Engagement season is just around the corner, and if you are one of the lucky people planning to propose to the love of your life then I have some tips for your success! These tips are designed to help you pull off the most memorable surprise proposal ever! 

Obviously, the proposal is the first pivotal step in spending forever with your loved one. However, to most sane people the thought of proposing is quite overwhelming. This is natural! So if you are feeling overwhelmed there is one proven way to help alleviate all the stress and worry you are feeling: bring on others who can help you! Having a team to support you can help make your proposal everything you dreamed it would be— and that it is captured forever. You can ask family, friends, or wedding planners to help you propose, just have people around who will support you!

Many don’t know this, but in addition to helping couples plan incredible wedding days I can help you plan the most memorable proposal as well!  

Check out this sweet proposal we helped AGS Photo Art pull off. The soon-to-be-groom wanted to incorporate the soon-to-be-bride’s love of In-n-Out since she grew up in CA and missed the California classic while living and studying out of state. Getting hot and fresh In-n-Out down to the beach in a classy way ain’t easy…but we can do it so leave that to us! 

In honor of engagement season we have some tips to help you plan the most perfect wedding proposal in Monterey, Carmel or Big Sur.

Make sure you’re on the same page. Ensure you and your partner are on the same page about the next stage. While you don’t want to give away the surprise you should, as a couple, be having the conversation about the next steps in your relationship. This also means understanding your partners values and expectations. In particular, it is super important to know if you need to get your partner’s family blessings. While asking the family for a partner’s hand in marriage is not as expected these days, it may be important to your partner. On the other hand, they could feel it is antiquated, outdated, and unnecessary. But understanding situations like this is why it is important to have these conversations months prior to the proposal.

Make it personal. 

A proposal isn’t, and shouldn’t, be about how much you spend, how grand the proposal is, or how many people watch it.  It’s about the moment when your partner realizes what is happening and is overwhelmed with joy that it is happening!

Incorporating something special to you as a couple is really the way to go. Does your partner love hiking? Go for a favorite hike or on a new hike that leads to an epic view. If your partner loves the beach and sunsets, a nice walk or picnic on the beach is a perfect classic proposal. Does your partner love games or scavenger hunts? Maybe plan an epic scavenger hunt that leads to a fun ending with you proposing! 

Hire a Photographer. 

Consider getting a photographer to help capture this monumental beginning to your married life!   You will want to remember this moment, and you can share it with all your family and friends for many years to come! 

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box either! For example, have you considered hiring a videographer to capture the moment? I have seen some really cool drone videos of proposals that are a fun memento of the incredible moment and reaction! 

Make sure you make your partner comfortable.

This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised. Make sure you consider what your partner likes or dislikes. For example, if you know it would be important to your partner to have family or friends involved then plan a surprise with the family during or after the proposal. On the other hand, if your loved one gets nervous or overwhelmed by family or crowds then make sure it’s private and then you can share the news on your own terms. 

Practice what you’re going to say.

A proposal is a hugely emotional moment, and like all big moments in life, practice makes perfect. Since you will be feeling a lot of feelings and so will your loved one make sure you know what you are going to say and practice it beforehand! Consider running it by a trusted friend or family member. 

Throw them off.

Think up a cover story to throw your significant other off the scent of the big moment. If you are planning something out of the ordinary like a vacation or getaway try to keep the actual proposal a surprise.

Incorporate favorite things.

If you love champagne incorporate it. If you love donuts, incorporate them! If you love your dog, incorporate it. Even if it seems odd this is where a planner can come in handy! We have been able to incorporate all kinds of special touches or memorable moments into proposals. 

Relax and enjoy the moment.

Hiring a planner can help you create and capture the perfect memories of this moment while allowing you to relax and soak it in. You should be calm and focused on your love and we can help you enjoy the experience and make it memorable without making it stressful. Invest a little on the front end in order to make your proposal a beautiful experience for both of you. 

Get down on one knee.

I am usually not the biggest fan of traditions, but I truly believe this tradition is special. Regardless of who is doing the proposing in the relationship it is still an incredibly romantic gesture to get down on one knee to ask your love to be yours forever. 

If you are planning on proposing to the love of your life this year or around the holidays I would love to help you out! This is the first step in the start of your life as a married couple, and I am here to support couples in every step of the journey. My goal is to make your journey less overwhelming, more enjoyable, and completely customized to you as a couple. So if you’re ready to propose, let’s talk and I can help you make it unforgettable! Contact me today to plan out the perfect proposal!