How To Plan A Perfect Surprise Proposal

Listen up!!! Your partner wants the proposal documented. Even if they desire something intimate and just the two of you… hire a photographer to hide out and take photos! Proof or it didn’t happen, am I right?! Just kidding, but seriously I have yet to meet someone who says they wouldn’t want photos of their proposal. I am here to tell you how to plan a perfect surprise proposal!

After capturing many surprise proposals I have some tips and ideas to pull off the picture perfect moment!

Think of your partner and their favorite things!

First and foremost, think of your partner and what they love. Yes, the proposal is about both of you, of course! However, you want to incorporate things your partner would love.

Here are some ideas for a perfect surprise proposal…

• Do they have a favorite restaurant or vacation spot? You could make dinner reservations at their favorite place, or plan a weekend trip or vacay to their ideal place!
• Have they told you if they want their friends and family present to celebrate with? If so, make sure to invite them!
• Ever hear, “I love that shirt on you!” when you wear something specific? Wear that shirt! Special touches like this will make your partner happy!
• If your partner isn’t into huge crowds, shy away from places that attract a bunch of people. Skip the Disney proposals or jumbotron moments and opt for something more intimate!

Find the perfect spot and keep time of day in mind!

If you have absolutely no clue where to begin or where to propose, reach out to your photographer for help! I have a lot of ideas, and I have helped all of my clients find the perfect place to pop the question. If you need ideas, I’m here for you! The next thing is to think of lighting. The best time to propose is right before sunset during golden hour (your photographer can also help you with this). Try to avoid not well lit areas, flash photography during a proposal can be very overwhelming and intimidating. You don’t want to be distracted during this moment!

If you want an intimate moment with (usually) no one around, and if your heart desires a typically popular place, the best time would be sunrise! I know, I know… you’re thinking sunrise?! I know it’s early, but it’s always worth it! Sunrise is the ideal time if you want to plan a perfect surprise proposal in a popular spot, but don’t want to be around a lot of people.

Devise a plan with your photographer for a perfect surprise proposal

This is one of the most important steps to the planning process. When it comes to proposals, I always talk through the game plan with the person proposing before the shoot. We come up with signals, signs, timing, etc. We create codes and poses that let us both know we’re ready and all set up for the big moment. This makes it much easier and less stressful when the time comes to get down on one knee!

I always ask if my couples want me to bring a bottle of champagne to pop or share with friends and family. If there’s anything you need help with, I’m your girl! Do you need me to set up a whole picnic or setup with candles and flowers? Whatever your vision is, let me know, and I will make it happen! I want to help you plan a perfect surprise proposal and make sure that it is unique to you and your partner!

The day of, set yourself up for success

Nerves can often get the best of you, make sure you’re eating, drinking, and setting yourself up for a good day. There’s nothing worse than making yourself sick due to nerves, and no matter what, you’re going to feel those exciting nerves! Eat breakfast, drink water, and take deep breaths. And guys, your girl wants her nails to look good, so figure out how to make that happen, okay?!

Pick the right outfits!

Okay this can be tricky, so I have some tips on how to help you pick the perfect outfits. I’m going to share my biggest suggestion, stick to neutrals! If you book me for your proposal, I’ll send my style guide with all the helpful recommendations for outfit planning. But my most helpful tip when it comes to picking out what to wear is keep it simple. Don’t go crazy with colors and patterns.

You might be thinking, I don’t want my partner to know what I’m up to so I don’t know how to help them pick their outfit…

• Go shopping together, say you want to take them on a date and want them to pick out something new!
• Pick them something out yourself, tell them you’re picking them up for a date night out and you picked them out something to wear (bonus points if it’s something they’ve been wanting to buy).
• Request the help from a friend or family member. Maybe you have one of their girlfriends tell them they’re going out for brunch and want to take cute pics so to wear something cute. Have their friend help them pick out the perfect outfit to get engaged in!
• Tell them you’re taking photos for your anniversary and that way they know they’re going to be in front of a camera (if you think this won’t lead to them spoiling their own surprise)!