When you’re ready to take the next step, knowing how to propose can be tricky. The marriage proposal itself has become a bigger deal in recent years: simply choosing a ring and reserving a table at a fancy restaurant is the last millennium! This will arguably be the most important day of your relationship so far, so it’s important to get it right.
Here at EliteSingles, our matches are built to last, and all of our members are here looking for lasting love; In reality, it is inevitable that many of our couples end up agreeing to marry. Even the most romantic among us can come up with great proposal ideas (and execute them! A marriage proposal is more than just a great idea…), however, which perhaps explains the growing demand for professional assistance.
We asked marriage proposal planner Heather Vaughn, founder of California-based events company The Yes Girls, to offer some tips on how to propose. Full of unique proposal ideas and practical advice, read our interview right here…
When do you know it’s the right time to propose?
Asking this question is life changing. We have found that each client has different timelines for when they feel ready, so we encourage couples to have a conversation about marriage, future goals, and dreams to ensure that both people in the relationship are ready for the next step. . She doesn’t need to know when she’s going to ask the question, but she certainly helps give the gentleman more confidence when he already knows she’ll say “yes!”
What is the most important thing to get right when deciding how to propose?
Personalization! The idea and the day of the proposal must be adapted to the individual relationship of the couple. If you make the proposal idea personal, everything else falls into place; For example, if she’s outgoing and loves hanging out with her family, it’s probably important that they’re involved in some way. If you take photos during date nights, having professional photos of the proposal is probably a must. If he considers your interests and what you enjoy as a couple, you really can’t go wrong! flirtwith.com
Flash mobs are great, but they’re not for everyone! Do you have a couple of proposal ideas for more private or introverted partners?
Absolutely! We always recommend doing the custom proposal, so it makes sense to choose a location and idea that fits them. Some beautiful settings for a more private proposal would be a local winery, renting a rooftop just for the two of you, or reserving a private area of a garden or park. These locations are great bases for a proposal idea.
From there, we recommend that the gentleman incorporate 3-5 of his favourite things on stage. For example, surround him with his favourite flowers or wine bottles painted in his favourite colour, listen to “his” song of his, or give him a handwritten love letter.
Do you have any tips on how to remember the special moment?
Photos, and possibly a video! 95% of our clients choose to have a photographer there to capture their shocked reaction! If the budget allows, filming the raw emotion and story of the proposal is highly recommended. It may seem like a whirlwind during the proposal, but photos and videos allow couples to relive one of their best moments over and over again.
Do you have a favourite proposal that you helped plan? What has been the most memorable?
It’s really hard to pick a favourite because honestly, whatever proposal we’re currently working on is usually my favourite – it’s a new, custom idea and that triggers our excitement at The Yes Girls.
I’d say one of the most memorable proposals we worked on (it’s been in the works for months) was an intimate and quite magical proposal in San Francisco inspired by Disney’s Tangled. Surrounded by a fairytale atmosphere, flowers galore, hundreds of floating lanterns, the sound of acoustic guitars, and a handmade blanket for the sweet couple, it was definitely a love story for the books. Her reaction of relief and pride when she said “yes!” it was adorable!
How to Propose: EliteSingles Summary
The best ideas for proposals! Do:
- Personalise your proposal: think about what your partner loves to do on a date or what is most romantic for her…
- Surround her with her favourite things…
- Book a photographer or enlist a friend to help you capture your special moment if photos matter!
How to Propose Wrong… No:
- Give away when you’re going to propose, but try to discuss it beforehand…
- Plan a flash mob if your partner is a private person; instead, plan something more intimate…
- Hide the ring in a cake. We all know from the movies that this is a terrible idea and one that is sure to backfire!
Heather Vaughn is the founder of The Yes Girls. Providing proposal ideas and planning services since 2008, her team has helped couples across the United States engage for marriage in a unique, personalised, and romantic way. All photos courtesy of The Yes Girls. flirtwith
