So you’re getting ready to pop the question – congratulations! This is such an exciting moment in your and your partner’s lives. If you’ve found your way here, that means you want to know how to plan a surprise proposal.
As a wedding photographer, I understand that planning a proposal can feel quite overwhelming. You’re probably wondering how you can actually keep this moment a surprise for your partner. That’s why I created this guide – to help you successfully plan your surprise proposal.
Read on to discover my best tips on how you can plan a surprise proposal.
Your Surprise Proposal Guide
A proposal is a very big moment in your life, and I want to preface this by saying that before finalizing all the details for your surprise proposal, make sure that your partner is on board. First and foremost, a proposal is about fulfilling both what you and your partner want.
Before planning out your proposal, find the time to sit down and ask your partner how they feel about getting married. Also, ask them when they would like it to happen. Do they want to be engaged a year from now? 6 months? Are they ready whenever?
Having this conversation doesn’t mean giving away the surprise; rather, it means being mindful of your partner’s wishes and getting a definitive answer before moving forward.
Decide when and where you are proposing
First, you’ll need to decide where you want to propose! I would recommend choosing a place that is meaningful to you and your partner. For example, it could be where you both had your first date or a place you love visiting together.
Before finalizing your decision on location, make sure that you research whether the place where you want to propose has any restrictions or rules. You definitely don’t want to be caught off-guard and learn that you can’t propose at your chosen spot when it comes time for the big moment.
In addition to deciding where to propose, be sure to tour the location too. This way, you can do a full walk-through of the proposal in advance. A walk-through will help calm your nerves, and you’ll know the exact spot where you want the proposal to happen.
If you’re planning to hire a photographer to capture your surprise proposal you can also walk through the location with them. Your photographer can even help you pick the best spot to get down on one knee.
When deciding when you want to propose be sure to consider the season and if there will be any physical limitations. For instance, say you want to propose in the summer, but your proposal location requires a long and sweaty hike that also involves rock scrambling to arrive.
If that’s the case, the summer and your chosen location might not be the dream proposal spot you had in mind. One more thing to consider regarding the location or activity upon which you plan to propose is if it involves anything your partner may fear – yes, I know that sounds counterintuitive to a proposal, fear, but it happens. Be aware of any fear of heights, small spaces, open water or anything of that sort.
Decide if friends and family members will be a part of the proposal
Another decision you’ll have to make is if friends and family members will be a part of the surprise. Family and friends don’t have to be a part of the moment, but it could be an extra special and a fun, unexpected surprise for your partner if they are.
If you do decide to include friends and family members, from a logistics standpoint, you’ll need to think about where you’re going to hide your guests for the proposal. You’ll also need to figure out if they are somehow going to be a part of it and what that looks like.
You’ll want to make it clear where they need to be and at what time for the proposal, and for anyone who is notoriously behind, give them a bit of an earlier time or stress how important it is for them to be at the exact time you’ve given them. Make sure you include friends and family members that you fully trust to keep the secret, as you don’t want the proposal to be accidentally revealed before it happens, because yes this does happen.
Figure out how you will propose
After figuring out your location, when it’s happening, and who you’re inviting, the next item on the list is to figure out how you are going to propose to your partner. This involves thinking about how to maintain your composure when the time comes, how not to break the 3rd wall, and how to remain fully in the moment with your partner.
My advice? Practice your proposal beforehand. Think about what you want to say, what knee you’re going to get on, and write down and rehearse your speech.
You’ll also need to think about how you’re going to propose. Are you going to walk hand in hand to your proposal location? Talk with your partner about why you love them? Recall a funny and heartwarming story from your relationship? The more you prepare beforehand, the easier everything will feel and be when the moment arrives.
Pro tip: Right before you propose, make sure your partner isn’t distracted. You don’t want them to have their backs turned or their phones in hand when you get down on one knee to pop the question.
To avoid this happening, I recommend staying engaged so that you both are present throughout the entire experience.
Hire a photographer
You might be wondering if you want or need to hire a photographer for your surprise proposal. This decision is up to you, but remember this is such a significant moment in your and your partner’s lives – wouldn’t it be incredibly special to have photos from your surprise proposal to look at for years to come?
These photos will preserve the emotions and reactions you both felt at the moment forever. Another plus of hiring a photographer is that you’ll have an expert by your side. Your photographer can help you with the planning process and extra details and make sure the surprise goes off without a hitch.
If you are going to hire a photographer, make sure to inquire if they have photographed surprise proposals before. Capturing a surprise proposal isn’t easy—there are lots of moving parts, so you’ll want to work with someone who is a pro at what they do.
The good news is that I’ve captured many surprise proposals, and I would be thrilled to help you plan and capture yours. Also, during the proposal, you don’t have to rush through it. There’s no need to end the moment early.
You and your partner can both remain present in the moment for as long as possible before inviting me into your space. This can be through a slight look or nod (since you know where I’ll be hiding) or by pointing me out to your partner.
Plan a mini-engagement session afterwards
After you’ve proposed, you can schedule a mini-engagement session with your partner. You can also take portraits with any guests you have with you. This is a great time to plan a mini-engagement session, as you’ll already have a photographer, and you can do something fun together.
This could look like popping a bottle of champagne, jumping in the water, or simply sharing 1,001 kisses and cheesy smiles!
Ready to Plan a Surprise Proposal?
I hope you found this guide on how to plan a surprise proposal helpful. This is such an exciting and significant step in your relationship, and I have no doubt that your partner will be incredibly excited when the moment unfolds!
And if you’re looking for the perfect wedding photographer to capture your surprise proposal you can learn more about my services here or get in touch with me here. I’m here to capture images for you that will forever evoke emotion, portray the intimacy between you and your partner, and that will always have the warm, honest vibes that you both already share.
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