Planning the Perfect Proposal

This is a post for all the men out there that plan to propose one day - ladies forward this one along to your boyfriends.. in case he need any additional hints!

Prior to your wedding day your proposal day is the biggest and best moment of your life. How do you make it perfect? How do you make it the day that she has been dreaming of for years?

Follow these clear and easy guidelines as you begin to think through plans for your special day:

1. Asking permission - This is the first step because if you do not maintain permission (and I pray that you do) you can skip steps 2 - 10. Now, this process is a little different for every couple. Most traditionally you would ask her father for her hand in marriage. Yes.. This seems old school and a bit midevil, can I trade this fattened pig for your daughter.. But it is very important to many women that their dad is part of this process. If they do not have a dad in their life, talk to their mother or whoever is their biggest influence. It would be ideal if you maintained permission from someone prior to proposing.
2. Location, location, location - Just like buying a house the location of the proposal could very well be the most important part. Where are you going to pop the question? Is there a special place for the two of you? Maybe the location of your first date? Or your first kiss? Maybe the place you like to relax in your free time? You could also take her somewhere neither of you have ever been before but has the most picturesque views. No matter where you do it make sure it is well thought out, because believe me wherever it is is going to be her new favorite place!
3. The bling - Make sure that you have a good understanding of what she is wanting to wear on her finger (for the rest of her life). This could mean that you ask her, that you go shopping together, that you ask her friends, that your stalk her Pinterest or anything in between. Lots of girls dream BIG (in carat size) these days.. there is no harm in having a budget conversation and managing her expectations. But you also want to make sure that you are getting a style that she likes.. If you nail the style and it is a diamond and sparkly I promise she will love it.
4. What do you say - Make sure that you have something prepared. It is a very nerve racking time and if you haven't thought about you might just blurt out "will you marry me?" It does not have to be a long speech just make sure you say something to explain how much you love her. Honestly, it doesn't matter what you say, just say something - her adrenaline will be pumping so high that she won't remember every detail anyways.
5. The photos - As the saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words" so make sure you have photos to memorialize the event. Whether it is friends or a professional photographer this is not going to be something that you want to skip documenting. 
6. Who should be there - Do you want it to be just the two of you? Do you want to include family and friends? There is no right or wrong answer to this question, just make sure you consider the different options and what is right for the two of you.
7. The after party - Many people are throwing a celebration the day they get engaged to celebrate with family and friends. Do this seem like a good fit for you? Definitely consider it as an option, it is a great way to include family and friends while still having a private moment at your actual proposal.
8. Alerting the friends and family - Should you tell people ahead of time? Consider who you want to be in the know before it happens and those you want to alert after it happens.
9. Making it social media official - How do the two of you want to announce? Should you do it immediately or give it some time to settle prior to making the announcement? This is different for every couple, but make sure that you make the decision together. Also, make sure that you alert family and friends about your decision. You do not want Grandma posting about your engagement on Facebook before you do. 
10. A special moment - Getting engaged is such a big milestone, take a second for the two of you to really bask in the moment. You will be getting texts, calls, likes and all other types of distractions - make sure that you remember the purpose of all the hype and have a private and sacred time to make memories with your new fiancé.

I hope this is helpful and gets your brain working on ideas to make your proposal the most special. If you need help planning your proposal, let me know. I would love to be part of your special day!

Please enjoy these photos of my clients Danielle and Kyle at their proposal, he certainly followed all of these thought guidelines and has beautiful professional photos to memorialize the perfect event.

Photography | Livi Photos