How to Plan the Perfect Proposal
With Valentine’s Day just a heartbeat away, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some tips on crafting the perfect proposal – and to spread the love with a few of our favorite proposal stories from our offices.
- Know your audience. A sporting-event proposal on the Kiss Cam isn’t right for everyone! If you aren’t sure how your lady love would react to your plan, check with her closest confidantes (after swearing them to secrecy, of course) before you set anything in stone.
- Outline your proposal. This will be a moment that both of you will remember for the rest of your lives. Spend some time pre-planning what you’ll say to her so you don’t find yourself fishing for words while you’re down on one knee.
- Dress the part. Whether you’re planning on popping the question in a 5-star restaurant or a more low-key locale, spruce up so that you’re looking your best for this special moment. Odds are that she’ll want to share a post-proposal photo with friends and family, so looking polished is doubly important.
- Get the OK from her family. Although some don’t consider this a must-do anymore, know your soon-to-be-fiancee – if family is super important to her, then be sure to get the stamp of approval from her parents.
- Find the perfect engagement ring. Some brides want to be involved in choosing a ring, while others would rather be completely surprised. If you aren’t sure which camp your love falls into, check with a friend or family member.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your big day, here are a few of our favorite proposal stories from around our offices, plus the scoop on where you can find rings just like theirs.
Richard & Linda
Richard planned an elaborate proposal with a little help from Linda’s boss. She arrived at a local restaurant, under the impression that she was there for a work event. Linda was led to a private wine room, where a red ribbon and a card were hanging from the doorway with instructions to “follow the ribbon and take a trip down memory lane.” The ribbon led Linda to 6 different tables, each of which held a memento and a poem. The final note instructed Linda to turn around, and Richard was standing there with a beautiful ring.
For a look similar to Linda's, try this elegant 1.5 carat solitaire ring.
After rekindling a romance from years before, David and Laura worked together to build the perfect ring from the Zales Design Your Own Ring program. Laura had no idea that the ring was created when the two took a romantic weekend trip to Seattle. After checking out the wares in a souvenir shop, Laura and David boarded a boat to an island in the Puget Sound. On the island, the pair stopped to sit on a bench by a pond. David told Laura he had gotten her a gift at the souvenir shop – which turned out to be the ring! Laura happily accepted his sweet proposal.
For a similar look, try designing your own ring, or scoop up this gorgeous Vera Wang engagement ring.
Matt & Jennifer
Matt's sweet and simple proposal took place on a Saturday morning. Although Jennifer had helped to pick her engagement ring, she was unsure when the proposal would take place. Matt woke up early that morning and snuck into another room with their Yorkie pup. He tied the ring around the dog's collar, and the dog immediately headed back to bed. Jennifer woke up to see her perfect ring on their puppy's collar, and Matt followed up with his proposal.
For a ring similar to Jennifer's, try this princess cut engagement ring.
Want to read more sweet engagement stories, or share the details of your own engagement? Stop by Love Stories at Zales.com!
