What are Things I Must Know before I Ask My Bride to Be to Get Married?

Once you know you want to spend the rest of your life with the person you want to marry, you should begin thinking about how you want to propose.

That’s because proposing marriage is one of the most important questions in life, we bet you’re feeling quite a bit of pressure to get your proposal just right.

If it is an overwhelming thought or you have no idea where to start, below we have collected a step by step process to help you when it comes time for you to drop to one knee.

This checklist has all the to-dos, from receiving your partner’s family’s blessing, to hosting a party. Below, an entire proposal checklist to assist you in planning the ultimate surprise.

How to Pull Off a Surprise Proposal

Ask for Permission

A blessing from your girlfriend or boyfriend’s parents may seem like a tattered convention, but plenty of couples still look for their spouse’s mom or dad to offer their blessing before popping the question.

While this is not strictly necessary, discussing your decision with your partner’s family can be a respectful act and will also incorporate them into the process. Including loved ones can also be a sign of your dedication to the relationship, and can even provide some useful ideas for a proposal.

“If you have a traditional partner (or their parents) make sure to get their approval before spending any time or money planning the proposal,” Velazquez writes. But, when you make your case to them, be intentional, earnest and heartfelt.

Find Out Their Ring Size

Because purchasing an engagement ring requires a significant financial commitment, sizing it correctly is key.

Though your partner can no doubt resize the ring later, it certainly helps to have the correct size from the beginning. And, your fiancé will likely want to wear that ring right away instead of passing it off to a jeweler!

Of course you will be sneaky in gauging your partner’s size, so asking their friends and family or borrowing a ring they already have to compare size are both smart tactics.

Buy the Perfect Ring

Once you determine the proper ring size, you can begin to explore styles. Your partner may have expressed a preference for their favorite design.

If not, speak to their friends and family for any ideas or make a note of the type of jewelry that they regularly wear. When you have a vague idea of what you’re looking for, buy it online or from a jewelry store.

While some couples go ring shopping together, if you are planning to surprise your partner, purchase the ring at least one month in advance. If you’re personalizing the sparkler, Velazquez states to expect an even larger window. Remember to get a box to store the glittering jewel in.

Insure the Ring

Though the topic of engagement ring insurance is likely the furthest from your mind while you prepare to propose, it’s a move you won’t want to forgo.

Because you and your partner value their jewelry and they hold sentimental value, you too would likely be heartbroken if something happened to it. In the unfortunate event that your gemstone is lost, stolen or damaged, insurance protects your finances and your peace of mind.

Jewelry-specific insurance companies and your renters or homeowners insurance carrier are two options for obtaining coverage for your engagement ring.

Hide the Ring

The only other note to be taken into consideration is to make sure that the rock and the ring box are well hidden so the proposed-to be unsuspecting about the proposal. The sock drawer or kitchen cabinet simply does not work.

Alternatively, consider places your partner would never go close to, like your tool box, empty suitcases if you won’t be traveling soon, or the pocket of a garment you are not wearing according to season. Make sure you don’t let anyone see the receipt either.

Figure out How You’re Going to Propose

Since getting down on one knee is a moment you will only have once, you’ll want to pop the question in a way that is meaningful and memorable. Offering a scavenger hunt or presenting a photo booklet of your best memories together are just a few of the many creative proposal ideas out there.

When introducing an activity, be certain that it is something that matches your partner’s interests and personality type. “Take a moment to brainstorm ideas of how you met, what is unique about your love story and what would truly touch your partner,” Velazquez advises. “Then, create a proposal idea that will let them know that you’ve truly made it for them.”

Select a Time and Place

After you have a sense of the way you’d like the proposal to go, decide when and where you will make it happen. Ideally, the location of the event represents your relationship in some fashion – to personalize the event as much as possible.

Perhaps you choose to ask during a hike on a favorite trail, or in your favorite date night restaurant, or on an annual beach trip to a favorite location. In Velazquez’s words, “you’d better get a public proposal permit” if you plan to propose in a public place and “be ready to sign a private venue contract”. Another central logistic is the right time to do so.

Obviously you will want to choose a day that works for both of your schedules. For the extra touch, pose the big question on a significant date, such as the date you first met or your first date.

Finalize Any Additional Touches

Nothing says romance like asking that special someone to marry you while on bended knee and surrounded by a sea of rose petals. To elevate your proposal setup even higher, incorporate statement-making décor that completely changes the environment.

Along with balloon arches and neon signs, perhaps you’re considering gifting your partner flowers or toasting with Champagne. Create a checklist of everything you will need to do before the big moment.

Practice Your Speech

You don’t need to memorize the entire speech but you should know what you want to say because it is always good to have an idea of what you’d like to say, particularly when nerves are involved.

If you don’t know what to talk about, recount how you felt when you first met, when you realized your partner was “the one”, what you love most about your partner, how they have helped you evolve in a positive way, and what your dreams for the future are. Share personal stories if possible, but be sincere above all else.

Pop the Question and Celebrate!

After your partner agrees, take a moment to enjoy it together, just the two of you, go for dinner or champagne. Then FaceTime and call everyone you know.

Perhaps you are also interested in throwing a big party with all of your friends and family. This could mean catching your future spouse off guard with an engagement party on the same night you propose or deciding to host a party at a later date.