10 Don’ts When Proposing to Your Partner

The holidays are the official start of proposal season, which isn’t surprising since it’s such a festive and fun time to pop the question. If you’re thinking of getting down on one knee soon, you’ll want to give your significant other a moment to remember. With that in mind, check out these 10 things you definitely want to skip when planning the perfect proposal.

1. Skipping The Ring

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when proposing is doing so with an empty ring box. Even if you cannot afford the ring of her dreams right now, you should still have something to slip on her finger when she says “yes!” Trust us, once you start to share the news with family and friends, their biggest question will be “Can we see the ring?!”

2. Making It Too Complicated

In an effort to make the proposal special, you might want to plan something out-of-the-box. That’s great but you’re better off keeping it within reason. Skydiving, parasailing or scuba diving can all be fun activities, but it’s hard to really be in the moment if you’re worried about safety issues.

3. Winging It

On the other hand, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so you want to have a clear idea of how you’re going to pull this off. Do some research and make reservations if needed.

4. Ignoring Their Personality

When you start to plan, ask yourself what would they really love to do, and take their personality into consideration. For example, if they are on the quiet side, a flash mob or billboard proposal probably wouldn’t be their thing. Not sure where to start? Consult with their best friend, sibling, or even parents—just be sure they know to keep it a secret!

5. Proposing in Front of a Crowd

While you might have no doubt she’s going to say yes, this is still a special moment between the two of you, so unless you know for a fact that she would want friends and family around, plan for a private proposal. If you really want to celebrate with loved ones, plan a get-together for afterward.

6. Putting the Ring Someplace Crazy

Sure putting the ring in a glass of champagne or her dessert seems like a cute idea, but it’s also an easy way to lose a precious piece of jewelry or (even worse) require a trip to the emergency room.

7. Choosing To Do It On a Holiday

Why not have your proposal be on its own special date? With that in mind, skip doing it exactly on Christmas, Valentine’s Day or your bride-to-be’s birthday. Instead, pop the question around those dates if you want to do it around the holidays.

8. Deciding Not to Practice

The words don’t always flow freely for everyone—especially when nerves are involved. Think about what you’re going to say to make this event truly special, and if you need to write it down, go for it. The letter can be a sweet memento cherished for years to come.

9. Forgetting to Document It

You don’t have to hire a professional, but at least ask a friend to snap some photos or take video of the big moment.

10. Wearing your everyday clothes

This is a special occasion, so no matter what you choose to do, you want to look your best when you pop the question. You might want to look into renting a dashing suit or tuxedo to really up the wow factor on this memorable occasion. View our suit and tuxedo collection and use our customizable builder to create your perfect big day look.