Proposing like a pro can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments you’ll ever experience. Or perhaps, one of the most enjoyable and surreal. But it’s up to you which way it goes. I’ve been shooting proposals for awhile now and I’ve learned a lot about what makes a proposal work and what doesn’t. I’m sharing some tips for proposing like a pro that will make everything seem really easy and smooth!
The easy part is that you obviously know your partner really well. Their likes and dislikes, the places they love, their hobbies, etc. It will be easy to incorporate the things they love and into your proposal. But it’s usually the details of how, when, and where that people stumble over.
Photographing surprise proposals is one of my favourite type of photography. I’ve been through quite a few now so I am very aware of how sideways a proposal can go if not completely prepared for it. But don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Here are my top tips for proposing like a pro!
#1 Tip for proposing like a pro is: Make up a believable story in order to get your partner dressed up and looking amazing!
Trust me, this isn’t always easy to do without giving away what’s going on. Nobody wants to be surprised with a proposal with a professional photographer on hand when they’re wearing sweats with greasy hair up in a bun. You must to come up with a really believable little white lie to get your partner excited to get gussied up and go out. Here are some clever ways to get your love to look their best for proposal photos:
- mention you were invited to a fancy dinner to celebrate your friend (insert name)’s birthday or your parents’ anniversary (be sure to enlist the help of your friends or parents to go along with it!);
- Tell them there is a band playing at your favorite brew pub. Maybe a hangout place and tell them you want to make a fancy date of it and have a nice dinner somewhere first;
- Schedule a pretend date with your besties and tell your partner that you’re all dressing up and going to (insert fancy restaurant name);
- perhaps your boss invited you both out for dinner and it’s a formal occasion so they have to dress up;
- state you have something important to share with them, but you want it to be special so you’re taking them out for a fancy date;
- Tell them you’re going to the (insert name) concert and you bought fancy box seats that require a dress code;
- confess that you volunteered the both of you to help out at a formal charity event and you’ll both be required to dress up.
There are really so many ways to make sure your love looks his or her best when you pop the question. But it just takes a little planning and strategy on your part!
#2 Tip for proposing like a pro is: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like I said, it gets your nerves jumping. And if you don’t plan out and practice what you want to say and how you want to say it, the words often come out in a single, run-on sentence. It can be blurted out so quickly. Prospective brides or grooms end up asking their love to repeat themselves. And nothing says, “Will you marry me?” like, “Murmur, murmur, murmur, marry me?” It’s really important to first take some time to write down everything that is in your heart. Put that together into a sweet little speech about how much you love your partner and want to spend your life with them. Then, once you get it dialed in, go through the motions of practicing it. Practice as many times as you want—until you think you can totally nail it in the moment.
#3 Tip for proposing like a pro: Hire a professional proposal photographer!
It makes sense to go big or go home. You’re going to put in a lot of time and effort to set up the most amazing proposal ever. That means hiring a pro who knows how to help you nail it!
Here are some very compelling reasons to hire a professional proposal photographer to document the big day:
- You’re, effectively, filling two needs with one deed because you can have the proposal and engagement photos taken all at once!
- They can help you choose the perfect location. Show you where to be when you go down on a knee or pull out the ring. Help you pre-plan and set up your story to get your future fiance to the proposal spot. If you are not from the area, the photographer can also easily set up an instructional video or video call with you. It will show you the proposal area and show you where to go and how to position yourself once you get there;
- They can help you set up all the props and have the area ready to go;
- They can help you rehearse what you want to say to your partner and give you tips on how to remember. You will need to slow down and enjoy the moment as it happens instead of racing through it; and
- They know how to capture your proposal moments amazingly well because they’ve been there, done that for many others. They know what works and what doesn’t.
Its not easy to plan a proposal! I can help – message any time!
Why wouldn’t you enlist the help of someone who is seasoned at covering proposals? A pro can talk you through the entire process. They can help make your proposal one of the most heart-stopping perfect moments of your life. Proposing like a pro is easy if you put in the time to make a proper plan. Always list the help of a few trusted friends and professionals.
Here are more tips for planning a proposal and if you are ready to pop the question to your love. If you need a little help and direction to make it happen, let’s chat! I can’t wait to help you pull off the perfect surprise proposal!
