Propose Marriage: 10 Things to Do to Pull Off the Perfect Marriage Proposal

Hello, everyone! I’m Nick Coutu, and if you’ve landed here, you’re probably ready to take a wonderful leap and propose marriage. Crafting the perfect proposal is more than just a question—it’s a heartfelt declaration of your love, commitment, and future. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find ten essential steps that can help you propose in a way that feels true to both you and your partner. 

Planning to propose shouldn’t be intimidating; with the right approach, it can be an exhilarating journey that culminates in a memorable, romantic moment. Let’s dive in to discover how to look good, smell good, pick a perfect ring, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

1. Why Propose Marriage Thoughtfully
2. 10 Steps to a Flawless Proposal
   1. 1. Look Good
   2. 2. Smell Good
   3. 3. Tasty Bites
   4. 4. Make the Memory
   5. 5. Select the Perfect Location
   6. 6. Hire a Photographer
   7. 7. Intimate or Public?
   8. 8. Go the Extra Mile
   9. 9. Give Them a Personalized Ring
   10. 10. Present Your Personalized Ring in a Personalized Box
3. Summary
4. The Moment Is Now: Your Call to Love
5. Sparkle with Purpose: Our Top Product Pick
6. About the Author: Nick Coutu
7. FAQ

Why Propose Marriage Thoughtfully

When you propose marriage, you’re not just popping a question; you’re creating a story that you and your partner will share for years. A thoughtful proposal conveys respect, admiration, and genuine affection. Always remember rule #1: this is your partner's moment and it's more about them than it is about you. Chances are, the love of your life has dreamed about this day and how they will be proposed to. You're going to want to deliver on that vision or at least demonstrate your thoughtfulness on that front. Keep your eyes on the prize: making the memory that your partner wants. 

Other things you can plan that you should also include:

• Personalize the moment with details that reflect your journey together.
• Demonstrate your commitment and sincerity, which builds a stronger foundation for marriage.
• Show your partner that you’ve invested time and effort to make them feel truly special.

Remember: A well-thought-out plan can turn jitters into excitement, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to propose marriage with heartfelt intention.

Know the assignment!

Below are the 10 essential steps to help you propose in a manner that’s both memorable and authentic. From selecting the perfect outfit to presenting a personalized ring, these guidelines will walk you through the process with ease.

Essentially, the following are the 10 details to a Flawless Proposal. The moment is the essence, the details enhance. Remember, this is a moment the two of you will never forget. The following are the details that will help you make the most of it. 

1. Look Good

Making a physical impression that will last a lifetime, especially when you propose marriage. Feeling good about how you look will set a confident tone.

1. Choose attire that flatters your figure and complements the setting (formal vs. casual).
2. Grooming matters—neat hair, trimmed nails, and well-maintained facial hair (if any) go a long way.
3. Add a special accessory—a stylish watch, a favorite necklace, or even subtle cufflinks—to elevate your look.

Bold Tip: If you're going all out on looking good, make sure you don't give away the surprise. Chances are your partner will suspect something is up if you do anything too out of the ordinary.

2. Smell Good

While looking good is crucial, smelling amazing can be just as impactful. The sense of smell is deeply tied to memory—giving your partner an aromatic reminder of that special day.

• Opt for light, clean fragrances that aren’t overwhelming.
• Consider any allergies or sensitivities your partner might have.
• Apply moderately—a couple of spritzes on pulse points (neck, wrists) is often enough.

Pro Tip: Testing scents over a few hours will help ensure they suit your natural chemistry.

3. Tasty Bites

They say the way to someone’s heart can be through the stomach. Creating or selecting delicious food can add a comforting and celebratory vibe to your proposal. The snacks or meal / sitting together after the big moment has passed is often just as memorable as the moment itself or even part of the moment all together. This is one of the biggest parts of the celebration, so plan for where and what that should be. 

• Consider cooking your favorite meal together from scratch afterwards.
• Go all out (desert and champagne!) from a meaningful restaurant like a first date or the 'go-to.'
• Plan a picnic, to bask in the moment even further. 

Here’s a quick bullet list of mouthwatering ideas:

• A themed dinner based on your first vacation or shared hobby.
• A dessert platter with chocolate-dipped fruits or artisanal pastries.
• A champagne or sparkling juice toast for the big moment.

Remember: Even simple comfort foods can elevate the occasion, as long as they’re significant to you both.

4. Make the Memory

This is your chance to play in the sandbox, just the two of you, in a very vulnerable way. Embracing that vulnerability and having the courage to improvise amidst all the planning can be a difficult. Trust that your partner will embrace how you deliver such a wonderful gesture. In this digital era, we capture memories on our phones daily, but a proposal deserves a little extra thought. Think of creative ways to immortalize your special moment—really think it through—develop how you will reach into your partner's soul and touch it with sincerity and connection:

1. Make a playlist of meaningful songs that bring back memories you've made to this point to help develop the sentiment 
2. Look through all your photos and let the nostalgia build, create immersion of the world you built together. 
3. Write notes and letters to yourself (you may end up sharing them afterwards!) as if to prepare a speech of all the things that you would want to say. Bonus: you'll be better prepared for your wedding speech when that day comes too!

Bold Tip: You might even use these ideas—play your curated soundtrack while flipping through a scrapbook? What ever your form of expression, develop it as much as possible so that it is truly genuine. THAT is the secret formula to making the memory. 

5. Select the Perfect Location

Location is everything when you propose marriage. The right setting can heighten emotions and reflect your love story. One thing to keep in mind though is that no matter how much time has passed, that spot will still be there when you're old and grey. Making sure the site of your proposal is still there in 50+ years will preserve the memory and help you relive it with clarity. 

• Outdoor wonders: Beaches, mountain overlooks, gardens, or a scenic hiking trail.
• Indoor ambiance: A cozy living room, a candlelit restaurant, or a place with special significance.
• Destination proposals: If you love traveling, plan a getaway and propose in a dream locale.

Pro Tip: Make sure your partner feels comfortable in the environment. Chances are likely that your partner would prefer a private setting.

6. Hire a Photographer

If your budget allows, hiring a professional photographer can be one of the best decisions you make. You’ll get polished, high-quality images that capture real-time emotions.

• Surprise factor: Position the photographer discreetly to catch the genuine “Yes!”
• Videography: Consider filming the proposal for a cinematic memento.
• Planning: Communicate the exact time and location, so they’re poised for the big reveal.

Bold Tip: Some photographers also offer mini-engagement photo sessions right after the proposal—perfect if you want a few celebratory shots.

7. Intimate or Public?

Few people dream of a grand, public proposal, while the vast majority prefer an intimate, private moment. Consider your partner’s personality and comfort zone:

• Private: Never a risky bet. A good principle to follow is that you should only add things that will enhance the electricity of the connection between just the two of you in the moment. Rarely does that mean that you should have any other sets of eyes on you and your partner other than your own. (Your photographer's is an exception)
• Public: Is there a need for a big production, or for other people to be privy to one of the most intimate moments of your life? Are you sure your partner wanted your friends to be there? Does the family need to be there? Is the big stadium the best way to do this? If so, be sure to ask yourself "why?" Your partner certainly will!  

Propose in a way that reflects your partner’s preferences. The last thing you want is for them to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed by a big crowd if they’re more reserved.

8. Go the Extra Mile

Details matter when you propose marriage. Thoughtful touches can transform an already lovely plan into a truly unforgettable experience. Try to see if there's a person close to your partner who can secretly perform some fact finding for you. 

• Matching attire or color schemes subtly tie you both together.
• Decorations like fairy lights, candles, or rose petals set a dreamy mood.
• Don't overwhelm yourself by having too many moving parts. Eyes on the prize.

Bold Tip: Even if you’re not big on words, a few authentic lines about what your partner means to you can make the moment extra special. Just know that when you get in the moment, it is very likely that the show won't be anything like the rehearsal. You will be nervous, so don't try to manage too much! 

9. Give Them a Personalized Ring

The ring often becomes a symbol of your shared future. Personalizing it ensures it represents your unique bond:

• Engravings: Add a memorable date, initials, or a short line that resonates with your love story.
• Birthstones or custom gemstones: Incorporate colors or stones significant to your journey.
• Ethical considerations: Opt for conflict-free diamonds or sustainably sourced metals if that aligns with your values.

For a quick reference, here’s a numbered list to help you decide on personalization:

1. Style: Classic solitaire, vintage-inspired, modern cluster, etc.
2. Metal: Platinum, white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold.
3. Diamond Shape: Diamond, moissanite, sapphire, or birthstone.
4. Engraving: Dates, initials, short phrases of love.

If you really want to knock it out of the park, come visit me at my Atelier—book an appointment and let's get in the studio so that I can give you way more than just these 10 tips. Here's a couple more just to name a few: 

10. Present Your Personalized Ring in a Personalized Box

The grand reveal matters. A customized ring box can be the finishing touch that elevates your proposal from sweet to spectacular:

• Engrave the box with a phrase like “Forever & Always” or your initials.
• Incorporate a soft LED light to spotlight the ring when opened.
• Choose a unique design: wood, glass, or even a special color that holds significance.

Bold Tip: Keep the box hidden yet accessible. You don’t want to fumble for it during the big question! I used a Monolix sleek ring box because it was discreet and fumble-proof. It was in my back pocket the whole way from our hotel to the quiet area near the Eiffel Tower—a 30 minute walk—and Brittany had no idea. 

Summary

Let’s recap the 10 vital steps to successfully propose marriage:

1. Look Good: Dress in a way that boosts your confidence.
2. Smell Good: Subtle fragrances can leave a lasting impression.
3. Tasty Bites: Good food sets a joyful, celebratory tone.
4. Make the Memory: Create keepsakes, playlists, or letters to cherish forever.
5. Select the Perfect Location: Choose a spot that resonates with your love story.
6. Hire a Photographer: Capture candid, high-quality moments.
7. Intimate or Public?: Cater to your partner’s comfort zone.
8. Go the Extra Mile: Little details often make the biggest impact.
9. Give Them a Personalized Ring: Customize the ring to reflect their style and your story.
10. Present Your Personalized Ring in a Personalized Box: Make the final reveal unforgettable.

By keeping your partner’s personality and preferences at the forefront, you’ll propose in a way that’s not only successful but also deeply meaningful.

The Moment Is Now: Your Call to Love

You’ve got the tips and the vision—now it’s time to propose marriage. Don’t let fear or perfectionism hold you back. When you speak from the heart, the imperfections (if any) become part of your beautiful story. Look your partner in the eyes, express your love, and let the magic unfold.

Sparkle with Purpose: Our Top Product Pick

If you’re in search of that perfect ring to match your heartfelt proposal, consider our Romantic Engagement Ring Collection. You'll find that each ring has a thoughtful love story attached to it, and you may just find one that resonates with you. 

About the Author: Nick Coutu

I’m Nick Coutu, a relationship enthusiast, writer, and second generation jeweller who believes in celebrating love in its many forms. From indulging in creative date nights to guiding people on how to propose marriage in style, my mission is to help couples create unforgettable memories. When I’m not sharing ideas about romance, you can find me exploring new cuisines, or spending time in our Atelier, making sentimental jewellery. 

FAQ

1. Does this advice apply if I want to propose marriage to a boyfriend or non-binary partner?
Absolutely. These steps can be adapted to any relationship dynamic. Focus on personal touches that resonate with your unique bond.

2. What if I’m on a tight budget?
A heartfelt proposal isn’t about how much money you spend. Thoughtful, personalized details—like a handwritten letter or a sentimental location—often matter more than grand gestures.

3. How do I keep the proposal a secret?
Plan in stages and confide only in a select few who can keep the surprise. Discreet planning ensures your partner remains unaware until the big moment.

4. Is it okay to propose without a ring?
Yes. Many people choose alternative tokens of commitment, like a family heirloom. Do what feels right for your relationship.

5. How do I manage nervousness on the big day?
Being nervous is natural—it means you care. Despite it's inevitability, you can develop confidence through enthusiasm and excitement, which you can achieve by finding out what your partner wants and delivering it with some charisma! Take deep breaths and remind yourself that this moment is about celebrating your love.

Propose marriage with style, confidence, and sincerity. As you craft each aspect—from the outfit you choose to the final reveal of the ring—remember that the goal is to celebrate the love you share.

Now that you’re armed with a detailed plan, go forth and propose marriage in a way that encapsulates your beautiful journey together. May your proposal be the start of a lifetime of cherished memories!