Happy Monday! The Holiday season has officially begun and so has engagement season! We’re excited to work with our newly engaged couples! Proposing to someone you love is one of the most special and life-changing moments in your lives.  For those of you who are planning to or helping a loved one to pop the question, here are a few tips to consider:

 

• Ask questions and be attentive to know what type of ring or proposal your partner may like.

• Remember to talk about getting married beforehand. Make sure marriage is something you both want and that you have an understanding on major topics (i.e. children) before popping the question.

• Keep it a Surprise! Even if she knows you’re planning to propose, she doesn’t have to know when you will.

• Many parents (and loved ones) want to share in the excitement so be sure to share your intentions of marriage.

• Find out from family and best friends what kind of ring your soon-to-be fiancée likes.

• Know your diamond! The Four C’s when selecting a diamond – Cut (finish and polish of the stone), Color (grade system for each color), Clarity (few or no blemishes, and Carat (size).

• Be sure to have the ring purchased and sized at least 2 weeks before the proposal. Don’t show up empty handed.

• When choosing a proposal idea, it should be about your fiancée. Think about what her perfect proposal would be.

• To pull off a memorable proposal enlist the help of family and friends! They can be a great sounding board when it comes to finding the dream ring or offer proposal ideas.

• Have a plan! Ideally you would want at least a month before your engagement date to set everything in motion.

• To relive stress in the planning process, hire a Proposal Planner.  Many Twin Cities wedding planners specialize in proposal planning and offer custom services.

• Keep the date a secret if you’re worried someone is bound to spoil the surprise.

• Choose a location that’s important for the both of you. Where you first met, had your first kiss, or first place you said “I love you” are romantic and special spots to pop the question.

• Stumped on how to make your proposal personal? Consider what you enjoy doing together, a favorite movie, how you met, or adventures you’ve been on (and new ones you want to experience).

• Have the proposal speak to her Love Language (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and/or Physical Touch)

• Public proposals can be clever and romantic when done right. If your soon-to-be fiancée is reserved or shy a public isn’t the way to go.

• Clichés to avoid? A Jumbotron proposal or fishing for a ring out of a dessert or champagne glass.

• When creating your proposal speech, speak from the heart (short is always sweet), tell her why you want to marry her, be YOU, and make sure to memorize it.

• Hire a photographer that specialize in surprise marriage proposals. You’ll capture a moment you can cherish forever. (It is also a perfect way to share with loved ones who couldn’t be there.)

 

Let’s not forget, simply uttering the words “I love you” and getting down on one knee never fails.