Learn

For some, they want nothing more than telling the entire world about their excitement in spending the rest of their lives with the love-of-their life. For others, they want this special moment simply to be between just the two of them. There’s no right or wrong answer as to which is best. It comes down to knowing your personal preference as well as thinking about hers. What kind of proposal would she most appreciate? Once you’ve decided this, you can let the relevant people in on the secret. Make sure you give everyone enough notice to be at a time and place that they need to be, but not too much notice that your secret may accidentally slip.

How lucky are we to live in Australia!? There’s no shortage of stunning options for picking a place to propose. When you do so, think about what ‘type’ of proposal you’re going for. Do you want something with a view? Would you prefer a fancy restaurant? Is there somewhere sentimental to the two of you? It’s important to think this through at the beginning as many of the other arrangements of the plan will be dependent on this. Make sure that if it’s an outdoor location, you have a wet weather contingency plan. Also make sure that she’ll be appropriately dressed for wherever it is that you end up deciding to do.

It can take a good month or longer between starting the process of getting the ring and this critical piece of the puzzle ending up in your hot little hands. To be absolutely safe, start looking for your ring no less than two months before you plan on popping the question. The last thing you want is to stress out about its arrival once everything else is locked and loaded.

There’s no limit on what’s possible with flowers and your proposal. You’re able to ‘go big’ and organise a stack of loose-leaf roses to scatter around the location you plan on proposing. Alternatively, you could turn up with a stunning bouquet of fresh and fabulous flowers that she’ll love. Or you could keep things simple and turn up with a single red rose—symbolic of the love you have for your one-and-only. Whatever you decide, make sure that you place an order with the florist a few days in advance, and make arrangements to have the flowers picked up or delivered in a way that fits in with the rest of your plans.

It’s not essential, but having the appropriate background music can add a special touch to the atmosphere and ambiance you’re trying to create. There may be a special song that means something to just the two of you. And if not, there are no shortage of romantic love songs to pick from. You can choose to play this off your phone, have a friend or family member help out, or if proposing at a venue like a restaurant, request that it be played in the background.

In theory, there are only four essential words that are absolutely required for any proposal: will you marry me? However, use your proposal as an opportunity to express all of the reasons you’re asking this question in the first place. Recap on all of the special things that the two of you have done in the past. Remind her of how you two came together in the first place, and how far you’ve come since then. Tell her about all the things that make her special and that inspire you towards wanting to propose. Explain all of the things that you’re excited to do in the future together too.

The day you proposed will be remembered as a key milestone in your relationship for the rest of your lives together. It is therefore desirable to document the occasion to look back on with smiles that will last forever and ever. If there are friends or family around, organise for one of them to take some photos and videos. Alternatively, staff at a venue are able to do this for you too. If you wanted to go all-out, you could organise for a photographer to just happen to be at the right place at the right time. And if it’s going to be a private affair with just the two of you, don’t forget to take a few lovebird-selfies to immortalise the moment.

This won’t always be possible, and shouldn’t be forced if it’ll give away the surprise. However, most girls wish they had their nails done prior to being proposed to, since they’re likely going to be showing off a stunning ring on their hands to the world shortly after. If it’s possible (and you’re happy to do so) see if you can recruit one of her friends into doing some ‘lady bonding time’ and getting their nails done in the days prior to the proposal. Obviously, you need to trust her friend and explain the importance of the secret and the special role they have to play.

If you’ve opted for a more public proposal, or you’re surrounded by friends and family, anyone around you will naturally be excited to join in the celebrations. You’ll also likely be sharing the exciting news on social media straight after too. Make sure that you and your wife-to-be take a brief moment to relish in the joy of building a life together that is exclusive to just the two of you. Don’t miss out on having some one-on-one time—no matter how brief—to soak up this special occasion with one another.