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25 Unique Proposal Ideas For An Unforgettable Moment

Updated: May 29, 2024


Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship? Planning to pop the question but want to make it a moment to remember? Look no further! Here I delve into the realm of unique proposal ideas, ensuring your special moment is as extraordinary as your love story.


From adventurous outdoor settings to intimate, heartfelt gestures, this blog covers a collection of proposal ideas that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a hopeless romantic, or somewhere in between, there's something here to spark inspiration and make your proposal truly unforgettable.


Why Is This So Important?


Your proposal is not just a special moment, but sets the tone for the marriage you are offering. Ensuring you have considered your partners desires, personality and emotions in this event is key. Even an intimate and simple proposal should represent the efforts and intentions you aim to display through your married life.





Simple


Keeping this important event simple yet thoughtful offers a true surprise element for your partner. Combining your shared hobbies, using timeless romantic features or representing your favourite moments throughout your relationship can create life long memories in personal intimate setting.

1.Roses of Affirmation

Attach a word that describes something you love about your partner to individual roses. You can either create a trail of roses leading to a romantic dinner for two set up at home. Or you can include your loved ones at a family event where they each take turns in delivering a rose.


single red rose, ocean background

image by @visitroses


2.Recreate Your First Date

Reminiscing in the space where it all started is a simple yet romantic scene to pop the question. You can get creative with this dependant on your first date. Did you do a round of mini golf or bowling? Maybe personalise the ball. Did you go for dinner? Take inspo from ‘Eat It’. Did you go for a walk? You can add a treasure hunt along the route.


couple clinking wine glasses in restaurant


3.Paint It

Set up a crafty date where you and your partner paint on a canvas each. Make a game out of it where the result of the image will be a surprise. On the big reveal, your painting will of course include those special 4 words.

To make it extra special add your partners favourite food, bubbles or create a romantic set up for this date. Candles and roses always set a scene perfectly or maybe a surprise picnic.


crafty paint date for couple

The traditional dinner date may seem old school but it will always be a timeless proposal choice. Your partner will be ready for a lovely night but will not be expecting a ring by the end of it.

Choosing a restaurant that provides a romantic atmosphere can set the scene to get down on one knee. Here are a few creative ways you can ask the restaurant in advance to assist you with popping the question.

Write it on a dessert plate. Serve the ring box as a complimentary dessert. Tie the ring to a glass stem with a ribbon. For the wow factor you could ask for a big reveal using a fancy silver platter.


written proposal on desert plate

5.Games Night

Word games such as scrabble and bananagrams are a great go to, especially for an intimate proposal. This does involve a little bit of cheating to gather the correct letters, but its defiantly worth it!

You could also include your loved ones during a game of charades. Just slip ‘will you marry me’ into the bowl and watch the show. You may be lucky and pick this yourself or a family member may need to charade this message on your behalf. Choose if you let others in on the secret or not. (I personally would find it soo funny to watch the shock on my loved ones faces how they would play it. It would add to the story you’re going to tell forever)


family cheering on sofa on games night




Instagramable


Scenery is a big part of a proposal, as this image will last a life time and be the picture you see in your head when you share tales of the day. In a time of social media providing us the opportunity to not only share our favourite moments but also keep close to us similar to an album. Why not find a stunning setting for the biggest question you’ll ask.


6.Museums

With the wide range of museums, you can create the perfect backdrop to suit your partner and you. From modern fun interactive illusions to represent all the fun you plan to have in the future, to famous historical art to represent the history in the making moment. You can even add these reasons into your speech for a cheesy yet memorable moment.



proposal in illusion room at museum
couple embracing in decorative beads and lights at museum

7.Mountain View

If you and your partner are already lovers of a hike than combining your shared hobby and an epic view point is perfect for an intimate proposal. Sneak a bottle of bubbles into your hiking bag to celebrate the moment. You can never go wrong with a sun set view for an even more spectacular view.


mountain hike marriage proposal

8.Light Display Experience.

During the dark winter months there are many creative light displays at various locations around the UK, especially as Christmas approaches. Keep a look out for light festivals and city art displays near you. Lantern festivals are one of the most dreamiest and romantic settings for a proposal!


Amsterdam Light Festival    @leahhopephotography @kate_in_london_

9.Candle Lit

Candles have represented romance for decades and are not going out of fashion anytime soon. A candle lit room creates the perfect picturesque scene for your proposal. From an intimate event at home to a surprise location.

Do however, ensure it is done safely with no risk of your partner knocking over flames on their arrival. There are also so many alternatives to a naked flame these days that could eliminate risk yet create the dreamy setting you desire.


candle lit room with red roses. marriage proposal

10.Roof Top

Roof tops are a luxury location and the best of them have some stunning views perfect for a proposal back drop. What better way to feel on top of the world. You can combine this with a celebration event or a dinner for two.


roof top marriage proposal. city buildings

image by @videofilmjay



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Destination

Holidays are a perfect way create a unique, picturesque or extravagant experience without letting on that something is up. If your hotel has great staff, their help with any setting up can also be a huge bonus. They can also recommend local proposal companies that dedicate their creative skills to make the ultimate engagement.


11.Picnic On The Beach

If you plan this approach for your holiday, then reach out for help from locals in advance. Hotel management are your best bet to assist, or you can try other local businesses that have access to the beach.

Communicate your vision clearly such as rose petals, cushions or candle lighting, to understand if they can lead this style set up.

Hiring a private beach cabana could also offer the perfect set up, as they often have romantically draped features already.


Romantic beach proposal. picnic on the beach with red roses

12.Photo Surprise

Those go to holiday pictures in front of monuments and stunning surroundings creates the most ideal proposal moment.

Not only picturesque but also offers the opportunity to capture the moment with images or even footage.

Hiring a photographer is a great way to do this and a very common service, so you can trust they will be discreet.

However, if you choose to go with the flow to have less time pressure, a top tip is to keep your eyes peeled for other tourists with decent cameras, before asking a stranger to snap a shot of such an important moment. You’ll have more trust they have a keen eye this way.


man proposing to girlfriend in front of Eiffel tower

13.Hot Air Balloon

Excursions as extravagant as a hot air balloon can be a big give away in everyday life circumstances. But not on holiday, so take advantage of this! This unique, one of a kind experience offers the most unforgettable proposal.

Air ballon festivals also offer a spectacular backdrop for the event. This way you can combine the moment with additional romantic set ups or dining experiences.


engagement ring on hand. air balloons high in the sky

14.Private Boat

Skip the group tours and hire a private boat experience. Picture perfect oceans, sandy private islands and striking harbour town offer romantic bliss and intimacy.

You can even hire a photographer for the trip. Photographers can blend in as part of the boat hire team to get that epic proposal shot.

However, do ensure you keep that gorgeous ring safe when surrounded by water. Especially if you plan to give your partner a family heirloom, consider proposing with a different ring and exchange them when safe on dry land. Trust me they will be impressed with that sensible choice. Strange to say I know, but sensible is soo sexy!


boat in harbour with man proposing to girlfriend

15.Caricaturist

Many holiday destinations have energic streets with entertainment. This often includes a caricaturist. Slip the artist a note ‘Add the words, ‘will you marry me’’  When they turn the canvas around to show the result, this is the time to get down on one knee to mirror the image. Your partner will not be expecting this and you now you have a keep sake item that represents your forever.


Caricature image of couple. Marriage proposal


Sapphire and diamond engagement

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Seasonal


With different seasons, comes stunning scenic settings and creatively fun activities. They also offer new annual traditions you can continue into your married life to reminisce.


16.Pumpkin Picking

As seasonal traditions go, this growing trend has become a couples go to date activity. Fields surrounded with warm coloured nature is a great scenic spot for a proposal. Perfect for an intimate date or even involve your loved ones or even children in this fun activity. Partner this with a pumpkin carving engagement announcement, you have a playful way to start your new chapter.


couple holding marry me pumpkin. pumpkin proposal

image by @caseybailey


17.Autumn Wood Walk

Do you spend your weekends together on long walks taking in the nature together? Then this is perfect for you. Take advantage of your weekly routine for the ultimate surprise. Autumn is known for its stunning warm coloured leaves falling from trees and surrounding the ground with reds, oranges and yellows. It truly is a season of beauty offering a simple yet memorable proposal moment.

(As someone who walks daily, my top tip would be to propose near a bench. This bench can then become your go to place as a couple to soak up nature and just be together for some needed moments of stillness. Trust me when I say, a go to bench mid walk with a great view can solve anything!)


Autumn trees in woods

image by @mrsnicbrit


Tis the season to be jolly after all. What better way to start the festivities than an engagement. Markets present not only an evening of activity, fun as well as warm cosy hugs in mugs. This date night sets the scene for an eventful proposal.

Make a tradition out of this and revisit the same market each year on the same day. What better way to set the tone of your marriage than pre-booked annual dates to celebrate where you first made that commitment.


Christmas market marriage proposal

19.Bonfire Night

From large events with epic firework displays surrounded by family, to a private celebration partnered with picnic and blankets.

Bonfire night, with its enchanting ambiance of crackling flames and vibrant fireworks, sets the stage for a truly magical proposal. The dazzling lights and the cosy warmth of a bonfire create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere.


couple embracing under fireworks

20.An Easter Egg To Remember

Easter is a time of family fun and of course chocolate! Two very lovable things in one celebration creates a playful opportunity for a creative proposal.

Scavenger hunts are a simple yet fun way to lead your partner on a journey of your relationship by including personal hints to the next egg.

Another creative option, is to hide the ring inside an easter egg for the ultimate surprise. Consider wrapping the box as a gift before placing inside to ensure you cause no damage to the ring or box with chocolate.


decorated easter eggs in baskets



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Wow Factor


If your reading this blog, it’s because you want expert advice and inspiration to create the most perfect proposal. I can only assume this is because you are searching for that ‘wow factor’ Trust me, I’ve got you! Lets pull off the most romantic gift you will ever give!


21.Love Story Journey

Take your significant other on an interactive journey of your partnership so far.

Theme each room in your home or in a rented warehouse with things that represent your love story. Spend the evening reliving some of your favourite moments with related snacks, photos, gadgets, activities or games.


Here are some theme ideas for more inspo:

First Date: Recreate your first date.

Hobby: A shared hobby that bonded you.

When You Knew: Recreate the moment you just knew

Favourite Things: All your favourite things about your partner

Favourite Places Together: Restaurants, cafes or cities.

Future: Paint a picture of the future you envision together.

Wedding: A great way to finish the journey is with a wedding theme. Decorate a sweetheart table for your evening meal and finish with cake as dessert


When planning your themes, get creative and revisit locations for ideas. If your cheeky enough, why not ask for branded items such as place mats, napkins, or other memorable features.

 


22.Singer Serenade

Having a surprise singer serenade your partner during a proposal adds a special touch of romance to the moment. The unexpected appearance of a talented vocalist belting out a heartfelt love song, elevates the ambiance to new heights, creating an unforgettable experience for both of you.

Make it extra meaningful by requesting a song that you and your partner resonate with.

This can be at your favourite restaurant, a busker on your usual walking route or a even a surprise visit to a birthday party.

Remember if you want this to be on the street, busker style, your performer or you will need to have the required licenses.

 

23.Make A Show Of It

If your other half is a real theatre lover, or an avid concert goer, then I can’t think of a better way to wow them than to collaborate your proposal with another one of their loves.

Consider what your partners comfort level will be with all eyes on them. Do they love the spot light or would they prefer to remain in the audience and enjoy the talents of performers creating a unique moment specially for them.

Theatre creatives, artists and musicians are usually keen lovers of big romantic gestures, so I am certain you can find performers prepared to assist you with this.

Even Adele has been involved with a pre-organised surprise proposal!


singer adele with fan after their proposal

image by @adele


24.Celebrate In Style

Create that personalised WOW factor with a professional vendor to style your space with your desired features.

From elegant décor such as flower walls and arches, to light up letters to spell it out. You can even hire a unique proposal photo box! There are endless event stylists out there ready to create your magical moment. This option not only adds the wow factor, stunning instagramable scene with the touch of extravagates, but also a glimpse into the amazing vendors that provide for events to start you on your exciting wedding journey.


Marry me proposal picture box, red roses proposal

25.Make A Day Of It

Plan an entire day around your partner including as many of their favourite things as possible. From that lay in with breakfast in bed, booking your partner a spa treatment or manicure or even buying them a new gym set for their daily workout. Finish the evening at their favourite restaurant to pop the question and bubbly to celebrate.

 



Ultimately creating something personal to you and your relationship while showing exactly how important this gesture is to you, and why, is the goal.

This is the start of something beautiful, so celebrate this in style!


Happy Proposing...


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