A lot of what makes the perfect proposal is personal. If you know that your significant other prefers burgers and beer over wine and Michelin star meals, then just give them a better version of what they love. There is a trend that sees people trying to ‘one-up’ other people on social media. It can feel like the whole world is your competition, and nothing you do will compare. So ditch the idea of comparing – and go with the sureness of who you are, what you want, and that you love your partner. 

Let’s take a look at a couple of ways to make your engagement great. 

Confidence

One of the key things when working up to proposing is actually about you. You need to be sure that you are making the right decisions. You have obviously thought about the future, so where do you see yourself? What about you and your partner? Do you want children one day? Do they?

The chances are you have spoken about all of this on more than one occasion, but it doesn’t hurt in the week leading up to the big day that you just confirm it again. 

Have confidence that you are making the right decision. 

Why?

If you want to do more than just asking the question, then you could consider writing something down. You can think about what they mean to you, how they have changed your life, and the future you see for the pair of you. Talk about what you love about them, and it doesn’t have to be just the great things. It can be the time that they spilled red wine on a white carpet. The things that make them who they are. 

Unique

Here is where the first paragraph comes in. What is that they love to do? Is it watching the sunset on the beach? A coffee from a specific place on a Sunday morning? Think about what they love and what you both find romantic. Of course, you can do something totally different from what you would typically do. Making the whole day an event dedicated to the one you love is pretty special. 

You can make it more than just the question. Hiring a photographer to document the day and the proposal for you. They will be great photos to look back on. If you know that they will want their family there, then make it happen. 

Ring

The ring should be something that your partner is going to love. Diamond engagement rings handcrafted by talented artisans will always go down a treat because they are so unique, and the time that goes into them is something worth being proud of. But think of the kind of person that they are. And don’t be afraid to break the 3 months of wages rule. The ring simply needs to be perfect for your partner, regardless of cost. 

Combo

If you are confident that your partner is going to say yes, after the proposal, you can plan a surprise engagement party and celebrate with all of your friends and family too. Have the venue decked out in photos of you both over the years and other things that celebrate your love for each other. 

Unplugged

If you are typically attached to your phone a lot, or your significant other is – it might be a good idea to plan the proposal somewhere that has limited wifi or no signal. There is probably not much worse than in the middle of you asking your phone ringing. 

Only You

There are some occasions that you shouldn’t try and steal someone’s thunder. If you are at a wedding unless you have cleared it with the happy couple, then don’t be tempted to get down on one knee in the middle of their dancefloor. Same for baby showers, and other people’s engagement parties. Make the day only about you both – and choose something that has significance for anyone else. 

Dreamy

Before you pop the question, and along with telling them how much they mean to you. Write some things that you would like to do in the future with them. You probably have plenty of dreams that you want to share. Traveling around the world? Eating from a street vendor at 3am in Asian? A puppy? A house in the hills… Think about a few things that you want to say, and things that you want to do – what are your dreams for the future? 

No Copycatting

If your friends have recently gotten engaged and their photos and stories about the day are just incredible – don’t be tempted to copy them. You and your partner are different, and you both deserve something that fits with you and your relationship.