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How to propose - a proposal planner's step by step guide

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Proposing can be one of the most beautiful moments yet also one of the most stressful of your life as it is a big step in any relationship - we totally get it. There is a lot of pressure when you want to make it perfect for your partner. Some people have dreamt of this moment their whole life and they have only got one chance to make it as magical as possible. That is why we are here to help and guide you through the process and take the stress off your shoulders to help create the perfect proposal for you and your partner.


We are The Proposers, the first ever proposal company, established over 13 years ago and with 5,000 'yes' moments with expert London proposal planners and destination proposal planners on hand to help you plan your big day. In this blog post we answer some of the top questions that you may have before you ask and give you an overview of how to propose!


One of the top questions asked is … 



How do I propose? 

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So you are considering how can i propose to my girlfriend or boyfriend? This is a very broad question and can be broken down into sections. 


Before your marriage proposal discuss your plans for the future:


Firstly we would say consider your partner and their expectations. Meaning have you had conversations before about getting married and having a future together. Although you want it to be a surprise it is important that you are both on the same page. 


Prior to your wedding proposal make sure-to pick out the wedding proposal ring:


Then comes the all important ring! It is important to understand what your partner would like, have they hinted towards a cut or a gem they love. For example, do they want a classic diamond or would they prefer an emerald or ruby? Would they prefer an oval or a pear-shaped diamond? If they haven’t hinted yet, perhaps now is the time to start subtly asking them. Click to learn more about wedding proposal ring options on our blog including average proposal ring cost, how much to spend on a proposal ring, how to check the proposal ring size needed and suggestions for where to buy a proposal ring.


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Once you are on the same page and the proposal ring is secured it is time to plan your proposal itself. Think how to propose marriage to your partner the most meaningful way. For this you can use a marriage proposal planner, plan yourself or enlist family and friends.


The location of where to propose comes first. Consider what is the best proposal spot for your partner. Are they a more private person? Would they enjoy a big public proposal? These are all things you should know the answer to if you are ready to pop the question. Perhaps it could be in the place you first met, or your favourite holiday destination or a place you have always wanted to visit. If you need some extra guidance with this our team is here to help, we know the best places to propose with a range of London proposal packages, European marriage proposal packages and also expertise in bespoke wedding proposal packages which are highly personalised. We have a lot of engagement proposal ideas and proposal suggestions so we can guarantee we will have something your partner will love!


After you have a place decided for where you will propose. It is then important that you consider the timings and when to propose. Do you want to propose on a special date such as an anniversary or a birthday? Or just a time you know feels right. Also decide on the hour of day, are you imagining an evening candlelight occasion or something outdoors in golden hour. Whatever time you choose you should ensure that neither or you will be stressed or distracted as this could ruin the moment and you both should be able to enjoy it. For example, we wouldn’t recommend a dinner reservation right after work so you have to rush out the door and it is not an enjoyable experience. 


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Then consider the visual element. Will you want decoration to adorn the lovely spot you picked out? Perhaps a floral arch, rose petals and candles or a Marry Me sign. Whatever marriage proposal decorations you decide on insure the atmosphere is romantic to really elevate the mood during the big moment.


Additionally think of if you will want any other suppliers there such as musician to serenade with engagement proposal songs - some popular ones are "All of me" - John Legend or "Perfect" - Ed Sheeran. And because this is such a vital moment our proposal planners always recommend hiring an engagement proposal photographer or videographer so you can look back in the future on the happy moment.


Once you have all the overall engagement proposal details organised, it will then be time to consider the smaller elements and then of course put the plan to action!


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Now we have given you an overall breakdown of some advice on how to propose planning wise. We will now run you through the more nitty gritty questions for the day of, of how do you propose... 


What is the right proposal ring finger?


Moments before an engagement our proposal planners often get asked - what finger does a proposal ring go on? Because imagine if you have just asked your partner to marry you but you don’t know which finger to place the ring on. That would be a bit awkward! The answer is very simple: the fourth finger on their left hand is where to wear the proposal ring! But did you know the reasoning behind this? It dates back to the Ancient Romans who believed that that finger had a vein running straight to the heart called the Vena Amoris, meaning 'vein of love'. 


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What knee do you propose on?


So you now know which finger is for the proposal ring, you should now learn what knee to propose on! Which knee to propose on is based on tradition and historically you should kneel on your left knee and have your right knee up right. This dates back to medieval times where knights would be knighted. They would do it this way to show their loyalty and respect. Traditionally you should then hold the ring box in your left hand and open it with your right hand.


Before you kneel down remember to take your partner to the designated proposal spot, lead them by the hand to the optimal place (sometimes couples get nervous and forget so they pop the question near to a door - this happens so if so, take photos in the spot planned after the fact to recreate).


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What to say when when proposing?


We often get asked what to say when I propose and some of our engagement clients love to create a speech for proposal while others prefer to think of a few points to mention and let everything come to them in the moment freely. We do love a proposal speech as this ensures you say remember to say everything that is in your heart.


Firstly, you should start by expressing the love that you have for your partner. Acknowledge what they mean to you and how your lives have changed ever since you have first met.  Secondly, we believe that it is good to speak about what makes your relationship so special and unique and perhaps highlight some of your key memories together. Then we suggest talking about your future together and build excitement by spending the rest of your lives together! 


Finally asking the big question, make sure you are clear and direct. We suggest you use the classic  “Will You Marry Me?” There are some other ways you can ask this such as “Will you be my partner forever?” or “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?” if you prefer an alternative.


However, don't put too much pressure on the moment and do what feels right!


couple holding to champagne glasses with the new engagement ring on


Bonus tip: After you have popped the all important question and of course they have said “YES!” It is important to plan what you do afterwards. It would be a huge anticlimax if you then just go straight home and to bed. You need to plan to celebrate whether this be having dinner or going for drinks with friends and family or having a private moment to soak it all in together. 


We hope this breakdown of some of the main questions we get asked on how to propose was useful. Most importantly throughout this whole process, stay true to your relationship. Do what will make you and your partner the happiest! 


If you need any more assistance in organising the big day we are here to help! We are the first ever proposal company established over 13 years ago and with 5,000 'yes' moments our marriage proposal planners can walk you through the process from a-z. With our wonderful engagement proposal packages or a personalised bespoke proposal approach - whatever you dream proposal is, together we can bring it to life. Contact The Proposers to begin planning!



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