one you both will treasure forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What knee do you propose on?
When proposing, the traditional way is to kneel down on your left knee while holding the ring or ring box in your left hand. This custom dates back to medieval times and has been a popular choice among Western couples.
How should I plan a proposal?
Determine what to say when proposing, practice your proposal, and make arrangements for the surprise. Making arrangements can include finding the perfect place to propose and scoping it out to prepare. It should also include a trip to Frank Jewelers to discuss how to make your engagement ring one-of-a-kind.
Don’t forget to document it with photographs and take some deep breaths before popping the question!
When should you start planning a proposal?
Start planning your proposal at least 8 weeks in advance to give yourself time to create a memorable and thoughtful plan. Don’t forget to factor in any additional time needed for more grandiose ideas.
What not to do before a proposal?
Avoid choosing a typical day, showing the ring to others before the proposal, informing too many people, playing hide and seek with the ring, playing tricks, being inattentive, acting suspicious, or forgetting what it is all about - these are some of the most common mistakes when proposing!
Set the scene for your special moment and be thoughtful and attentive.
How do I choose the perfect engagement ring for my partner?
Be open and honest with your partner about their tastes and consult their friends and family, then pick a ring that reflects both of you and your journey together. Don’t be afraid to take them window shopping to really nail down their style. Once that’s taken care of, we can help you create the ring of your dreams.