Getting down on one knee is a big moment in any couple’s relationship, and deciding to take that next step together can be just as exciting as it is daunting. If you’re considering asking your beloved to marry you, here are some ideas to help inspire you.
From small and simple proposal ideas to large and unique ways to propose, read on for some inspiration for the best ways to propose to your partner.
There’s no better time to pull out all the stops than with a romantic proposal to your loved one. Grab the flowers, light the candles, and set the scene with some music and wine before popping the question.
- Take a trip to the beach and propose at sunset with champagne.
- Enjoy a bougie picnic together in your favourite park with some fancy cheese and wine.
- Reserve an intimate table or private booth at a romantic restaurant.
- Turn your living room or garden into an intimate movie theatre – enjoy a candlelit dinner with their favourite blockbuster before dropping to one knee.
- Take them to their favourite place, and light it up with candles and flowers before proposing to them.
- Do you live in a city? Take them to a rooftop overlooking the area to propose under the stars.
- Treat them to a super relaxing experience at a spa before popping the question.
Adventure proposals
If you love nothing more than going on adventures together, this could be an excellent opportunity for the perfect proposal. Whether it’s something brand new, or you’re revisiting somewhere special, it’s the perfect way to begin your next adventure together.
- Take a road trip together and pop the question somewhere along the way.
- Book a fun-filled day at a theme park.
- If you love camping, book a weekend away and propose under the stars – bonus points for booking during the yearly Perseids meteor shower in early August.
- Enjoy hiking? Take them off-trail to a beautiful viewpoint or hidden waterfall for an intimate and private proposal in nature.
Surprise proposals
You probably want your proposal to be kept a secret until the big moment anyway, but making it a big surprise might be right up your alley. A surprise proposal out of nowhere can be extra exciting for your partner and exhilarating for you as well. Here are some tips for pulling off the ultimate surprise proposal:
- Buy your ring in incognito mode or on a different internet network – this is to avoid your partner getting targeted ads for jewellery shops which could make them suspect something is up.
- Keep your ring with a trusted friend or family member – to stop them from accidentally finding it in a drawer.
- Don’t be nervous! They might sense your unease and get suspicious.
- Hire a photographer to secretly take photos of your proposal from afar – they’ll be able to capture the exact moment you surprise your partner.
For those of you who are creative, you could use your skills to your advantage and incorporate them into a dreamy proposal idea.
- If you write music or are in a band, express your love through music and write a special song just for your partner. Whether it’s a private living room gig or during one of your shows is up to you – just make sure they won’t be embarrassed if you do it in public.
- If you’re crafty, you could use your art skills to ask them in a creative way – write them a story, create a comic book of your love story, or paint a mural asking the big question.
Themed proposals
If your love has a burning passion for a particular film, franchise, game, or anything else, a themed proposal is the ideal way to express your love. You could hire their favourite actor or voice actor to record a Cameo, set up a themed dinner together, and don’t forget the themed ring box to really make the proposal perfect.
You might even want to take a themed trip together if you want to go big – go to Disneyland, visit a famous filming location, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant featured in their favourite movie.
If your partner is close to their family, you might want to get them involved with your proposal too. Pop the question at a family gathering, get them to hold up signs with the big question, or get the family pet involved by attaching the ring to their collar.
No matter how you do it, make sure somewhere is ready to capture the special moment with a camera!
Budget-friendly proposal ideas
Proposing doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to pop the question that don’t require you to spend lots of money so if you’re on a budget, focus on getting the perfect ring and consider one of these budget-friendly proposal ideas.
- Write them a meaningful, heartfelt letter – when they’ve read it, get down on one knee.
- Take them for a walk in the park or along the beach – bonus points if you write it in the sand.
- Propose at home – cook them a romantic dinner and pop the question before popping some bubbly.
- Take them to a botanical garden – there are plenty of beautiful botanical gardens around the country with lots of beautiful plants to use as a backdrop.
- Take them back to the place you first met or where you went for your first date.
Destination proposals
If you’re looking to go big, a destination proposal is an excellent way to guarantee that yes. Wisk them away on a city break and stroll through the streets before getting down on one knee. You could book a stay on a tropical island and propose at sunset or over a luxurious dinner together. Or perhaps taking them to a secluded mountain cabin is how you want to show your love? The possibilities are endless, and no matter where you take them, they’re bound to say yes!
No matter how you choose to propose to your loved one, as long as you do it in a way that makes them feel loved and treasured, they’re bound to say yes! While you’re planning how you’ll pop the question, make sure you pick up the perfect ring. Check out our engagement ring buying guide for all the information you need to help choose a beautiful engagement ring. Make sure your budget works with our engagement ring calculator, and learn how to find the right size with our ring size guide.
FAQs
How do you make a proposal special?
The best way to make your proposal special is to make it personal. You can do this by adding in details that make it meaningful to your relationship – buy their favourite wine, put on music you enjoy together, choose food that you enjoyed on a special occasion, or bring back memories you share to create a beautiful atmosphere that is really special to you both.
How do you propose in a simple way
Proposals don’t need to be extravagant and grandiose to be meaningful. In fact, simple proposals such as taking a walk on the beach together, sharing a beautiful meal, or simply enjoying each other’s company can make the moment super special.
What knee do you propose on?
Tradition says that you should propose on your left knee. Your left knee should be on the ground, you hold the ring box in your left hand, and open it with your right. However, there are so many emotions to be caught up in during the moment that no one will really notice which knee you get down on.
Do I need a ring to propose?
Not at all. Rings aren’t for everyone, so although tradition states you should present your loved one with a diamond ring when you propose, you could easily pop the question with another piece of jewellery they will enjoy wearing more.
Getting down on one knee is a big moment in any couple’s relationship, and deciding to take that next step together can be just as exciting as it is daunting. If you’re considering asking your beloved to marry you, here are some ideas to help inspire you.
From small and simple proposal ideas to large and unique ways to propose, read on for some inspiration for the best ways to propose to your partner.
Romantic proposal ideas
There’s no better time to pull out all the stops than with a romantic proposal to your loved one. Grab the flowers, light the candles, and set the scene with some music and wine before popping the question.
Adventure proposals
If you love nothing more than going on adventures together, this could be an excellent opportunity for the perfect proposal. Whether it’s something brand new, or you’re revisiting somewhere special, it’s the perfect way to begin your next adventure together.
Surprise proposals
You probably want your proposal to be kept a secret until the big moment anyway, but making it a big surprise might be right up your alley. A surprise proposal out of nowhere can be extra exciting for your partner and exhilarating for you as well. Here are some tips for pulling off the ultimate surprise proposal:
Creative proposal ideas
For those of you who are creative, you could use your skills to your advantage and incorporate them into a dreamy proposal idea.
Themed proposals
If your love has a burning passion for a particular film, franchise, game, or anything else, a themed proposal is the ideal way to express your love. You could hire their favourite actor or voice actor to record a Cameo, set up a themed dinner together, and don’t forget the themed ring box to really make the proposal perfect.
You might even want to take a themed trip together if you want to go big – go to Disneyland, visit a famous filming location, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant featured in their favourite movie.
Family-centred proposals
If your partner is close to their family, you might want to get them involved with your proposal too. Pop the question at a family gathering, get them to hold up signs with the big question, or get the family pet involved by attaching the ring to their collar.
No matter how you do it, make sure somewhere is ready to capture the special moment with a camera!
Budget-friendly proposal ideas
Proposing doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to pop the question that don’t require you to spend lots of money so if you’re on a budget, focus on getting the perfect ring and consider one of these budget-friendly proposal ideas.
Destination proposals
If you’re looking to go big, a destination proposal is an excellent way to guarantee that yes. Wisk them away on a city break and stroll through the streets before getting down on one knee. You could book a stay on a tropical island and propose at sunset or over a luxurious dinner together. Or perhaps taking them to a secluded mountain cabin is how you want to show your love? The possibilities are endless, and no matter where you take them, they’re bound to say yes!
No matter how you choose to propose to your loved one, as long as you do it in a way that makes them feel loved and treasured, they’re bound to say yes! While you’re planning how you’ll pop the question, make sure you pick up the perfect ring. Check out our engagement ring buying guide for all the information you need to help choose a beautiful engagement ring. Make sure your budget works with our engagement ring calculator, and learn how to find the right size with our ring size guide.
FAQs
How do you make a proposal special?
The best way to make your proposal special is to make it personal. You can do this by adding in details that make it meaningful to your relationship – buy their favourite wine, put on music you enjoy together, choose food that you enjoyed on a special occasion, or bring back memories you share to create a beautiful atmosphere that is really special to you both.
How do you propose in a simple way
Proposals don’t need to be extravagant and grandiose to be meaningful. In fact, simple proposals such as taking a walk on the beach together, sharing a beautiful meal, or simply enjoying each other’s company can make the moment super special.
What knee do you propose on?
Tradition says that you should propose on your left knee. Your left knee should be on the ground, you hold the ring box in your left hand, and open it with your right. However, there are so many emotions to be caught up in during the moment that no one will really notice which knee you get down on.
Do I need a ring to propose?
Not at all. Rings aren’t for everyone, so although tradition states you should present your loved one with a diamond ring when you propose, you could easily pop the question with another piece of jewellery they will enjoy wearing more.