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This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.
Planning to propose soon? Congratulations on finding "the one!" This is such an exciting time of life--and nerve-wracking too. Right now you're probably brainstorming ways to make your proposal special and perfect. After all, getting engaged is a very important life event, and one that you'll remember forever. You'll be telling friends and family your proposal story the next day, and you'll be telling your children and grandchildren the same story years from now. No pressure! Luckily, you've done the hardest part already...you've found your person. Now, you just need a few more things before you're ready to get down on one knee and make it official.
1. The Place & The Plan
Where are you going to pop the question? Will it be a private moment, in a quiet location with just the two of you? Or in public, at a crowded concert or a nice restaurant? Do you want friends and family there, to take pictures and congratulate you right away? Or do you want to savor the moment by yourselves first? No matter what you choose, make sure it's what your fiancee-to-be will enjoy. This moment is not about you and what you think would be fun...it should be all about her and what she wants. If she's a private person, then don't propose in a surprise party full of people you know.
I think you can't go wrong with proposing in a beautiful or meaningful place. If you like to hike, then maybe propose at the top of a mountain...or if your first date was at the beach, then maybe write something in the sand and go for a walk to that spot. If you have a favorite bakery, it could be as simple as having the baker write "will u marry me" in frosting on her favorite type of donut. Think about the activities and places you enjoy together. If you can incorporate some things she loves into the proposal, that will show her that you put lots of thought into it.
2. The Ring
Some couples like to pick out the ring together after they're already engaged, but I'm old fashioned. I think it's sweet and shows more forethought if you propose with a ring you've lovingly, carefully, painstakingly selected (and paid for) by yourself. There's something special about that moment when you open the ring box, which will make her realize this is really happening.
But there are so many different styles of engagement rings, it can be an overwhelming task to choose the perfect one. You need your partner's input, but you have to draw it out secretly without her realizing what is going on. Check to see if she has a Pinterest board with inspiration, or see if you can get her opinion on various rings the next time you walk past a jeweler. Try to figure out what she likes and dislikes, taking mental notes.
Of course you don't want to go wrong with the ring, but you also don't want to be super obvious and ruin the surprise. If you're worried that she'll be suspicious of a "casual" jewelry store drop-in, try having one of her friends find out what she wants and report back to you.
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