If you’re thinking of proposing, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not just a case of dropping down on one knee – there a lots of moving parts to consider. So, whether you have a proposal in mind already, or are looking for inspiration, we’ve partnered with The Proposers to answer all your questions, from deciding when to pop the question to where to celebrate afterwards. Read on to learn from how to create a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you and your partner will treasure forever.

So, you’ve decided it’s time to pop the question – huge congratulations!

This is a very exciting moment in a relationship and quite a unique one as well. Whereas in a wedding you will both be planning together, a proposal is a perfect opportunity to plan a special surprise for your partner to show them just how much you care and to perfectly reflect on what you love about them as well as your relationship story thus far.

The holiday season is a perfect time to propose and one of the most popular as well, and we totally see why – the festive ambiance is all around, loved ones gather to celebrate and as a bonus point it leaves ample time to plan a beautiful summer wedding. We think there’s no better gift to give your partner than a stunning proposal this Christmas.

Below is The Proposers’ step-by-step guide to lead you all the way to ‘yes’:

1. Make sure you’re on the same page

As a preliminary step, we always recommend our couples discuss their future plans together, especially what they hope for in terms of getting married. Of course, this doesn’t need to give any of the proposal away – talk about generalities so that you know you are both on the same page. You can show them a TikTok that just ‘popped up’ on your feed or mention a recent colleague’s engagement as a prompt. It’s also a great opportunity to get a bit of information about what your partner may want for the proposal itself, what ring they’re dreaming of or if they want you to ask for permission from their parents – all useful details in taking the next steps.

2. Ask parents for permission

It’s tradition to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage from their father or from both parents depending on preference. If this is something that’s important to your partner, it’s a lovely sentiment to do so. In person is often best, we find. Soon you’ll all be family, so it’s a great opportunity to show your appreciation. Your partner’s parents will certainly value the gesture as well.

3. Pick the perfect ring

Now that you have the go-ahead, it’s time to shop for the perfect ring! Hopefully at this point you’ll have an indication of what your partner loves. Usually a diamond is preferred, and if that’s the case, consider what metal they would favour (such as platinum or gold), the shape (princess, round, pear are some options) and learn about the 4 Cs (carat, cut, clarity, colour), so that you can go into purchasing confidently. To get the sizing right when your partner isn’t watching, measure a ring they currently have that they often place on that finger. Otherwise, check out Bridebook’s guide on how to secretly measure your partner’s ring finger.

Of course, a diamond isn’t mandatory these days. If you think your partner would prefer another gemstone or even a different gift such as a watch, these are all excellent options as well, so long as it’s what you think your partner would love. Again, check out Bridebook’s top 30 unique alternatives to engagement rings for more inspiration. Some modern couples like to design the ring together, in which case you can propose with a place ring just for the photos.

4. Set the perfect scene

The good news is, there’s no right or wrong way to propose – the perfect ‘yes’ moment is totally dependent on who you are as a couple. Even so, we recommend considering the below when deciding how to ask.

Do you want a private proposal somewhere discreet, or public with the crowds cheering? Would your partner love a grand gesture with all the trimmings or something more small-scale and sentimental? Would they like friends or families to join or have it be just the both of you? The answers to the above will lend a hand when securing the perfect venue, which is essential in creating the desired atmosphere for those four all-important words.

Through our time planning proposals, we’ve had the fortune to work in many different settings, from privatising Disneyland just for the couple, to creating a flash mob in a central train station, and even closing a Cat Café for the day for a couple who loves felines. The venue of your proposal can be totally unique (like atop an epic landmark, such as a Swiss glacier), totally romantic (like a stunning hotel room with bouquets of roses all around), or tender and sweet (like the place you first met)!

Once you know the backdrop, consider what decoration you may want to enhance the ambience with. In the age of social media, it’s quite popular to have a display with lots of flowers and candles. While some locations can’t be decorated, particularly if you’re looking to propose in public, you can still get creative with other touches (as below).

5. Consider the special touches

No matter the setting, the details are really what makes a proposal meaningful. These are additional touches to really show your partner how much you care.

We always ask our clients about their love story, about activities or trips they’ve enjoyed with their partner, about their partner’s favourite things (like their hobbies, music, movies, colours) and about their dreams as a couple together. These points are helpful in understanding what makes your relationship unique, and can then be incorporated in creative ways into your engagement. From having your partner’s favourite song played in the background to toasting with a wine you enjoyed together on holiday – but this time with a personalised label with your proposal date – these touches will surely wow your partner!

6. Make it picture perfect

Consider hiring a professional photographer to shoot your proposal. This is the perfect way to ensure you have stunning images to go alongside your engagement announcement and to share with loved ones (who will want a full run-down of how it all happened). We absolutely love the candid shots a photographer captures when our clients walk in to the proposal venue and the surprise is revealed. These are priceless, and having this moment to reminisce on forevermore is truly something worthwhile.

It’s also a good idea to think about booking in a professional videographer or musician to serenade if you’re looking at creating a larger scale production. These aren’t mandatory, but a great add-on if budget allows.

7. Think about what you’re going to say

Once you’ve organised the running of the day, think of the specific moment itself. It will be extremely moving for your partner if you say a few meaningful words on such a momentous occasion. We recommend writing it down and committing it to memory so that you can remember everything you want to say in the moment.

8. Ready, set, ‘YES’

When the day arrives, and after all the groundwork has been laid out, our favourite tip is to try to relax and enjoy as much as possible. You’ve planned this special proposal for your partner, which they will surely adore, but don’t forget that this is a big milestone for you as well. The more you are in the moment and take it all in, the more you can truly have the best time and celebrate together!

Plan your proposal today!

If you’d like help organising your big day – we’re here to assist! The Proposers are the first ever proposal company in the world. With over 13 years of experience and 5,000 ‘yes’ moments to date, we love everything proposals. We will be delighted to hold your hand through the planning process for a hassle- free, magical “will you marry me”! Whatever vision you might have, we’ll make it a reality.

Happy Planning!

Sophia Shafiee

Sophia is a passionate writer and editor and expert on all things wedding content related, with a First Class degree from the University of Oxford. She frequently shares her wedding advice and tips with leading UK publications on behalf of Bridebook.com, including Harper’s Bazaar, SheerLuxe and Porter Magazine.

Last updated: 12th Dec 2023