Today we’re going to chat about one of my absolute favorite things- THE proposal (no, not the one with Sandra Bullock + Ryan Reynolds, although I must say I do love that proposal too!). To begin, be sure to plan the proposal according to what your girlfriend likes! This of course means, do not plan a public proposal if she’s a very private person. Not only will she feel pressured, but she might also give you answer you don’t want to hear! If she hates the mountains, might I suggest you not propose there either. Always remember the proposal should show her you care + you’ve paid attention to what she enjoys and likes!

So, without further ado-Here are 10 fantastic tips on planning THE proposal!

1. Select a sentimental location. For example, choose a location where you shared your first kiss, or the spot where you knew she was “the one.”

2. Surprise her by having family + friends share in the moment. They could be right there with you, maybe at a family gathering, birthday, or holiday dinner. Or, if you’d like the proposal to be more intimate, you could arrange to have your closest friends + family just out of view. After you pop the question, and she of course says “yes,” everyone can come together to congratulate you two. It’s the best of both worlds, plus it saves you from having to call + tell them all in person! See an example here!

3. Hire a professional photographer. This, in my opinion is the GREATEST idea ever! Your photographer can hang out close by to your proposal spot and covertly capture amazing photos of the proposal scene. I mean who doesn’t want to see her initial reaction? You can even keep the images + the photographer a secret until the wedding day when you present your bride-to-be with the images! Or, keep her a secret until after she says “yes!” and then have a quick engagement session afterwards!

4. Incorporate music. Do you have a song that is meaningful to the both of you? Having a sweet tune playing in the background elevates your proposal to “unforgettable” status. Or, create a video that incorporates the music like this one! Or this one!

5. Get symbolic with the flowers. Give her a surprise proposal bouquet and/or arrange floral decorations at your proposal site. For a romantic touch, get symbolic with the number of flowers that you use. For example, you’ve been together for eight years, then have a eight-rose bouquet made (or whatever her favorite flower may be). Be sure to tell her the symbolism of your flower choice with her! And let’s be honest, you can never go wrong with a trail of flower petals.

6. Do it earlier in the day. It doesn’t have to be bright and early, but instead of proposing at the end of the night after a romantic dinner, start off your day at the place where you’ll pop the question and then enjoy an evening or day filled with events that you’ve planned. That way you won’t be nervous throughout the day. Plus, she gets to share off her new bling throughout the entire day!

7. Speak from the heart. You could plan it out word for word, but it’s the words that come straight from your heart that truly make your proposal one-of-a-kind. Tell her what and why you love her, but also think about telling her when you knew she was The One. Whatever you do, don’t read word from word from a written speech. You’ll sound awkward and you’ll lose the eye contact that might make her wonder if you’ve found any of those phrases or quotes online. If you must, just jot down a few key phrases on a cheat sheet + you’ll be fine. Oh, and don’t forget to breathe and be sincere. If you speak slow enough, she might even shed some tears!

8. Show her a video of you asking her parents for their blessing. If you previously talked to her parents, which might I say is very proper and gentlemanly of you, let her see that moment as well. You don’t have to get fancy with editing or even a soundtrack. She’ll love just being included in such a meaningful gesture. Bonus, if kids are involved, show her a video of you asking them if they’d be okay with your proposing to their Mom.

9. Plan it for a vacation. I mean if you’re already going out of town, why not make the most of it? Plus, you can celebrate the rest of your vacation AND that spot + vacation will forever be a highlight in your lives together.

10. Make it sentimental + create a romantic night for the two of you. Why not cook her a romantic candle-lit dinner, of course including her favorite meal, as well as flowers and desserts. Or why not go out to a romantic dinner, and afterwards going for a walk + popping the question then!

We, at Cameron Burns Photography, would of course love + be honored to capture your big day. If you think we’d be a great fit for each other, please don’t hesitate to contact us below:

WEBSITE: http://www.cameronburnsphotography.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/CameronBurnsPhotography
INSTAGRAM: @thecameronburnsphotography
EMAIL: cameronburnsphotography@gmail.com
BLOG : http://www.cameronburnsphotography.wordpress.com