There’s no one-size-fits-all way to propose, and honestly, that’s the beauty of it.

The “perfect proposal” isn’t about fireworks or a viral TikTok moment (though if that’s your vibe, go for it). It’s about creating a memory that feels true to your story as a couple.

Here’s how to plan a proposal that feels just right - not staged, not cheesy, just you two.

1. Start With Your Partner’s Personality

The number one proposal tip? Think about what would make your partner light up. Do they love the idea of a public proposal, or would they prefer something private and quiet? Are they adventurous or more of a homebody? The “perfect” proposal always comes down to knowing them.

✨ Romantic proposal idea: Choose a setting that already means something to your story—like your first date spot, or a place you both love to escape to.

2. Choosing the Ring (Or a Placeholder)

Tradition says engagement ring. Reality? You’ve got options. Some people love being surprised with the perfect ring, others prefer to design it together later. You could even propose with a temporary ring or something symbolic until you make the final choice.

✨ Proposal tip: Ask a trusted friend or sibling for help with style hints - they’ll know what your partner has been eyeing.

3. Find the Right Proposal Location

When you picture your proposal story, where are you? The location sets the mood, and the best spots are usually tied to your relationship.

Some perfect proposal ideas include:

A scenic outdoor location (beach, mountain, or botanical garden)
A cozy at-home setup with candles and fairy lights
A destination proposal while traveling
The exact place where your story first began

4. Add Personal Touches

The difference between a good proposal and a great one is in the details. Think about the little things that make your love story unique:

A playlist of songs that mean something to you
A trail of photos leading up to the big question
A private dinner with your favorite meal
Involving pets or family members if it feels right

5. Capture the Moment

This is one of the most important romantic proposal tips: document it! Your partner will want to relive this memory over and over. Hiring a professional engagement photographer means you’ll have genuine, candid photos of the exact moment—and trust me, you’ll treasure those forever. If that’s not possible, set up a phone or camera so you still have something to look back on.

6. Plan What Happens After

After the “yes!” comes the celebration. Think about what you want that moment to flow into:

Popping champagne together in private
A surprise dinner with family and friends
A weekend getaway for just the two of you

7. Forget About “Perfect”

Here’s the truth: proposals rarely go 100% as planned. Maybe it rains, maybe you stumble over your words, maybe the dog steals the spotlight. But those are the things that make the story yours. The best proposals aren’t flawless - they’re real.

The perfect proposal isn’t about extravagance - it’s about intention.

Focus on making it personal, meaningful, and true to your love story.

And when you’re ready, I’d love to help you capture the moment so you can relive it for years to come.

We offer proposal photography sessions designed to keep everything discreet, natural, and beautiful - because the look on their face when they say yes deserves to be remembered forever.

✨ Get in touch here to start planning your proposal session with us

How to Plan the Perfect Proposal