Proposal Planning Tips from a Destination Couples Photographer

So, you’ve found your soulmate, and you’re ready to pop the question. I’m sure you’re full of excitement and probably some nerves, too. But don’t worry, that’s why I’m here. As a destination wedding and couples photographer, I want to share all my best proposal planning tips to make this a moment you’ll both remember forever. Keep reading to learn how to plan a magically memorable proposal!

Tips for the Proposal Planning Process

1. Start with the location.

First, choose your proposal location. Everything else will depend on this detail, so it’s the perfect place to start. This spot will be the setting for your proposal, the backdrop for your photos, and (hopefully) where you’ll hear the most beautiful “Yes!” of your life. So, spend some time thinking about where you’ll ask the question.

After you decide on the location, you can then choose the best time of year, date, and time to propose. And if you need help with any of these details, your photographer will be an invaluable resource. Plus, if they are anything like me, they’ll love to plan. In fact, I even include planning assistance in my proposal photography packages!

2. Make it personal.

The location you choose should be personal to your relationship. Maybe it’s a spot you two have always dreamed of visiting, a place with significant meaning, or a location you know your love would enjoy exploring and being photographed. You’ll want to come back to this place over and over again, so choose a spot that creates the perfect mood for this memorable moment.

3. Don’t forget the little details.

Add some personal touches to your proposal, like your love’s favorite flowers or food. Ask for their parents’ blessing, create a handwritten love note, or include their favorite people. Think of the things that show how well you know them, how well you love them, and how incredibly valuable they are to you.

4. Plan a post-proposal activity.

As a proposal photographer, I always include a mini-engagement session after the proposal so my couples can celebrate the moment. During this session, I capture the love, the ring, and, of course, the excitement. Still, one of my best proposal planning tips is to plan an activity, outing, or romantic experience after your love has said, “Yes!” Give yourselves some extra time to celebrate together, process the moment, and look forward to the future.

5. Before planning a public proposal, consider your fiancé-to-be.

Don’t make your proposal a public spectacle if that’s not you. Keep the moment about you two and keep it true to who you are as a couple. If you want to pop the question in a public setting, that’s amazing! Just make sure your partner is comfortable with that idea before you commit to an attention-grabbing plan.

6. Make sure the ring fits!

If you’re about to ask your partner to spend the rest of their life with you, you should know their ring size! Talk about your plans for the future, chat about your dreams for the relationship, go ring shopping together, find out what styles they like, and get that ring finger-sized. Don’t spoil any surprises, but do get on the same page about the next step in your relationship.

7. Book a photographer.

It might seem like one of the more obvious proposal planning tips you’d get from a photographer, but here it is anyway. Plan to get this moment captured. You’re about to create a lifelong memory, and you’ll want to have tangible moments to look back on. That look of joy on your love’s face isn’t something you’ll ever want to forget!

8. Don’t overthink it.

Sometimes, simple is better. Above all, you should keep your proposal focused on you and your partner, the moment you want to create, and the heartfelt profession of love you plan to make. This is the beginning of a lifelong, heartfelt, intimate journey. So, keep your proposal centered around your relationship, connection, and love story.

Proposal Planning Tips for the Perfect “Will You Marry Me?” Moment

Now that you have the perfect proposal planned, here are a few bonus tips to create a truly magical moment:

Bonus Proposal Planning Tip #1: Create an excuse to get photo-ready!

Come up with a reason to dress up (or, at least, in a way they won’t hate you for later!) So, plan a fancy dinner, a photoshoot, a makeover day with friends, or some other excuse for you both to dress well and/or get your hair, makeup, and nails done. You’ll both love those final images so much more if you look and feel your best.

Bonus Proposal Planning Tip #2: If you’re getting down on one knee, keep that back straight!

You heard me! No slouching while proposing. Keep your back straight to project confidence and save yourself from looking like a hunchback in the photos. You’re welcome.

Bonus Proposal Planning Tip #3: No matter how nervous you get, don’t rush the moment!

Seriously, don’t rush it. I know you’re nervous, but breathe and allow yourself to be in the moment. I’ll be there, hiding nearby to capture the moment, so you’re not in this alone. Ground yourself in the present, take it all in, speak clearly and with intention, and allow yourself to express what you truly feel. Your partner may take a few moments to process everything, but don’t rush them! Let yourselves both feel all the emotions and excitement of this incredible moment. And I’ll document every detail.

Those are all my favorite proposal planning tips! If you want a proposal photographer who will help you plan, execute, and capture the moment you ask that enormous question, I’d love to connect. Please get in touch with me here to inquire about your proposal photography session. I can’t wait to start planning!