You’ve picked out the perfect engagement ring. And you’ve already asked the parents for permission, right?
Now you’re ready to “pop the question” and ask your love for their hand in marriage.
Or maybe, you're just not ready for that step because you find yourself struggling to plan the perfect proposal. And you keep on seeing all these perfect, and sometimes over-the-top proposals pop up on your social media feeds.
You ask yourself, “How do I top all THAT?”
Simple: Don’t. Thousands of marriage proposals occur weekly, and 99.999% won't go viral on YouTube. Be creative, but most importantly, be who you are and stay true to yourself and your loved one.
Whether you're looking for ways to propose at home or ideas for an outdoor proposal, we’ve compiled the best proposal ideas (in no particular order) and called out seven of our favorites that would be relatively simple to pull off.
7 Ideas on How to Propose
1. 21 Great Marriage Proposal Ideas – About.com
Simple Proposal Idea: “Hang the ring box like an ornament on the tree. When the last present has been opened, say, ‘Wait, there's still one more present.’ Ask your intended to find it or simply retrieve it and propose.”
Who wouldn’t love seeing a sparkly ring illuminated by twinkling lights?
Another great, simple holiday proposal idea is to attach the ring to mistletoe. The reaction you will get when you say, “Look up,” will be priceless.
Photo source: Engagement 101 via Pinterest
2. 66 Most Romantic Ways to Propose – The Knot
Simple Proposal Idea: “Have a custom jigsaw puzzle made with your picture and the words ‘Marry me?’ On a rainy day, suggest this activity, and when you've finished enough that you can clearly see the photo and read the words, it's time to propose!”
You can get affordable custom jigsaw puzzles from Portrait Puzzles, Creative Jigsaw Puzzles, or Printer’s Studio in a short turnaround time. Glue, mount, and frame the completed puzzle for a timeless keepsake.
3. Marriage Proposal Ideas that are Actually Unique – How They Asked
Simple Proposal Idea: “Ski Lift Proposal: Write different phrases in the snow that are visible to you and your girlfriend as you’re going up the ski lift. At the very top, have the last phrase be “Will You Marry Me?” You can use food coloring to dye the snow to make it easier to read.”
This might be a little more complex (especially if you don’t know how to ski). An added touch: Have family and friends waiting at the top of the ski lift ready to celebrate. Wait until you two are off the lift, however, before you pull out the ring. Make sure to take off your skis and get down on one knee!
Photo source: How They Asked
4. 75 Most Creative Marriage Proposals – The Dating Diva
Simple Proposal Idea: “Hire a professional photographer to take a ‘couples session’ for you and your girlfriend. Then propose to her during your photo shoot while the photographer captures every precious moment.”
Even if you don’t hire a professional photographer, get a friend to capture your proposal. This moment will be a blur. You’ll love to have photos and/or video to look back on.
5. 18 Romantic And Unique Wedding Proposal Ideas For Every Couple – Bridestory
Simple Proposal Idea: “Photo booth proposal: As the shutters start to click, pull out the ring and surprise her. There's no way she can hide that surprised expression and you can get it on camera as well. How convenient!"
After she says yes in the photobooth, have friends or family wait outside to help celebrate!
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Photo source: DERAI via Bridestory
6. 75 Most Creative Marriage Proposals – The Dating Diva
Simple Proposal Idea: “Carved in a Tree: If you both love the great outdoors, then take her for a hike in the mountains. Pick a tree and tell her you want to carve your initials in the tree. Then carve ‘Will You Marry Me?’ along with your initials.”
A perfect and intimate proposal for every season. Leaves rustling under your feet in the fall. Snow falling with the crisp chill of winter’s air. Spring’s blossoms budding. Summer’s sun seeping through flush branches. For an added touch, plant a champagne bottle and glasses nearby to celebrate.
Photo source: Hunt Drop via Pinterest
7. The Most Romantic and Creative Proposal Ideas, Part Two - Blue Nile
Simple Proposal Idea: "Nothing sets the stage for your proposal like a sea of scattered flower petals or blooms arranged artfully to express your love. Whether arranged in the shape of a heart or threaded together and suspended from the trees, when you say it with flowers it's hard to go wrong."
Proposing while incorporating flowers is simple, timeless and can be done just about anywhere. You truly can't go wrong!
Photo source: @iwanthershoes via Blue Nile
At the heart of your proposal is the love you and your partner share and your commitment to spending a life together. Don’t lose focus of that, no matter how high-tech or low-budget your planned proposal is.
And if you still haven't insured the engagement ring yet, click the button to check your rate.
