Men : How to Plan the Perfect Proposal

One of the most special, and important, jobs you will ever have as a guy is planning how you are going to ask the girl of your dreams to be your wife! There are a lot of moving parts that go into that one special moment you both will remember forever, and you might need a little help with how to do it right! Odds are, you have never proposed before, and you can feel a lot of pressure!! Whether you ask her in the living room of your first apartment together, or in front of the Eiffel Tower, there are a lot of ways to do it!! Here are some tips to creating the perfect moment that you will both remember forever!!!

The Ring

   Before you get on one knee, you have to have the perfect ring in your pocket that she’s going to wear for the next 80 years! Take her ring shopping as soon as you know, and make sure to take note of what type of metal, stone, setting, engravings and how many stones she likes. If you don’t know all the technical terms, that’s okay! The jeweler will be happy to walk you through all the options and you can always go back later without your girl to ask final questions before buying! There are a range of stores to choose from – from popular stores like Jared to unique boutiques to online! Make sure it’s reputable by checking reviews! A girl’s engagement ring should match her personality. Simple gold solitaire for classic, yet simple elegance, or an ornate 18th century vintage antique find with a stunning emerald. Whatever you choose, make sure do your research in advance so you can find a piece that shows her how well you know and love her!

The Perfect Setting

   Probably the biggest and most important decision you have to make is where you are going to ask her. You could go for a grand, romantic, classic landmark that she’s always wanted to see, or an intimate field during a picnic. The biggest thing to consider is where she would want it. If she’s not a girl who loves to be the center of attention, then choose a low-key setting that’s private so you both can enjoy the moment without feeling the pressure of onlookers. If she’s sentimental, take a note from Rich and ask her to marry you where you first met – at the center of the NIU football stadium!! If you’re not sure, be sure to ask her because she may have something she really wants! As the guy, it’s still your moment to craft and create, but make sure you know if she really wants something!

A few other things are to consider are: if you want it to be on a special date (like an anniversary or birthday), potential roadblocks such as weather if it will be outdoors, and if you want it photographed! At the end of the day, it will be perfect no matter where it is, because it’s your special moment!!

Plan the Details

   Are you going to have the ring in a special spot for her to find in a book or in the bottom of a champagne glass? Or will you plan a flash mob in a special spot? Once you know where and when you want to do it, make sure you talk to any people involved in surprising her that you will need help or permission from! That includes if you want a photographer to capture the moment! Your photographer will usually do a walk-through of the location with you and help guide you through where to stop so they can get the perfect shot of her reaction! Plus it’s a fun way to announce to everyone with photos from the moment – your friends will feel like they were there with you!

Also consider what she will be wearing! If she’s a girl who would want to be dressed up for the moment, use an event – like dinner or a special show as an excuse to make sure she’s looking her best (but we both know she’s always looking her best ;)) If it’s more of a unique setting, maybe after you cross the finish line at a Spartan race, then you won’t need to worry about that too much, the moment will speak for itself!

What To Say

   This part is one of the most fun parts! This is where you get to tell her how much she means to you, all the things you love about her, talk about your future, and ask her to be your wife!!! Make her feel special, and don’t try too hard to make it sound scripted. Be genuine and speak from the heart! Whether you start chronologically with when you met, or if you keep it short and heartfelt, have a general idea of what you are going to say, and let your heart speak for you when the moment comes! It’s okay if you are a bit nervous, she already knows how much you love her, so take a deep breath before you start and just say what you feel and the words will flow!

Make It Personal

   This moment should be unique and true to you both as individuals, and as a couple. It doesn’t matter if everyone asks their girl there, like in front of Cinderella’s castle, or if it’s weird and quirky like you! It might be at your favorite racetrack, or on top of a mountain! If you create a special and personal moment that has significant meaning to you as a couple, that’s what will make the moment you start your life together even more perfect. Have fun with it!

Tell Your Friends & Family

   SHE SAID YES!!! After all the shock, tears, and kisses are over, you’re going to want to call your family and friends to tell them the news!!! If you have a photographer there, they will probably continue with a mini engagement session for you to get some pictures afterwards! Of course you will want to tell your closest circle about your engagement before you post the pictures to Facebook for the world to see! But before you tell your family and the world the amazing news, take a little time yourselves to celebrate together, while it’s your little secret. Everyone is going to be so happy and excited for you, and all the wedding planning whirlwind is going to begin, but while you have a moment, just take in the reality just the two of you. Take a stroll, have a nice dinner, or just go back home and relive the moment over a glass of wine. Live in the present for a few moments. Forever begins now!!!

*Psssttttttttt*

Do you need a photographer for your proposal?!? Proposals and couples are one of my favorite things to capture! I’ll make sure the moment is not only captured with the true joy of the moment, but I’ll help you make sure you are prepared and confident that the magic of the moment is exactly what you wanted! Email me at expeditionjoy@gmail.com to make sure those precious moments are documented forever <3

Proposal sessions start at only $250!