So you’re ready to propose …

This is it. You have met “the one” and you are ready to propose. Wait. Whoa.  This is a really big deal!

Let’s all start by taking a deep breath.

Proposing can be nerve-wracking! You want it to be “just right.” You want your partner to be blown away.  After years of helping clients plan the perfect proposal, we thought it would be a good idea to provide a few helpful hints when planning an unforgettable proposal.

Type in “proposal” on Pinterest and you are bound to discover hundreds of posts about “the most creative proposals.” While we love the idea of getting creative (and we hope you will allow us to help plan this momentous occasion with you) there are things to consider.

First, lets consider your partner. Are they sentimental? Do they have champagne taste? Would they be considered “traditional”? Do they love crowds (or hate them)?


For those that are more sentimental we might suggest proposing where you had your first date or the street corner where you realized they were “the one.” Now, if your significant other has more extravagant taste, we suggest taking them to the restaurant that is the hottest ticket in town followed by a walk at exactly the same time the fireworks on Navy Pier are going off. Buying out the skybox at the Willis Tower could also be a big hit for your extravagant partner.

It is important to really know your Forever Human well enough to decide if a public proposal would thrill them or horrify them. Remember, this moment needs to be about rocking their world, not necessarily what you would want if the situation was reversed.


We find that many people want to have a photographer document their proposal. We highly support this idea as it makes for really beautiful memories.

But let’s discuss a few very important and often-overlooked factors when having a professional photograph your well planned and extremely special proposal.

1. No one likes an under lit photograph, especially a photographer. If the lighting is poor, the photographer cannot properly capture this momentous occasion. So be sure to consider the lighting when selecting your venue. Are you proposing at nighttime? Will there need to be additional lighting? How can one make the additional lighting relatively hidden (you should count on your proposal planner or photographer to help you with this one)?

2. How can the photographer capture the moment without giving anything away? Often a professional photographer will have a decoy situation set up that would prevent your special someone from suspecting a thing. However, at a private dinner and in smaller venues,  a photographer holding an unusually large camera is more noticeable. Talk through these details before the big day so that everything goes smoothly.

3. This one would seem obvious, but we have to say it: hire a professional photographer! Do not hire your friend with a “nice” camera. There is no guarantee that your photographs will turn out the way you want them to. You also run the risk of spoiling the surprise when your partner sees a friend of yours with a camera strapped around their neck.


Finally, lets talk friends and family. This is when you really need to know your future spouse. Often, after a proposal a couple wants to do one of two things: spend as much one on one time together as possible or shout “I’M ENGAGED” from the rooftops with forty of their closest friends and family members. If you think your partner would prefer the latter then invite away! We suggest renting a private room at a restaurant or planning a party at a spot close to where you’ll propose. For those partners that would rather spend a romantic night one on one, rent a room at a hotel for a special getaway evening or plan your proposal over a vacation (and yes, those professional photographers and proposal planners will travel to your destination with you!).

One thing is for sure: no matter what you do or who is there your partner will have eyes only for you. The funny thing about love is that it can make you feel like you’re the only two people in the whole world, even if everyone’s watching.



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