photo by Stefanie Keeler Photography

Engagement season is nearly upon us and we know a thing or two about planning the perfect proposal! Aside from purchasing the ring of their dreams, there are a few ways to make the experience truly unforgettable. We’ve enlisted the expertise of Proposal Planning in Italy‘s Martina Udicova to help you plan a proposal worthy of your love.

photo by Vic Bonvicini Photography

Pro-Tip 1: Choose a Meaningful Location

What better way to set the mood for your proposal than a place that means something to you and your partner? Whether you choose the spot where you had your first date, somewhere you’ve always talked about visiting together, or even your own home, a significant location is a quick way to create a romantic experience. To really set the scene, add a few decor items that make the location feel even more romantic like favorite pieces from your home or candles and vases of flowers.

Here’s what Martina had to say about setting the scene for your proposal:

It should be either a meaningful location or a romantic place that she has always dreamt about. It could even be at home. You can easily transfer your living room into a romantic retreat, print photos of some special moments when you both experienced something new and frame it. Create a photo gallery, choose the perfect lighting and don’t forget the background music with her favorite songs. But if your partner is excited to visit or see any particular place and she wouldn’t stop showing you the pictures of it, then go crazy and book tickets to reach that spot. It will be your first step to a big surprise.

photo by Dylan Howell Photography

Pro-Tip 2: Prepare a Sentimental Speech

A great proposal is about more than just the words “will you marry me?” To ensure that your nerves don’t get the best of you in the moment, we recommend preparing what you’re going to say once you’re down on one knee ahead of time! Plan to tell your partner what you love about them, what they mean to you, why you want to spend your life together, and even the moment you knew you wanted to be with them forever.

Not sure where to start? Here are Martina’s tips for a successful and sentimental proposal speech:

A proposal speech is very personal so write down some words about your relationship and feelings. You can also do some research about love quotes which can inspire you and help you to create a lasting memory. Don’t forget to practice the speech one or two days before the proposal and try not to be too nervous otherwise you might forget everything. Speak slowly and don’t lose the connection of looking into their eyes.

photo by Conie Suarez Bravo Ph

Pro-Tip 3: Set the Soundtrack

Music has such an immense power over our emotions, making it a great inclusion to your proposal plan! Whether you create on a playlist of your shared favorite music, write a song or hire a live musician, music can help take your proposal to the next level.

Martina is a big fan of going the live musician route for the proposals she plans. Here’s how she recommends making live music part of your proposal:

Music plays an important role and it can truly bring that ‘wow factor’ to the moment and there are endless ways to incorporate music into your marriage proposal. You may have a choir, band, a solo singer, guitarist or violinist, etc. Just find the perfect song! It could be your favorite one you first danced to, the one that brings back happy memories, or even an original piece crafted just for this moment. Plan a late night stroll bringing your partner to your meaningful location and make sure that the musician knows exactly where to be and when to begin playing.

photo by Relic Photographic, floral and event design by Blomma Designs

Pro-Tip 4: Show Off Your Creativity

Your proposal should be as unique as your relationship, so this is your opportunity to get creative and personalize each moment of the experience. Consider your strengths and what makes your relationship one-of-a-kind, and find a way to incorporate those things into your proposal. Craft a signature cocktail inspired by your relationship, write a poem, cook their favorite meal, plan a hike somewhere exciting, etc.

Having planned so many beautiful proposals, Martina has some great ideas for using your creativity to make a romantic setting:

Use your creativity to impress your partner. It could simply be a picnic in the park but with a touch of romanticism. Tell her that you’ve planned a picnic for the two of you and that you can’t wait to spend some alone time together. Get some sandwiches, cheese, grapes, strawberries, chocolate and a bottle of chilled champagne. Create a romantic atmosphere with candles and flowers around the blanket. Hide the engagement ring in a chocolate box tied with a bow on top of it and have your partner to untie it when you’re ready to pop the question. And why not to spice it up? Write 10 reasons why you love her on small pieces of paper, roll them up and put them in a jar. She will definitely appreciate your attention to details. Concentrate more on the setting and the surprise factor than on food.

photo by Samuel Goh Photography

Pro-Tip 5: Document the Experience

No matter how much planning goes into your proposal, the moments will fly by in an instant. This is why it’s so important to be sure you document the experience! We highly recommend hiring a professional photographer to capture the moment they say “yes,” as well as a videographer who can record your speech so your partner can re-watch it over and over again. Another reason to document your proposal? Sharing the experience with loved ones who couldn’t be there for the big question!

Here’s Martina’s pro-tip for making sure your proposal is documented professionally:

There are two ways to get the best photos of your engagement. One is that your proposal photographer hides nearby and another that your photographer pretends it’s a regular photo shoot. Get in touch with the photographer in time so they can become familiar with the proposal spot and your plan.

A huge thanks to Proposal Planning in Italy for her insight on planning a perfect proposal! Looking for more proposal planning inspiration? Check out these 7 creative proposal ideas for popping the question in style!