Everyone wants their wedding to be unforgettable, but let’s not forget that the engagement is just as important an event. It’s where the big decision actually happens, it’s much more intimate, and it’s a lot less stressful. If you want to start a marriage off on the right foot, you should be doing it right from the proposal and here are a few ideas on how to do just that.

Go back in time

What are the most important moments in your relationship? What are the little things that make your relationship different from everyone else’s? Taking your partner to where you had your first date for the proposal might be a little cliché, but it’s effective. You don’t have to stick to that playbook, either. Outside a cinema after showing of a film you both love is an option. As is at a concert of a band that has specific significance to you or taking her somewhere she’s always wanted to go. Make it personal and make it unique to your relationship.

Something just for her

Even if it’s not something that calls back to an important time or shared memory within the relationship, the idea of personalisation is an important one. Bespoke engagement rings don’t just signify the fact that you’re willing to splurge a little on her. They are a visual reminder of the fact that you, above everyone else, considers her special, unique, and worth giving just that little bit more attention and appreciation. It doesn’t have to be an engagement ring, either. Anything that can make her feel more unique is a big plus.

Make it a surprise

Surprise engagements are getting a little harder to have, nowadays. First of all, most couples who get to that point in the relationship have already had “the talk” about how they envision their future together. You can think of unique ways to propose, but if you really want to catch her off her guard, it’s a good idea to have a decoy. Not just an excuse of why you’re going to a certain place, have some backup in telling the story. For instance, get her family or friends in on the plans (providing they have a good poker face). If you suggest an impromptu trip or date, she might realise something is up. If someone else makes the suggestion or “invites” the two of you, you have a much better chance of catching her off-guard.

Capture the moment

The truth is that a lot of the magic can be lost for the one making the proposal because it takes so much planning. Don’t be afraid to use proposal planners to help you deal with the logistics so you can focus more on the actual proposal itself. What’s more, even if it’s a private moment, they can help you capture the moment in photos so it’s forever immortalised.

More than solidifying your intent and beginning to make that big commitment, the proposal is your chance to let your future spouse know just how much they mean to you. Make it surprising, make it unique, make it heartfelt. Do what you can to make it unforgettable.

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