“Will you marry me?” These words can be uttered in seconds, but the events leading to this moment requires careful planning, tons of secrets, and of course, stressing over the possible reaction and response from your partner.
A marriage proposal is the second most magical event in some people’s lives, next to the wedding, of course. But just like weddings, proposals, whether intimate or grandiose, should also be planned carefully. You may be 100 percent sure of getting a positive response, but exerting some effort won’t hurt.
Where to Start
Technically, a marriage proposal only requires the ring and popping the question, but don’t be that kind of partner who asks the magic question in a lousy manner. Preparation is the key, and make sure you focus on these top four essentials.
The Ring
Buying the engagement ring is probably the first challenge, although you have online stores to cover that. Consider the size, design, quality, and of course, the price.
If you are ready to splurge, a 2.5-carat diamond engagement ring easily makes the cut. The purchase may well be worth it because you get the size (the biggest in the two-carat range), and the price is safe from the price bump that starts with 3 carats.
Pro tip: get your engagement ring from reliable jewelers online.
The Speech
It doesn’t have to be an essay, as long as it comes from the heart. Saying yes won’t be so hard.
A Photographer
They don’t necessarily have to be a professional. Ask some good friends, and they will surely be more than happy to capture that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The Venue
A perfect proposal should take place in a romantic and picture-perfect setting to make it memorable. This should not be a problem as the world is filled with the most dreamy and heart-warming spots.
Picture-Perfect Venues
Speaking of proposal venues, no need to spend a whole day researching for the most romantic place. Check out these nine stunning places to pop that question and get a resounding yes.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
A quick Instagram search of the hashtag #proposal or #shesaidyes will surely result in abundant proposal images with the Eiffel Tower as the background. It is a cliché, but who cares? Eiffel Tower is, without a doubt, the most romantic place in the world, so getting engaged with the famous tower is surely on everyone’s bucket list.
Want to avoid the crowd? The City of Lights is also filled with spectacular hotels with rooms that offer a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, making the proposal more intimate and private.
Central Park, New York, USA
The massive 843-acre park is big enough, so it won’t be hard to find the perfect spot to pop the question. From the lake, to the carousel, to Bow Bridge, to Bethesda Fountain, Central Park is definitely an Instagram-worthy place for engagements. Pro tip: the park is extraordinarily beautiful during fall, so better take advantage of the autumn feels.
Santorini, Greece
This place is famous for its beautiful sunsets, so it is highly recommended to wait until sundown before popping that question. No need to get balloons and party poppers as the sparkling view of the sea and the breathtaking sunset are enough to make her say yes.
Northern Lights, Iceland
Witnessing the marvelous aurora borealis only comes once in a lifetime. Make it more memorable by putting a ring on her finger while nature performs a work of art. There is nothing more significant than getting engaged under the northern lights, but it also requires meticulous planning. Keep in mind that the best time to witness this incredible sight is from September to April.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
If the stunning natural landscape of Niagara Falls is not enough to mark an engagement, what else will? This place is picture-perfect not just for tourists but also for couples who want to take their relationship to the next level. Aside from minimal planning, Niagara Falls showcases the overwhelming beauty of nature, making it a perfect backdrop for every engagement photo.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
No need to be a fan of Game of Thrones to appreciate the cinematic view in Dubrovnik. Even without HBO’s famous hit series, Croatia is romantic by itself. The mountain landscapes and the view of the Mediterranean coastline are a perfect setting to surprise your future wife with a diamond ring.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
A marriage proposal in the captivating island of Maldives can be filed under major #goals, but try to take it to the next level by popping the question after a romantic dinner while underwater. Yes, this restaurant is 16 feet below the surface and features aquarium-like surroundings, showcasing the real beauty under the sea. It is also a perfect opportunity to witness the sea life up close without a heavy (and, not to mention, not-so-romantic) scuba gear.
Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Proposals in a boat do not always have to happen in movies, make this dream come true while you’re at the world-renowned Grand Canal in Venice. Won’t it be romantic to get down on one knee with the stunning view of Venice as a backdrop?
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
There is no doubt that the Philippine archipelago boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Make it memorable by booking an island-hopping tour, and get down on your knees at El Nido’s famous Snake Island sandbar.
