Planning to propose brings with it a mixture of several different feelings all at once. It’s very exciting and intensely nerve-racking at the same time, and there’s a whole lot to plan.
It’s also the case that today, there are many ways of going about it. The traditional choice is always a sure-fire bet, but in 2025, you could also consider switching things up a little.
To help get you started, here are 8 things you need to think about before proposing.
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Considering Your Partner First
It’s easy to get so caught up in what you need to do when planning a proposal that sometimes, what your partner would want can slip by the wayside.
If the proposal is to be a success, you’ll need to think long and hard about what sort of gesture they’d like. It’s about first assessing where you are in your lives (you need to be mostly certain you’re both on the same page about marriage), and then thinking about the type of person your partner is. For example, if they hate big crowds, you won’t want to go for a public proposal.
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The Importance of Timing
Timing is one of the most fundamental elements of this whole process. Even if your partner would say yes from an emotional perspective, he or she might not be in a position from a practical sense to do so.
From a logical standpoint, you may feel this is the right time for both of you, but this isn’t necessarily how they feel. Just because something seems right on paper doesn’t mean now is the perfect moment – that’s something you’ll only understand by talking to them.
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Discussing Your Finances
Even if you’re both on board with marriage, it’s important to look closely at your finances to ensure the plan is viable.
Weddings are expensive, and without a fundamental understanding of each other’s financial situation, planning for anything in the immediate future would be a mistake. You don’t have to discuss marriage and weddings in detail, but you should have a good handle on what your collective finances look like from a bird’s-eye view.
Of course, proposing doesn’t mean the marriage is imminent, but some people prefer to be completely stable before even considering it. Using an online budgeting platform can help you get to grips with things.
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Choosing the Right Ring
The ring is likely a major consideration in your mind as you plan the proposal, and that makes sense; the entire event is centred around that one object, after all. That said, it’s really the connection between the two of you in that moment that matters, so don’t stress about it too much.
There are many different types of gems (diamond, sapphire, emerald, etc) as well as a variety of cuts and materials to choose from, and no matter what budget you have, there will be something for you that your partner will love.
To get you started, here are 10 questions to ask when buying an engagement ring.
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Why Personalization Matters
Proposals are all about the small details – details that show you truly know and understand the person. For this reason, the more ways you can personalize the experience for them, the better.
It all comes down to the type of person your partner is. Take the location, for example: do they have a sense of adventure? Perhaps they’d love a walk in nature, and for the proposal to take place at a central location in their favorite wood or on the beach. Or, maybe they’re the sentimental type, and would prefer a place that means something to both of you, such as the place you shared your first kiss.
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Making Sure You Are Ready
Proposal is a huge step, and so, as well as being sure you and your partner are ready collectively, you want to make sure you’re ready as an individual. Never approach proposing from a standpoint of it being something you should do – you need to want to do it.
Getting married is an important milestone, sure, but there’s no sense in pursuing it if you’re not ready yet. Consider both where you are in your career, your relationship, and even aspects like your mental health, and don’t rush into anything.
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Considering Cultural Expectations
Depending on the person you’re proposing to, it’s important to be aware of any cultural or religious traditions surrounding marriage. For example, in some cultures, it’s considered a grave insult not to ask the parents’ permission to marry their daughter: you need to be acutely aware of these matters, so be sure to ask friends or family members familiar with the customs for advice.
While not relevant for the proposal itself, these cultural and religious elements may also dictate certain aspects of the wedding, so you’ll need to be prepared for this when you’re planning for the big day.
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Planning for After the Proposal
It’s common to get so wrapped up in the elements surrounding the proposal that you forget about what comes next. You certainly don’t have to be immediately planning the wedding, but you should definitely start putting things in place that will help you get there. The sooner you plan for something as significant as a wedding, the better.
There are many elements that go into the day, from the style to the venue and everything in between. A couple of weeks or so after you pop the question, have a light talk with your partner about what they’d like, just to get the thought out there.
Wrapping Up
You should now have a solid starting point for planning your proposal. Remember, this moment sets the foundation for your future as a couple. That doesn’t mean you need to be overly stressed about getting every little thing right, but it does mean that your intentions should come from the heart.
It’s not about how much money you spend. Instead, focus on showcasing your love for the person you’re proposing to marry, as perhaps more so than with any other matter, it’s the thought and sentiment that counts.
