Getting ready to propose can be nerve wracking. Chances are you have spent a lot of time planning and ring shopping, and now the moment is here and you want everything to be perfect.  No matter how many times you’ve talked about it with your partner and rehearsed it in your head, the underlying thought of “Will they say yes?” seems to always be in your mind. Stop. Take a deep breath. Focus on your love and why you want to spend the rest of your life with this person. Then read over our tips on how to add the finishing touches to your perfect proposal. 

Be Confident

Look your partner in the eye, say their full name, tell them why you love them and ask them to marry you. Telling your partner why you want to spend the rest of your life with them is key, so be sure to speak confidently, clearly and slowly. Don’t hesitate or stress, and just enjoy the proposal. Treasure the moment and make it last. Afterall, you only get one proposal. 

engagement-proposal-tips-gay-weddings
Photo via Equally Wed

 

Get down on one knee

This may sound obvious, but if you’re going for a traditional proposal, be sure to get down on one knee if you are able. Not only will this add to the memory of your proposal, but it will also be a solidifying factor in the event that your partner thinks you are just saying sweet, loving words like you normally do. 

Central Park Proposal
Photo by Omnia Photography via Equally Wed

 

Have a backup plan

No, we don’t mean what happens if they say no (don’t worry, they won’t). Having a backup plan means knowing what you will you do if the day does not go as planned. For example, if you plan to get engaged at the beach, what happens if it rains that day?. If you’ve flown all the family in for the proposal, can you reschedule your plans to the next day, or do you need an alternative? Creating a Plan B for any scenario that might arise is a great way to relieve any stress you may be feeling about the day. 

Sunset proposal in Paris
Photo by Pictours Paris via Equally Wed

 

Get a photographer/videographer

This is a moment you are going to treasure forever. Your partner’s reaction is one you will not want to forget for years to come. Consider hiring an equality-minded professional to capture your proposal. Can’t afford to hire a professional? Enlist the help of a friend to photograph or video your proposal. These are keepsakes you will treasure for years to come (and then you can submit your photos to Equally Wed)!

Costa Rica Airbnb proposal
Photo via Equally Wed