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"One of the World's Best Wedding Photographers", Nicholas splits his time between Australia and Paris. His photos have appeared in Harpers Bazaar, the New York Times and brides.com

Nicholas is the publisher of the School of Wedding Photography, a popular blog teaching wedding photographers around the world.

5 Practical Tips for Planning a Memorable Marriage Proposal

5 Practical Tips for Planning a Memorable Marriage Proposal

5 Practical Tips for Planning a Memorable Marriage Proposal

There aren't any hard and fast rules that need to be followed when it comes to marriage proposals. As long as a couple loves each other and both parties are ready to take the next step, popping the question can be as simple or as elaborate as they’d like it to be. Nevertheless, it's worth adhering to a few guidelines just to make sure that nothing goes wrong during the event. Below is a list of proposal dos and don’ts worth keeping in mind:

Do Have the Ring Ready

Grooms-to-be shouldn’t underestimate the time it takes to find the perfect engagement ring. It can be a very involved process, especially if you’re looking to create a fully customised one-of-a-kind piece. Experts recommend starting to look around at least 2 months before your intended proposal date. Bespoke pieces will understandably take longer, so do account for that if you choose to go custom. 

Whether you’re looking at a selection of white diamond or teal sapphire engagement rings, do enquire about the seller’s credentials before committing to a purchase. We also strongly recommend getting the piece insured as soon as it’s in your possession. 

Do Have a Backup Plan

Going down on one knee at a gorgeous outdoor location can transform the act of asking a simple question into a unique and memorable event. Here in Australia, we’ve got miles of breathtaking coastline and no shortage of lush green spaces that can serve as a romantic backdrop for that special moment. 

However, Mother Nature can be as fickle as she is beautiful, and she can turn on you at any moment. Having a contingency plan to cover most potential disasters would be wise. You’ll want to account for certain circumstances you can’t control such as the weather, traffic, or your partner arriving earlier or later than expected. 

Do Include Her Family and Friends

Asking your partner’s parents for permission to marry their daughter may no longer be fashionable, but there’s no sense in excluding them, either. Letting her family members in on your intentions is a lovely gesture that will serve you well on multiple fronts. Both your partner and her family will appreciate the effort, and it paves the way for smooth future relations. Your partner’s family may even be open to helping you plan the entire event. 

Don’t Overcomplicate Things

It’s easy to overextend yourself when you’re crafting a moment worthy of superlatives. You may find, however, that going all out on your marriage proposal is the fastest way to fall into a trap of your own making. Remember: the more moving parts your event has, the higher the chances that something will go wrong. You can avoid this common pitfall by being realistic about what you can pull off. Think that this isn’t a competition, and there are no points to win or lose. Instead of trying to execute one outrageous idea after another, think of ways to make even the small things more meaningful. 

Don’t Propose at Someone Else’s Wedding

People say that there’s no right or wrong way to propose to your partner, but we disagree. There is at least one wrong way, and it’s so egregious that it deserves its own section. 

Some may argue that there's no better venue for a sweeping romantic gesture than a wedding. The stage is already set: there's the romantic music, the mood-lighting, the free-flowing drinks, and the presence of people near and dear to you as a couple. But even with the married couple's blessing and support, proposing at a wedding is still extremely rude and inconsiderate. The newly wed couple’s wedding day should be about them, and they didn’t spend time and money on an event centred on their love only for you to steal the spotlight. There are 364 other days in the year; letting them have this one shouldn’t be a hardship. 

Your proposal doesn’t have to be over the top to be unforgettable. Just treat the event with the care and respect that it deserves, and it will surely become a happy memory for you and your partner.

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