A Guide for Men to Plan the Perfect Proposal
There are quite a few things to consider when planning a proposal, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to planning the perfect proposal!
Things to Consider:
It all happens so fast!
It is a very emotional moment.
It will be an even more beautiful moment than you could imagine.
Tip number 1: Hire a Photographer
I know this seems like an obvious first tip being given from a photographer, but it is absolutely necessary! Whether you chose to be sneaky with a hidden photographer, or plan a couples shoot with a surprise ending this is absolutely crucial to a dream proposal. Going back to my “things to consider”, the proposal happens so fast. The moment you might have been waiting for your whole life is going to happen and be done within a 10 minute window.
“ There will be so many emotions flooding your heart and brain. The images your photographer will create are moments you and your partner will be able to relive every time they see those images. The emotions and thoughts that rush through you will be much harder to remember than you think, but the images will help you hold on to them. “
Tip number 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Your Photographer for Help
I cannot think of a single photographer that wouldn’t LOVE to help you plan your proposal. When you hire a photographer, you are getting help with finding beautiful locations, help with your outfit, and someone to cheer you on! With the help of a photographer, you can figure out if a secret photographer or a planned couples shoot will work best for your situation. There are benefits to both techniques.
Planned Couple Shoot Advantages and Disadvantages
If you schedule a couples shoot that your partner knows about, they will likely get their nails done, do their hair and makeup, and wear an outfit that they actually want pictures in. For a lot of women specifically, they want to make sure they look “nice” when they get proposed to and this ensures that they won’t be caught off guard. There is the obvious worry that they will anticipate the proposal. You can always buy the photo session as a, “Christmas Card Session”, “Birthday Present”, “Graduation Gift”, “Anniversary Gift”, or any other event that you could possibly piggy back off of.
If you plan a proposal photo session, I recommend taking pictures closer to the end of the session to get them off your trail and to ensure you get enough images before they cry their makeup off … like I did...
Undercover Photographer Advantages and Disadvantages
If you are worried about your partner figuring you out, don’t worry! We can absolutely go undercover. If your partner has expressed wanting to have their nails done and or any of the above mentioned stipulations to their proposal, there are a few options.
If she regularly gets her nails done, make sure to schedule the session to land within 1 or 2 days of her nails being done. She will be happiest with her nails at this time. Nails are “filled” every 10-14 days on average.
Bonus Note about the nails! Try to gently encourage a simple/plain design if she asks you what to do with her nails. Think plain/nude colors or French tips.
Dress about the same level she might want to dress. You won’t likely have to tell her to dress nicely if you just dress up a little bit.
The location will greatly determine the wardrobe she is wearing. Talk to your photographer about her style and see if they can pick a location that will encourage the outfit she will be most happy to get proposed in.
Tip number 3: Relax
It might feel like there is so much pressure to plan the best, most perfect proposal ever, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. If you have made it this far in the blog, you probably care a LOT about making this moment the best it can be. The nerves and attention to detail is a sign of how much you care about your partner. I promise you, the proposal will be amazing. Allow yourself to enjoy the thrill of planning this important moment and cherish it forever.