How to Plan an EPIC Surprise Proposal: 10 Tips & Ideas

A surprise proposal is a way to show how much you love and care about your partner. If you know the right way to plan one, it can be an incredibly memorable and special experience that both of you will enjoy forever. Plan a surprise proposal that’s unique to your special relationship, have someone capture the moment, pick the right outfit, and more! Here are our favorite tips & ideas for planning the perfect surprise proposal that will make your partner’s heart skip a beat with joy!

Brainstorm

The first thing you want to do is write down ideas for what you want your proposal to look like. Take out a pen and paper, or open up your favorite word processor and get ready to brainstorm some ideas. Think about what kind of mood you want your proposal in; are you leaning towards classy or silly? Is there anything, in particular, that’s special about her—maybe she loves penguins, or something else cute?

Planning ahead by reserving in advance

Booking in advance is a great way to ensure that you’ll have your special spot on a secluded beach or at the best table in the restaurant. Just be sure to make all of your reservations well ahead of time, and consider enlisting some backup (like close friends or family) just in case! By planning out every detail of your surprise proposal and being intentional with your date, you’ll give them a taste of how much thought went into planning their future with you.

Do something different

Planning a proposal on a romantic vacation or at a favorite restaurant might be predictable. Do something different and take your partner somewhere they wouldn’t expect, like on top of a mountain or during their favorite sporting event. You’ll surprise them with your creativity!

When you’re trying to plan an intimate, romantic proposal, it helps if your partner isn’t expecting one. Be sure to plan something that he or she would never expect—perhaps a trip together, or a special night out with friends—and make sure you don’t drop any hints about what’s going on. Do everything possible to keep the proposal a secret!

Include close friends and family

It’s only natural to want to surprise your sweetheart with a proposal, but letting some people in on your secret marriage proposal plan can add extra fun and excitement. In order to maintain secrecy, tell just one or two friends and ask them not to say anything until you ask them directly. If you want, also include them in your proposal – they can be there when you pop down on one knee!

Do you want to include family & friends in your marriage proposal? If you do, get everybody on board—your significant other’s family, your own family, friends, and neighbors—and tell them what you need from them. Tell them when and where they can expect you so they don’t worry about you being late or missing an important event in their lives.

Capture the moment!

Of course, it’s always a good idea to have someone around that can take photos of your proposal—this way you’ll have evidence of what really happened. It could be an adventurous friend or family member who is up for traveling with you to your destination, or it could be a professional photographer who knows how to hide but capture the perfect moment!

Create a budget

While planning your surprise marriage proposal, it’s a good idea to create a budget for your big day. This will help you get an idea of how much you can or want to spend, from venue rentals to flowers, musicians, and more.

Pick the Right Outfit

Choosing the right outfit is an important detail in any surprise proposal, as it will help add to the excitement of the moment and make your special day even more memorable. Give it some serious thought!

Express your love

Expressing your love for someone should be effortless, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to say. Reach for a special quote, song lyrics, or a poem that describes how you feel about your sweetheart. This gesture will show them just how deep your feelings are. Be careful not to give it away; you want your proposal to be a surprise!

Keep it simple

While it is exciting to think of a creative proposal, try to stay away from being too over-the-top. Think about what she might be expecting and come up with something that is both sweet and thoughtful but simple. The important thing here is to show her how much you care while keeping things appropriate so that your gesture doesn’t take away from your relationship as a whole.

Don’t let perfectionism stop you from proposing. If you’re worried about doing it right, don’t be. A proposal doesn’t have to be perfect, and if you run yourself ragged trying to make it flawless you may end up missing out on the actual moment.

Practice your lines

If you’re not sure of your proposal lines, get used to saying them in private before surprising your partner with a flash mob marriage proposal. Even if you think it will be more fun or romantic if she is surprised, practicing your marriage proposal lines first can save you from a few awkward moments.

Captured by Local Lens proposal photographers

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