Sorry ladies… this one is for the men! So you’ve chosen that all important ring and you’re ready to get down on one knee, but you have no idea how to actually do it! If you want a perfect proposal… Don’t panic! We’ve put together our top tips for making that once-in-a-lifetime romantic gesture a truly unforgettable moment.

So three years ago, I proposed to my now wife, Margaret. Although I’m involved in so many weddings each year, it wasn’t until it came to my turn to propose that I realised that I needed a plan and I wanted it to be phenomenal! With that in mind, I got my thinking cap on and gave Margaret a day to remember. To help all you men in your guest to popping the question, I’ve put together some handy tips to ensure it’s a proposal to remember!

1) Choose a sentimental location

There is nothing more romantic than a shared location that has sentiment to you both. Whether it’s visiting the scene of your first date or the place where you shared your first kiss, going back to that location as the setting for your perfect proposal signifies that your relationship has come full circle and this place will become even more special to you both.

2) Recreate a scene from a favourite movie

An iconic scene from a favourite film can serve as the perfect inspiration for a proposal. If her favourite movie is Pretty Woman… bingo! Think of Richard Gere pulling up in a white limo with a bouquet of flowers in hand! Whatever her choice of movie, there’s sure to be a romantic scene that’s easily imitated and the perfect way to win her heart.

3) Whisk her away

Paris isn’t called the city of love for no reason! If it has always been her dream to visit the iconic city, whisk her away and make it a trip to remember.

4) Book out a screen at the cinema

This one is easily done and oh so romantic! Contact your local cinema about privately hiring a screen. Then, put together your very own movie, complete with montages of video clips and collages of photos of times spent together. It’s the perfect way to surprise her (and most definitely a preferred alternative to watching an action film!).

5) Fill a day with all her favourite things

Write a list of all her favourite things and activities she enjoys and plan your proposal around it. A day packed full of all her favourite things will make it truly memorable. A romantic proposal at the end of it will be the icing on the cake.

6) Set up a treasure hunt

Send your unsuspecting fiancé-to-be on a treasure hunt that ends with your proposal. Start with a clue at home (a handwritten note or text message) that leads to a tour of places with sentimental value. You can even involve family and friends to hand out clues along the way.

7) Get crafty

Planning a proposal doesn’t have to cost the earth! Putting a great deal of thought and paying attention to detail can result in the most romantic proposal. Fill a room with photo memories from your relationship; hang them from balloons or cover the walls with them for a jaw-dropping surprise. Or, tie ribbon from one spot in your home to another. Attach little notes recalling perfect moments in your relationship along the way. Wait for your partner at the end of the ribbon with the ring in hand.

8) Pull out all the stops

If you’re all about the big romantic gesture, it’s time to pull out all the stops! We’re talking hiring musicians, helicopter rides and dozens upon dozens of roses… the sky is the limit and you’re sure to win her over and sweep her off her feet. With a little bit of planning, I pulled off a pretty cool proposal (if I say so myself!). Check it out here.

9) Seek the help of a professional

If you’re really stuck for inspiration, it’s time to call in the professionals. There are a great deal of expert event planners available in Northern Ireland who can lend a helping hand in creating the proposal of your dreams! There are also so many fantastic hotels here with wonderful staff who can help organise your perfect proposal.

10) Hire a photographer

It is definitely a moment you will both want to remember forever and capturing the memory on camera is a lovely way to look back on this time. Why not consider hiring a photographer to unobtrusively capture your proposal? You can even arrange an engagement photo shoot following the proposal which is the perfect romantic gesture. If this is something you’re interested in, I’d love to hear from you! Email me at: [email protected]

INSPIRING PROPOSALS

When I was planning my proposal I turned to YouTube for inspiration – here are some of my favourite proposals to inspire you!