Valentine’s Day is this weekend and we have proposals on our minds! What would be your ideal proposal? How did your new husband-to-be pop the question? We’re looking at some of the best ideas for proposals, both public and private, and everything in between. If your partner happens to ‘accidentally’ see it, it can only be good, right?
Favourite location
Don’t mess with the classics. Take your partner your favourite locations as a couple. Ask someone to take a picture of you together, but instead, get down on one knee and propose. Make it more personal by taking them to the location you first met to do it.
First date
Recreate your first date together. Wherever you had your first date, be it dinner, drinks or a movie. Do everything as close to the original date as possible, and at the end of the date, pop the question. Simple, but effective.
Live music
Hire a band or choir to appear out of nowhere in the park as you’re walking through and start singing your partner’s favourite song, then get down on one knee and pop the question. Or, if you’re a fan of independent bands, ask them to help you out and cover the song during one of their gigs that you go to together.
Treasure hunt
Send your partner on a fun romantic scavenger hunt. Leave clues out that lead to one another, ending at a location of your choosing with you waiting to propose to her. Very romantic and a lot of fun and excitement, leading up to the proposal itself.
The morning paper
If and your significant other are a fan of the Sunday papers, take out an ad in the paper, pick it up on Sunday morning and bring it to your partner with breakfast-in-bed and enjoy flicking through the paper together. For extra secrecy, direct her attention to something else on the page and let her spot it for herself.
Destination proposal
Going abroad for your proposal location is a popular choice, mainly because of the romance of being on holiday together, and for the beautiful location: beaches, mountains, stunning architecture and some of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s also the perfect place if you want a few days to enjoy your engagement alone with just the two of you.
Spell it out
In chalk, on your shopping list, in a window or even in sky writing, there are plenty of opportunities to spell out those exciting four words: “Will you marry me?” It can be anything from a personal love letter to a big spectacular show, but having your partner read it out themselves, only to find you down on one knee is really special.
Meal for two
Cook a romantic meal from scratch for your beloved from start to finish. Pull out all the stops, with homemade dessert, champagne, candles, the works. And when it comes to the dessert (depending on what it is), place the ring on top as you bring it to the table. The perfect way to end a romantic meal for two.
Proposal cake
Another way to spell it out for your partner, this works particularly well if you’re proposing on their birthday. Whether you’re out in a fancy restaurant or at home. Present the birthday cake, but instead of the usual ‘Happy Birthday’ scrawled across it, have ‘Will you marry me?’ written on it in icing.
Picture perfect
If you’re thinking of the pictures, book a romantic couples shoot for you and your partner. Let the photographer in on the plan, then, mid-shoot, get down on one knee and propose. Then the rest of the shoot can be your engagement shoot. You might even use one as your Save the Dates.
Re-enact her favourite movie
If she’s crazy about Pretty Woman or she loves that scene from Say Anything, then why not re-enact it for her? Pull up at her door hanging out of a white limousine in a tuxedo with flowers, or hold up the boom box for her. You could even substitute the song for one of her favourites, or how about Marry You by Bruno Mars?
Involve friends and family
Gather some family and friends to help you out. Whether it’s simply helping you spell it out with letters or have them organise a surprise party where you can pop the question and enjoy an immediate engagement party surrounded by all your family and friends.
Box of chocolates
This one is another great idea for a Valentine’s Day proposal. Surprise your girlfriend with flowers and a box of chocolates. Except, before you give her the box, open it and dispose of one of the chocolates in the centre and replace it with the ring. Then surprise her with the box and let her open it and be surprised.
Hot air balloon
If you’re going for the spectacular romantic gesture, why not take your partner on a hot air balloon ride? Spend an hour overlooking the glorious landscapes of Ireland and take the perfect moment to pop the question to your beloved in mid-air. For extra romance, you can even organise one for sunrise or sunset.
Made a video
The creativity in this has no bounds, and you can get your friends and family to help too. It has the personal stamp all over it and most likely guaranteed to result in happy tears. Check out one of our favourites, with a little help from Zach Braff. No, really.