Proposing marriage can be an overwhelming task so it’s I understand why you are wondering how to propose to someone. To help you navigate this beautiful journey, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to propose to your partner.

Make Sure They Are The Right Person

I know this sounds obvious but I think it is the most important step in planning your proposal.  Take a moment to reflect on your relationship, the bond you share, and your future together. The proposal should be a reflection of your commitment to your partner and the life you want to build together.

Ask Permission

This is not a step that everyone needs to take.  However, it is a tradition and if your partner is on the more traditional side, you won’t want to skip this.  Asking family for permission is a sign of respect and if your partner is expecting or hoping for this, you should certainly do it.

Purchase a Ring

I know this can be a daunting task but here are some things to think about to get you started.  First, you need to think about the style of engagement ring they may want.  Do they like classic, vintage, or modern designs? You can even look at their current jewelry collection for clues. Next, I want you to create a budget and stay in it.  It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but make sure you choose something meaningful that fits your financial situation. Your preferred jewelry store can absolutely help you choose a ring that considers your partners preferences and your budget.

Consider Their Preferences

Since you’re planning a big moment for your partner, it’s important to ensure that you understand their preferences. Some people prefer a private proposal ideas, while others love a public display of affection. If you aren’t sure what kind of proposal your partner wants, it’s time to do some digging. You can check their Pinterest, see what they like on Instagram, or even subtly find a way to ask them.

Create The Proposal Idea

Now it’s time to create the proposal idea.  You’re going to want to really think about things in your relationship that are unique to your love story.  Also, think about challenges you’ve had to overcome and your favorite memories. I encourage you to write all of these things down as they come up and then see if you can use this to to turn it into a great proposal concept. If you get stuck, The Heart Bandits does have a proposal service where we can create custom proposal ideas for you.

Choose the Date

Timing is everything so you are going to want to choose the best time to propose.  Think about if there are any upcoming significant dates that you may want to propose on like your anniversary.  Or are there dates you want to avoid that seem cliche such as Valentine’s Day?  Is there an upcoming trip or a special destination that would make for a beautiful backdrop to your proposal? And here is one tip, avoid choosing a time when they’re under a lot of stress or dealing with other life challenges. The proposal should be a joyous occasion for both of you.

Choose the Setting and Atmosphere

You are going to need to think about the setting and atmosphere for your proposal idea.  Are you going for a quiet, intimate proposal at home or a grand gesture in front of a crowd?  Maybe you want to take your partner  on a surprise vacation to a beautiful location.  If your partner is a fan of low-key, personal settings, proposing at a place with sentimental value can be incredibly meaningful.  If they love attention, consider proposing in a public way.  Remember, the ambiance matters—dim lights, candles, flowers, and soft music can enhance the mood, making the moment even more special.

Practice Your Speech

You don’t have to memorize an entire speech, but it’s a good idea to think about what you’d like to say. Here are some things to consider:

• Be authentic: Speak from the heart about why you love them and why you want to spend your life with them.
• Keep it simple: It doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Speak about the bond you share and the future you envision together.
• Don’t rush: This moment should be filled with emotion, so allow yourself to pause and take in the significance of what you’re asking.

Check out our Proposal Speech Tips article here.

Have a Proposal Plan

Now that you have the ring, the date, the proposal idea, it is time to plan.  This is where you are going to write down all the vendors you will need and start contacting them for quotes. You want to make sure each vendor signs a contract with you you want to only hire vendors that are trustworthy and reliable.  Don’t forget to think about a rain backup or anything else that could interfere with your special moment.  If this seems too overwhelming, consider hiring us as your Marriage Proposal Planner.

Capture the Moment

You’ll want to have memories to look back on, so consider having a photographer or videographer nearby to capture the moment. This is one of the most important part of a proposal in my opinion and you will never regret having someone there to document your big moment.  You could regret not having one though!

Celebrate Together

Once your partner says yes, don’t forget to celebrate! Whether it’s an intimate moment alone or a surprise gathering with friends and family, take time to enjoy the joy and excitement of your new engagement.

I hope this helps you when you are thinking about how to propose to your girlfriend or partner.  If you would like help coming up with the perfect proposal idea or you need assistance planning your proposal, contact The Heart Bandits today.  We also have proposal packages to assist you.