You’ve found ‘the one’ and you’re on the cusp of popping the big question. Need a little nudge for a unique wedding proposal? Get your creative juices flowing? We’ll pace you through a few ideas to consider and then some.
What if you’re a woman proposing?
Are you a traditionalist female who’ll only propose on Valentine’s Day … in a leap year? We get that’s quite a wait. Tiffany Wright, a UK-based marriage proposal planner (they do exist, it’s serious stuff), says she’s “seeing a huge surge in women looking to pop the question”.
She suggests it’s a nice touch to ask his mum first and to consider proposing not with a ring but a pair of cufflinks, piece of art of anything “that lasts a lifetime”. Doing your prep work, putting thought and effort into how you propose will show your partner how much you care, says Wright.
But whether you’re a lady or a guy, our nifty ideas below could work for you.
Creative association
When you think of the word ‘propose’, does it place you a setting that’s adventurous, artistic, at a park, work, doing something sporty such as going sailing with a fine-dining edge, hanging out at a beach, feasting on an island picnic, in a hot air balloon, involve a Hollywood style limousine, skiing, a five-star hotel, indulging in a romantic beachside picnic, with your and/or your partner’s family, friends or even pets? We love the spin class that turned into a flash mob wedding proposal in the US. Public proposing may not be your style.
Timing wise, what sounds right for you: on your or your partner’s birthday, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, an important anniversary, particular season, on holiday, at dawn or sunset?
What’s the kind of ambience you’re after – romantic, fun, a little edge of terror (when you’re about to bungee jump perhaps?) or to allow your partner to have an inkling of what’s unfolding (you’ve got your heart set on going down on a knee or have booked horses and a carriage)?
You might be tickled pink by the idea of placing the engagement ring at the bottom of a bucket of popcorn you and your loved one tuck into all snuggly in a cinema. Think how much more memorable that will be if you’ve booked the entire cinema, with your family and friends, to see a favourite film together. Australia In Style can make that sort of wedding proposal happen for you. We can even organise French sparkling wine, roses, a choc treat, live musicians and a photographer, too.
If none of those ideas gelled with you, there’s even a ‘proposal idea finder’ site (How He Asked) that’s pretty exhaustive. Check out their quiz to match your partner’s qualities and likes with their recommended proposal style.
Cut to the chase
You could go the express version and propose and wed on the same day as a couple in the US did (Check out @Sherrelthetrainer on Instagram). We wouldn’t recommend it, though. In Australia, you must give your celebrant the ‘notice of intended marriage’ form a month before the big date, but you can request a speedier wedding date in special circumstances.
Before you nail the proposal, how will you capture it?
You wouldn’t be the first person trying to juggle a selfie stick while proposing. How about stepping it up a level? Like aerial? We’re not necessarily talking skywriting, but that’s a classic proposal option. Ever thought about having a drone to video your surprise proposal? A nice decoy, too, if the one you woo hears it circling above and looks up to check it out, while you muster your confidence to pop the question. This high tech footage may well stand the test of time to wow your future children and grandchildren.
Making it happen
We hope you enjoyed reading our huge swag of proposal ideas, but we’re leaving the tough stuff – asking the question – to you. We can help you get there with our romantic wedding proposal packages or even more customised ideas. Vintage limo hire anyone? Leave the stress of organising your proposal to Australia In Style. We’ll talk you through the options. Get in touch.