7 Steps to Planning the Perfect Surprise Proposal
Step One: Ask yourself these questions
Why: You know your partner better than any blog on the internet! Trust your intuition, do what is best for you and your love, and don’t let anyone else’s opinions outweigh what you know in your heart is the right thing to do.
Would you, or your partner, care if your proposal was witnessed by loved ones and/or strangers?
Would you, or your partner, want complete privacy for this moment?
Have you had the conversation with your partner about what they want in a proposal?
Have you seen any photos of proposals that you like/don’t like?
How do you want to feel during your proposal, and how does that apply to the environment you’re in?
What do you want to be wearing?
Do you want to be dressed up more formally, or is casual clothing okay with you?
Would you be open to hiking to your location, or does it need to be drive-up accessible?
What environment do you imagine as the backdrop for photos? Mountains/beach/desert/forest/etc.?
Would you be open to meeting somewhere at sunrise or sunset?
Are you open to taking your photographer’s advice on timing or location?
Step Two: Decide who you want to be present
Why: Do you want it to be just the two of you? Do you want a couple of friends and family present? Do you even want a photographer? Honestly, only you can answer this question. Guests can really change the vibe—is that a good or bad thing to you?
You really have three options, and there’s no wrong answer:
Just you two (no guests, no vendors)
You two + a photographer
You two + a photographer + loved ones
Beyond that, especially when choosing a nature location, you also have to decide if you’re okay with some strangers possibly being nearby. If you’re not okay with that, it’s important to choose somewhere that is going to guarantee privacy. Even the most popular outdoor locations often have quiet times, and I’d happy to help my couples choose the best combination of date + time + venue to give them the best chance as the right vibe. However, if you’re not at all okay to see other people at your proposal, then let’s make sure you have a private venue.
Step Three: Book a photographer ASAP
Why: If you want this experience photographed, your photographer is the person whose expert insight can make it all come together perfectly! Your photographer will help you find the right location and make sure you’re there at the ideal time for photos. They will be the person who helps you plan a day-of timeline—utilize that expertise.
Of course, I hope I’m who you’ll choose for your surprise proposal, but no matter which photographer you choose I would encourage you to make sure they’re an expert in the area of the world you want to propose! Make sure you connect with your photographer to ensure they can offer the guidance and advice you need. Even if this isn’t your first time planning a proposal, an experienced photographer will know ways to personalize your experience and navigate any possible obstacles to a stress-free, fun day.
Step Four: Choose a location
Why: The right location is key to your whole experience! Privacy, vibe, lighting, what you wear, how to get there, how easy it is to plan the surprise…it’s all affected by the location you choose.
There is so much I can say about choosing your location. So much of this part of the process is personalized to your needs, and it’s going to come together from our first conversations about your goals. I would encourage you to look for any and all images that provide inspiration, and spend time visualizing what you want the day to look like.
Step Five: Coordinate the surprise
Why: How you manage the surprise aspect of this is so important! You’ve got to come up with a good story to get your partner somewhere. If you don’t want them to know ahead of time, you’ll need to build a very solid backstory.
You’re going to need a story! Why are you hiking out this location? Why are you both dressing up to go have a sunrise picnic? What do you need to do to plan this out in a way that preserves the surprise? Should you pack outfits to change into once you’ve popped the question, for photos afterward? Do you want to prepare your partner for a photoshoot, and use the premise that it’s just couple’s photos, or would that be too much of a hint? There’s no wrong way to do this, but only you know what will work best for your partner and yourself.
Step Six: Pack your things
Why: Depending on how you plan your experience, you’ll need to bring the accessories! Of course you need the ring (or whatever you’re proposing with), a bluetooth speaker for music, and anything else you need to set the scene.
Ring, clothes, accessories! A lot of couples I work with will pack out more formal outfits to change into. Make sure you’re comfortable and dressed appropriately, wearing the right shoes for the landscape, and have everything you need to set the vibe. If important, bring a makeup touchup kit (tears happen!) You can also bring multiple sweater/jackets to add variety without having to change your whole outfit.
Also, don’t forget the nails. If you or your partner care about having clean/freshly painted nails, make sure they’re ready!
Step Seven: Propose!
Why: Well, this one needs no explanation because this is obviously why you’re here. It’s time to make your dream come true!
Go into your proposal with a Plan A—everything goes perfectly, and a Plan B—something is running behind schedule, or the weather isn’t what you expected. Having a backup plan you’d be happy with is often the essential key to having a successful experience outdoors. You’re going to have an incredible experience, so let’s start planning!
