You’ve decided you’re ready to pop the big question. Congratulations—it’s a huge step! But now you need to plan it properly. The last thing you want is to be on one knee while your partner asks, “Is this a joke?” Don’t worry, though. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you pull it off.

1. Finalize Your Decision
Before doing anything else, make sure you’re 100% certain you want to get married. This isn’t a decision to take lightly. You need to be sure your partner is the person you want to spend your life with. A bit of soul-searching is essential here—you don’t want to question your choice after the third glass of champagne.
Be confident in your decision, and don’t let friends or family push you into or out of it. This is your and your partner’s journey.
2. Choose a Ring (or Not)
Not everyone needs a ring to pop the question, but if your partner expects one, you’d better be prepared. If you decide to go for a ring, here are some basic tips:
Ring Size: If you don’t know your partner’s size, "borrow" one of their rings and measure it. Just don’t get caught!
Metal and Style: Look at what your partner usually wears—do they prefer yellow gold, white gold, or maybe rose gold? Are they into simple designs or lots of sparkle?
Stones: Diamonds are a classic choice, but colorful gemstones can make just as big an impression.
Get good advice from a jeweler and ask about free resizing options. Remember, you don’t have to choose the most expensive ring—your love is the real treasure.

3. Plan the Big Moment
Here’s where the fun begins—deciding how, where, and when to propose. It sounds simple, but this is where many plans can go wrong. Let’s break it down:
How: Is your partner romantic? Do they love grand gestures? Think about it as if you’re writing a movie. This will help you flesh out the details.
Where: The location is just as important as the ring. Is it the beach, a mountain, or maybe the place where you had your first date? Pick somewhere meaningful.
When: Consider the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. A Saturday dinner might be perfect, but avoid surprising them after a stressful day.
4. What to Say
The moment arrives, and you don’t want to stand there lost for words. Plan what you’re going to say ahead of time. It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare, but it should come from the heart. Start by saying something personal about your relationship and then lead up to the question. And yes, you have to say the words “Will you marry me?”
Here’s an example:
“We’ve been through so much together, but the best part of every day is just being with you. Will you marry me?”
5. To Photograph or Not?
A photo or video of the moment is something you’ll cherish forever. You can hire a photographer or ask a friend to help. Just a warning: if your partner is shy, keep it simple. If you’re doing it yourself, try the classic “let’s take a selfie” trick—then spring the question!

6. Practice Your Proposal
It might sound silly, but practice makes perfect. Say the words in front of a mirror or even to your dog (who hopefully won’t spill the beans). This also helps you check how you look when you’re on one knee—it might save your balance on the big day!
7. Keep It Quiet
It’s a surprise proposal, not a “everyone already knows” proposal. Only tell the people who absolutely need to know. Your best friend who can’t keep a secret? Better to leave them out of the loop.
8. Plan for After the Proposal
Once your partner says “yes” (because of course, they will), have something special planned to celebrate. A dinner, a bottle of bubbly, or even just a quiet moment together can be perfect. Don’t rush it—enjoy the moment.
The Final Thought
Remember, this moment is about the two of you. It’s not the size of the gesture that matters but the love and effort you put into it. Be yourself, be sincere, and if things don’t go perfectly, it’ll just be a funny story to laugh about together in the years to come.
Now go buy that ring (or not), practice your words, and get ready for the big moment. Good luck—you’re going to do great!