Proposal Checklist
Who’s suiting up for a special day that you’ve been waiting for all year and has a list to check twice? YOU! If you’re preparing to propose, that is! ‘Tis the season to spread love and bring families together - ‘tis the season to propose! Luckily for you, LLG has your back with the ultimate Proposal Checklist to make all proposal wishes come true.
Photo Credit: Clane Gessel
1. Extravagant or Intimate?
It can be tough knowing where to begin. I mean, this is the most special person we are talking about! Dig deep and think about what this person means to you, how they make you feel, and some of your most cherished moments with them. Do you think they would prefer an extravagant expression of your love on a chic city rooftop? Or would they rather have an intimate impression like a private candlelit suite at your favorite hotel? No matter which you choose, make sure it is true to your relationship. Even confide in close friends to weigh your options!
2. Location, Location, Location
Once you have that figured out, the next step is to source the venue. Where is this magical event going to take place? Are you looking for convenience or significance? It’s all about location, as they say; location, location, location. You can say so much by simply choosing the right place. If you are thinking of the extravagant route, we would say the vibe of the venue is most important. What better way to shout your love from a rooftop than actually on a rooftop? Most rooftop bars or clubs will have a private event space that you could rent with just enough privacy plus breathtaking views and vibrancy of the bar/club. If the location is more intimate, think of places significant to your relationship timeline. Maybe you take them back to the place you first met, had your first date, shared your first kiss. They definitely remember these details and it will make your proposal all the more meaningful when you show you do too! Whether the location you choose is public or private, make sure there is enough space to accomplish what you are aiming for; florals and candles take up more space than you think! Plus there MUST be a walkway...see the next point!
Photo Credit: Clane Gessel
3. Setting the Scene
Dinner is so done. We live for making memories a MOMENT! If you take away three things (other than location, location, location) it better be florals, candles, and WALKWAY. At some point in the day/evening, they are going to start connecting dots and asking themselves, “is this what I think it is?!”. So give them something to gasp about! Set the scene with a floral installation - it doesn’t have to be crazy. It can simply adorn or shape the area in which you will actually get down on one knee. Romance = candles. So be sure to integrate candles into the floral installation and most definitely around the entire space (unless, of course, it is daytime). And finally, the walkway we have been hyping up. Critical. It drums up the excitement, makes the whole scene look thought through and special. The walkway doesn’t have to be blatant, it can be designated purely by furniture arrangement or we suggest using candles to guide the way.
Photo Credit: Shawn Connell
4. It’s All in the Details!
I hope you are sensing a common theme here; significance. A major part of setting the scene is what everything means to you. Location, flowers, colors, everything can and should have significance! If you know their favorite flower, try to have it incorporated into the installation, even if in a small way. Any favorite colors can be easily added into the overall scene - highlights in the floral or the color of the walls of the venue you choose, and anything in between. Our personal favorite thing to ask is if there is any saying, phrase, or quote significant to the relationship. We love to tie in those special things to make the moment truly resonate. One of our couples had a saying “Only You”, so we had it embroidered on the throw pillows used to set the scene. If you don’t have a saying, don’t sweat it! Photos can be incorporated as well or any token you’ve kept from points in your relationship (tickets, letters/notes) It’s all in the details!
5. Hiding Spots
Just when you think you thought of everything...did you think of a hiding spot? For the ring, of course! You can keep it in your pocket, sure, but if you are worried it will be obvious - you can always have your proposal planners (LLG!) save a spot for you to hide the ring in the florals. We plan out everything, down to where you get down on one knee - so leave it to us to find you the perfect hiding spot for the ring that will make you look so sly! If you are bringing friends and family as a surprise, this is another hiding spot you will need. Hiding them in plain sight works for public proposals, like one of our past proposals where we had friends and family sit in the bar/lounge area and fade into the background as guests only to join the proposal later! And, let’s not forget about the photographer you will definitely have (see point #5), they will need a hiding spot too! The photographer will arrive beforehand and set up their camera angles, but to maintain the element of surprise, they should be out of direct sight when you and your significant other walks in. These hiding spots don’t need to be secret agent worthy, but more just out of any direct sightline from where you will both be entering from!
6. Playlist
Photo Credit: Shawn Connell
They say you know you’ve found your person when you can comfortably sit in silence. That may be true, but let us be the first to tell you...you want background music. Music completes the scene and makes the moment more romantic, more fantastic, just simply cinematic. Depending on the vibe you are going for, curate your playlist accordingly. Definitely include songs you both love, that means something to you, and your song! If you want to get really technical, you can make the playlist transition from slow to more up-tempo music. If you want a specific song playing when proposing, make this the first song and have your proposal planners (LLG) set and ready to hit play the second they see you walking up. This gives you approximately 3+ minutes to get to the proposal spot, give a lil speech, and ask THE question. We recommend making the next song or two slower as well and then by number three slowly turning it up to more up-tempo songs - after all, it’s time to celebrate! (Be sure to have champagne ready…see point #10!)
7. Pictures or it Didn’t Happen
Umm...this is non-negotiable. You MUST have a photographer. Especially if you are doing an extravagant display, everyone wants this to be captured and your significant other DEFINITELY wants this to be captured WELL. The best part is, this could be your photographer for the wedding day, which means you could get a discount or an amount applied to your wedding date if you choose to use the same person/company. This depends, of course, on the photographer! If you are doing a more intimate proposal, maybe work out how to set up your phone, camera, or other devices to capture a video of the moment to share with friends & family! The bottom line, it MUST be captured!
Photo Credit: Shawn Connell
8. Check the Nails
In our world, a timeline is everything. You will find yourself constructing one as well for the day of your proposal. This point may be above all the most important. Make sure they get their nails done. Whether this is earlier in the week, a day before, the day of - make sure they are done!! They will be extra grateful for this and you will get brownie points for thinking of EVERYTHING and making them feel good as hell. Now, we know what you’re thinking “How can I suggest they get their nails done?” Well, it doesn’t (or shouldn’t) be coming from you. It is actually better, less suspicious if it doesn’t. Have their bestie suggest a spa day or a girl’s outing where they coincidentally get their nails done. You can thank us later.
Photo Credit: Shawn Connell
9. Say No to Nerves
You’ve got this! Everything is planned! We know those day-of nerves of excitement will kick in, but remember it is impossible to go wrong. We say this with confidence because, at the end of the day, it’s all about the both of you choosing to spend the rest of your lives together. If things don’t come out exactly as planned (which they will not because of your amazing Proposal Checklist), you still walk away with the greatest outcome of all - you’re engaged to the love of your life! Now stop worrying, take a deep breath, and pop the champagne!!
10. Champagne and Charcuterie
Just like you two, champagne and charcuterie are a match made in heaven. After they say YES, you will need this duo! The champagne is obvious for celebration, and the charcuterie board will make for great photos and escalate the overall ambiance. A little detail that goes a long way, especially if you are inviting friends and family to join you! Depending on the size of the group, you may want to think about having passed hors d'oeuvres to make it a simple celebration. PS, keep the cork as a sweet momento!
We hope this was helpful! For more proposal inspiration, check out our Proposal Ideas Pinterest Board here.
