Making the decision to propose is important, but it’s equally as important as what comes next. Ask anyone you know who has also decided to pop the question—the real decision making starts now! You’re challenged with devising a memorable way to ask your beloved to marry you, a huge moment in both of your lives that you’ll remember just as much, if not more than, your wedding day!
While every person is unique, there are bound to be a few ways to propose that you feel are especially suitable for your love. Take some time to review these proposal ideas, and try to narrow down your method to one or two potential options. If none of these inspire you, think about a special piece of your relationship that you’d like to memorialize, a way that you could surprise your future spouse, or something else they wouldn’t expect, and go from there!
Throw a Party
If you choose to propose in a big way, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. You can make an excuse to throw a party that doesn’t seem suspicious, invite all of your family and friends, and pop the question in front of all your loved ones.
Pro tip: Consider telling a few close friends or your family about your intentions so they can be prepared to capture photos of the special occasion in action!
Propose in the Air
No, this doesn’t involve asking for your true love’s hand while in the middle of a flight surrounded by strangers, although you could do that if the mood strikes you. If you’re both adventure enthusiasts with a lust for the unusual, you (and they!) might enjoy hearing the big question while you’re literally flying in the air. Book a skydiving adventure for the two of you and be prepared for an exhilarating and romantic journey back down to land as a newly engaged couple for crying out ‘cloud’!
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
If it’s not unusual for the two of you to explore your community or to spend most of your weekends out and about, planning a scavenger hunt shouldn’t be too out of the ordinary. Enlist friends and family to conceal objects in different areas that are meaningful to you and your significant other. You’ll be in hiding at the final destination—complete with a ring and a major question!
Opt for a Hike
Maybe you like the idea of something quiet, but you still want to do it in a true-to-you style. Why not hike your way to your engagement? Be aware, this proposal idea may require some advance legwork. Arrange to go on a hike, and enlist a friend to help you who can go ahead with a picnic lunch at a specific location. When you reach your destination, pop the question! They’ll be overjoyed by your asking and can also dig into the lunch you’ve prepared. It’s a ‘tree’mendous idea!
Transform the Ordinary
Why not transform a fairly ordinary day into one they’ll treasure for a lifetime? The run-of-the-mill proposal isn’t so much boring as it is completely unexpected. Make a plan to propose while doing something that’s always on your agenda—walking your dog, for example, or sitting on your deck watching the sunset.
Have a Quiet Breakfast
Consider booking a weekend getaway at a nearby bed-and-breakfast, or any destination where you’re sure to enjoy some quality time alone together. Arrange for breakfast delivery to your room and let your beloved know just how much your relationship means to you—and how you can’t wait to share more romantic breakfasts together. It’s a sweet, simple way to propose, and your loved one will appreciate the ‘egg’cellent sentiment.
Visit the Place You Met
It may be easy for your special someone to guess what’s going on if the place where you met is in another state or country—but there’s no denying how special it will be to propose in the area where the magic all began for the two of you.
Cook a Romantic Dinner at Home
Everyone loves having someone cook dinner for them, and a little romance alongside is always welcome! After you’ve prepared and enjoyed a candlelight meal together, take things a step further by snuggling up for a seemingly standard movie night. As you get ready to cuddle up together, take that opportunity to slip the ring and ask the big question. You’ll ‘cook’ up a future together in no time!
Use Food
The old “ring in the glass” method is still a sweet, tried-and-true way to propose. If you prefer not to dispense the ring in a glass of bubbly, why not immerse it in a slice of cake or ask the question via a cup of coffee and a customized mug? Now that’s a ‘brew’tiful proposal!
Design a Puzzle
Never underestimate the power of enjoying a fun night in with your sweetheart that in truth is so much more! Break out a bottle of wine and start putting together a jigsaw puzzle that you can personalize with your proposal message and a photo of you together. They’ll truly be a ‘piece’ of your life forever!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
