Getting engaged is a monumental milestone in life. It is the start of a lifetime commitment to your significant other and a moment that is the foundation on which the rest of your life rests. It is also a moment that should be special and meaningful. Many of my clients struggle with how to make this moment special, but I am here to reassure you that no matter what you do, I promise it will be special because this memory is unique to you as a couple. Hopefully, that sentiment relieves a bit of stress; but, if you want to know how to have a successful SURPRISE proposal, I am going to give you a few tips to pull it off.

What is your partner’s level of comfortability?

What do I mean by that? The first thing you need to figure out is what type of location your partner would be comfortable in. If your partner is the type who is private, you want to make sure you don’t invite tons of family and friends to witness the moment. You will also want to choose a location that allows for a certain degree of privacy. On the other hand, if you partner is outgoing and loves people around, then you can choose a more public location. Knowing what he or she would want and be comfortable with is a true priority.

What is your lifestyle as a couple?

The most important part of your plan is to maintain the element of surprise. How do you do so? By choosing a location that aligns with your lifestyle as a couple. If you are an outdoorsy and athletic duo, this might mean choosing a gorgeous location along a nature preserve. If you are into walks along the beach and watching the sunset, then the beach would be a great spot. If you are into sightseeing, maybe a scenic spot you have wanted to check out, an arboretum, museum or other tourist attraction. The important thing is to choose a location that is not suspicious and is someplace or something that you are likely to do together.

Keep the plan simple

The more elaborate you get with the plan, the more room for error there is. The most romantic proposals I have seen have been the simplest. For example, just a walk along the boardwalk, a visit to a park, a quick stopover before your dinner plans. You don’t need elaborate sets and gestures to show your partner how committed you are. Also, the less people who know about the plan, the better. The less people who know means the less people who are likely to slip up and give away your plan.

Choose a time of day that works best for the location

This is an important one, especially if you have hired a photographer. If you are proposing on the beach, doing so mid day will not only be bad for lighting purposes, but there will be throngs of people present. If you are proposing at a vineyard, the early morning hours before crowds arrive is always best. If you are having a party at a specific time afterwards, then choosing a time of day that gives you plenty of time to arrive on time is ideal.

Have a backup plan or two in place

This is especially important for outdoor locations. For some of my clients, this means having a built in rain date. For those clients who don’t have the option to switch to a rain date, we will find a location that works as an alternative in the event of inclement weather. Having this in place ahead of time is of the utmost importance. Many times it requires research, planning and phone calls, so you can’t wait until the last minutes.

Hire a photographer to capture the moment and help you plan

Are you uncertain about how to create a plan that will work for you? I am not only a photographer, but I also help my clients to choose locations that will work for them specifically. How do I do so? Each and every client completes a questionnaire at booking. Afterwards, I chat with my client via phone and email to come up with the initial plan. Many times this takes a few emails and calls to flush out. Then, I meet with each client at the proposal location prior to the big day. We come up with some back up plans, rehears how to stand, cues etc. By the time you leave, you will have a solid plan in place and I guarantee you will feel relived from the stress of planning. My goal is to make the entire day completely free of stress for you.I even arrive early on the day of the proposal to make sure everything is perfect before you arrive and if it isn’t I handle it before you get there. Plus, Not only do you get my planning services, but you also get gorgeous images of this special moment that you will both cherish for a lifetime.

Don’t wait until last minute to book your photographer

There is nothing that makes me sadder than having to turn away a client for a proposal session. Many times my calendar is booked months ahead of time, especially for weekends. You should aim to book your photographer as soon as you get the ring. This allows you to research photographers and find one that meets your needs as a client. It also allows you and your photographer plenty of time to plan, meet ahead of time, and make any changes to the plan if needed.

Are you ready to start planning your proposal?

If so, don’t wait and contact me now.