Proposal Planning
Getting down on one knee is a big deal, and planning the perfect moment can take a little bit of thought. Here are a few tips to consider before you pop the question!
Proposal Planning Checklist
1. Chat with Their Parents
So, you know you two want to spend together forever- now what!? If you’re old school, you may want to chat with their parents. If they are close with their family, it may be good to chat it up with them first just as a nod of respect.
It could be something like this: “I am in love with your daughter/son, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together. I am planning to ask their hand in marriage and wanted to involve you in this exciting moment.”
Photo: Brittany Castillo
2. Choosing the Ring
The engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that your spouse will wear everyday, so you want to make sure it is something they love!
Make note of the jewelry they love, or comments they make on friend’s engagement rings- or, reach out to one of their friends to try to get the inside scoop on what they would love the most!
We recommend using a trusted jeweler with great reviews and service. Usually, they can help point you in the right direction for ring size based on your partner’s height and weight, but it’s also helpful if you are able to bring in another ring they wear (be sure to note what finger they wear it on!). Don’t fret if the size is a bit off- they can always resize it!
3. Planning the Moment
Now is your chance to get creative and make it personal. Would they prefer a grandiose proposal, a sweet intimate moment alone, or to have their friends and family in on the big surprise? You could also choose a place that means a lot to both of you- perhaps where you met, or even just at your own home that you can glamorize with flowers and candles.
Whatever you do, personalize it with your partner in mind, and it’s sure to be memorable.
4. Capturing the Moment
Ok, you’ve done all your homework, chatted with the parents, made the big purchase, and planned how you’re going to ask. The last thing to check off the list is capturing the moment. You can hire a professional to capture the moment (they have great ideas when it comes to being discreet and not blowing your cover!)
If friends and family are involved, you could always have them capture it on a phone. A fun trick to use if you want to do something low-key with friends but also want it captured is to have a friend “take a picture of you two”. Instead of taking a picture they will turn on the video recorder and say phrase that you’ve agreed on so that you know the camera is rolling (“well aren’t you two stunning!” - Cue the big Q!)
Here are a few proposal ideas + services in Wilmington NC
1. Plan a luxury picnic experience
Collective Law offers grazing boards and styling so you don’t have to worry about anything.
They can have the whole thing set up so you and your partner can just show up and enjoy the magic.
You could plan to take a walk on the beach or at a park (and they will likely assume the spread is for someone else), or even have them come set up in your own backyard!
Then it’s just poppin’ the question, and enjoying the romantic moment with some snacks + bubbly!
2. Say it loud and proud!!
Would they like a big banner hanging from the pier to walk up to? Perhaps a live musician for an impromptu serenade? Or maybe you can get their friends + family involved! Some people are more reserved and may not like to share the moment with a large crowd, others will be blown away by the gesture and excitement! Take your partner’s personality into account while planning!
3. Keep it simple but share the moment
Maybe you two are more low key and would prefer going for a walk somewhere alone, but there is no doubt they will want to share the moment with their friends and family after! You can hire a photographer to meet at a pre-determined public space (beach, park, downtown). Just let the photographer know where you plan on meeting, and what you dressed in/look like so they can be on the look out. The photographer can shoot from a distance with a zoom lens so they don’t blow your cover :)