how to pop the question
The Do’s
Public vs Private Proposal? Who To Involve?
Who should be present at your marriage proposal? Just the two of you, her family and best friends, or perhaps a cheering crowd? REALLY think this one through.
Just because you are a sports fanatic does not mean her idea of a proposal is on the jumbotron. However, If she is a die hard fan, paints her face, and never misses a single game then go for it!
We have discovered most women prefer a proposal to take place in a private or semi-private manner. Some women prefer to have family and friends involved. Holidays are fun and personable atmospheres to pop the question; however, remember you will be competing with the busy holidays. There is always the option of an intimate setting for the two of you, followed by a surprise gathering of family and friends.
Attention To Details
Incorporating specific moments and details in your marriage proposal that she wouldn’t expect you to remember will leave her in awe. This is your chance to prove to her that you know her better than anyone else. Remember you want to make the marriage proposal about her by incorporating her interests and what she enjoys doing most with you. In other words, the only way to propose is to personalize the proposal to your relationship. DO NOT NEGLECT the little details; they are the icing on the cake and quite honestly, the best part!
Hire A Proposal Planner
Your proposal planner will be your best friend. She will help you avoid the common proposal day arguments because you’ll be confident that your plans are being executed flawlessly behind the scenes. If your girlfriend is running behind, your proposal planner will make the calls and adjustments so you remain present and still enjoy the special day. Your girlfriend will be grateful you made the effort to hire a proposal planner so you could give her the unforgettable proposal she always dreamed about.
A Short and Sweet Proposal Speech
Don’t put too much pressure on your proposal speech. Write a list of all the qualities you love about her and why you want her to be your wife. Choose a few to explain during your speech and save your outline for her to read later. Extra points for you there! Here is an easy pre-made template on how to create your marriage proposal speech.
READY TO USE PROPOSAL SPEECH TEMPLATE
Write your proposal speech in 5 minutes with our memorable proposal speech template
Choose A Location Wisely
Location is key to setting the mood. This is where you can incorporate favorite memories together. This goes to show just how well you paid attention. If you are searching for the perfect location, here are a few of our favorite spots for where to propose. However, do not get so caught up in the location that it stops you from tuning into your creativity. Start with “how” you’re going to propose rather than “where” you’re popping the question and the possibilities will increase tenfold.
For example, if you want to take her to a Broadway musical, think bigger than proposing on stage. One of our proposal clients used the musical’s playbill to ask his girlfriend to marry him with a photo and description of her inside; he explained all her “star” qualities as she was greeted with roses from strangers outside the theater.
Get A Female’s Perspective
It’s so important to get a female’s opinion and perspective regarding your marriage proposal idea! Consult her friends, sisters, mom, etc. If you are nervous a close friend or family member may spoil the surprise, this is where The Yes Girls team can help. We provide you with a female’s perspective without ruining your surprise, which is why The Yes Girls™ has an outstanding success rate and overjoyed clients.
Get It On Camera
It’s simple. It’s one of the most cherished moments in your life so get it on film, camera or better, both! Honestly, your girlfriend probably won’t remember half of the sweet things you say so if it’s on film you just have to press play.
Keep The Surprise Factor
If you aren’t a typically “romantic guy,” planning a special date/getaway out of the blue is a total giveaway. She’ll have an appointment to get her nails done within the hour because it’s so obvious. Ask her friend to be a decoy so she is genuinely surprised.
Hide The Ring Box Well
Two words – Box Sock. You don’t want her bumping up against your pant pocket or jacket to realize you have a bulky box in there. Instead, keep it a surprise and snag yourself a pair of Box Sock – the pocket sock that hides your engagement ring box (thin ring box included).
The Dont’s
Throw Out Unoriginal Clichés
To be blunt, automatically rule out proposals via jumbotrons, fortune cookies, and over a “nice” dinner. If you are unsure of how to propose to your girlfriend, don’t settle because you would rather downplay it than risk something going wrong. With a little thought and planning, you can go beyond cliché ideas. If you get stuck, consult her friends, sisters, mom, or brainstorm ideas with a Yes Girls Consultant to keep it a complete surprise.
Poor Planning = Poor Execution
Don’t wait until the week before to start brainstorming your marriage proposal idea. Yes, this can be done (we’ve done it) but it takes away from the extra details you COULD have included had you allotted yourself time to plan and prepare. If you don’t have a plan in place and decide to wing it, chances are you will be flustered. More so, it WILL show you decided not to put in the time or effort. You only do this once so we promise it’s worth planning.
Don’t Make It All About You
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone just a little. It’s important to think about what your sweetheart would want. Many times we hear of proposals where the guy implements what he thinks is cool rather than what SHE would appreciate. Think about past memories, her favorite things, her personality type, her love language, and you’ll start to cater the proposal to her desires.
Don’t Act Out Of Character
You are keeping a big secret from the one person you usually tell everything to; therefore discuss the proposal with someone who can be your voice of reason and prevent you from blowing the surprise. Many women figure out it’s coming not because they are snooping around but their boyfriend starts acting differently. If you become overwhelmed it’s time to enlist some help!
Marriage Proposal Pointers
Considerations before planning your perfect marriage proposal from a proposal planner.
Timeless traditions
Is it important to your girlfriend that you ask her parents or someone in her family for their blessing? Even if you believe it’s an old tradition, take the time to call/skype her family or take them out to dinner before you pop the question. This way you avoid any hurt and surprised family members.
Timing is everything
Think ahead. Has she hinted at a Summer or Fall Wedding? It is always considerate to propose at least six months prior to the wedding. If she wants a shorter engagement then let her be the one to decide. Better safe on time than sorry.
You may also start looking for affordable wedding suppliers for themes and decor inspirations and look for themes that she might like. You know her best so these decor ideas may also give you hints on how to pop the question to the love of your life.
Marriage proposal day/after she says yes
If you opt not to have friends or family present at the marriage proposal, make sure to allot time for her to call her folks and share the excitement with those closest to her! The perfect solution is to plan a surprise engagement party following the marriage proposal. Her parents, sister, aunt or best friend usually are more than willing to step up to the plate and coordinate the engagement party so you can focus and put your efforts into the marriage proposal.
Her engagement ring
Trying on rings beforehand is always a plus! Many women tend to love a certain style/setting until they try on the ring and find another style fits their finger better. If you or her want the ring to be a complete surprise then do some research. Consult her best friends and listen carefully to any hints she drops. It is not a bad idea to have her friends take her ring shopping for fun; she may think you have no idea she browsed engagement rings, yet you were totally in the know with her friends.
Mood Music
To set the mood for the proposal, make sure to play the perfect music. This Spotify Playlist by Learning Jewelry is the perfect addition to any proposal, and all you have to do is hit “play”, get on one knee, and do your thing! You could also hire a wedding band from Cheshire to serenade the both of you.
On bended knee
It was and still is a form of respect when asking for her hand in marriage. When you ask her to marry you, without a doubt, get down on one knee.
You wore what?
As you begin brainstorming marriage proposal ideas, consider what your girlfriend would prefer to be wearing and doing before you propose. Believe it or not, girls do have a preference (whether dressy or casual). Some ladies want to be dolled up/dressed to impress, while others are comfortable rockin’ jeans and a tee as long as it’s a complete surprise. If you’re girlfriend typically wears make-up and is pretty trendy, it’s probably best not to propose while she is in her pjs. This is just something to consider.
Examples of Marriage Proposal Ideas
Napa Valley Vineyard Marriage Proposal
This fun-loving couple got engaged at a private vineyard. Hanging promises and pink flowers set the scene for this breathtaking proposal. View Full Marriage Proposal Story
A Boy Band Marriage Proposal
She got up and sang karaoke on their first date, bad voice and all, he returned the favor with a public, choreographed ensemble. View Full Marriage Proposal Story
Romance in Rome Marriage Proposal
With a home video and a personalized picnic he surprised her amongst breathtaking Roman fountains and gardens in Tivoli. She never saw it coming! View Full Marriage Proposal Story
Her Own Musical Marriage Proposal
He got her all dolled up before sending her to the performance of a lifetime. She arrived to the theater to find herself watching her favorite and very own musical. View Full Marriage Proposal Story
Sand Sculpture Marriage Proposal
This surfer girl found herself amongst a life-sized sand sculpture of herself and her dreams. View Full Marriage Proposal Story
Marriage Proposal Advice & The Ring
How to create the perfect marriage proposal speech
It’s the much anticipated question and moment in your life where you want to say the perfect thing but instead fear mumbling a few words before blurting our “will you marry me?” Not sure what to say? Read how to create and feel confident in your perfect marriage proposal speech… Read More
How to avoid marriage proposal day arguments
It is not uncommon for couples to get into tiffs on their engagement day. In most cases, gentlemen want everything to go perfectly and according to plan; their girlfriends somehow begin deviating from the plan resulting in… you guessed it, an argument. Read four simple ways to dodge marriage proposal day arguments here… Read More
Use all your senses: How to perfect your marriage proposal ideas
To help your future wife remember all of your marriage proposal, why not incorporate items that adhere to all her five senses? It makes sense right? Read More
Why hire a proposal planner?
Would you cook a five course meal and serve it on a paper plate? Of course not. Hiring a marriage proposal planner to help with your romantic (and stress-free) execution is the same idea. An experienced and creative proposal planner can take a marriage proposal from thoughtless to thoughtful, and it’s worth every penny… Read More
Getting marriage proposal day jitters?
Past clients share what they were most nervous about regarding their marriage proposal. We found little techniques that helped calm their nerves… Read more
Tips for engagement ring shopping
The right questions to ask your jeweler so you find the perfect engagement ring and avoid potential issues… Read More
The History of the Marriage Proposal
- “The marriage proposal on bended knee is still rather new to our society. Before a man began proposing on one knee, he used to kidnap his bride-to-be from her family’s home!” – ehow.com
- “Genuflection, bending one knee to the ground, was from early times a gesture of deep respect for a superior.” -wikipedia
- Why give a marriage proposal on bended knee now? Some say it is showing a sign of respect, like when knights received an honor. Also, it gives the ring a chance to be showcased in between the man and woman.
- “In the United Kingdom and Ireland, 29 February in a leap year is said to be the one day when a woman can propose to her partner.” -wikipedia