Wedding Proposal

How To Make Yours Magical

Have You Got A Marriage Proposal On Your Mind?

Are you reading this because you’re considering a secret wedding proposal and seeking advice? If so, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we outline a few simple guidelines to ensure everything goes to plan

A couple walking up a little hill in the Lake District Looking for the perfect place to propose

Choosing the perfect spot to propose marriage

No two couples are the same, and your wedding proposal should reflect what makes your relationship unique.  Consider both of you and your personalities, as you both need to feel comfortable. Not everyone wants to make a song and dance of their marriage proposal. Popping the question along the shores of Rydal Water, in the caves, or up Loughrigg Fell is a romantic choice for nature lovers who prefer a less public and natural setting, unlike a busy restaurant or packed football stadium. 

A couple walk hand in hand through the meadow towards a Lake District wedding venue on the shores of Rydal Water, after their wedding proposal

The Art of Deception

Keeping your proposal plans secret is a challenging task. The only way to guarantee the cat stays in the bag is to keep it to yourself. If you need to share the plan with others, only tell those who are 100% reliable. Build the proposal into your existing plans so your partner doesn’t suspect anything. For example, choose a weekend you’ve already planned to go away, or make it part of an activity you share with others. Keep the day commitment-free, so you don’t feel under pressure to consider others.

A young woman looks over her shoulder into the eyes of her fiance, who is hugging her in delight after she accepted his wedding proposal on the shores of Rydal Water

make it your wedding proposal personal

There are endless ways to make your wedding proposal personal and unique to your relationship. It could be the place, the date you choose, or the words you say. You can take inspiration from a favourite book, film, or song.  Some of the most beautiful proposals are less about grand gestures and more about the thoughtfulness and meaning behind them.

A newly engaged couple smile as they show off the engagement ring to their secret proposal photographer

practise makes perfect

There’s a fine line between your proposal sounding confident and sounding over-rehearsed. But it is a good idea to have a little practice beforehand. Asking someone to marry you is nerve-wracking, and running through what you want to say can help you to keep your emotions in check until you have managed to go down on one knee or produce the ring! 

A couple snuggle up in faux fur blankets in the wooden outdoor gazebo at Cote How and celebrate their secret proposal with a glass of prosecco

Talking of rings...

When it comes to ‘the ring’, there are several ways to approach what can be a tricky subject. Again, you know your partner best. If they have specific tastes, it’s safer to have an inexpensive ‘proposal ring’ just for the big moment. Then you can choose the ‘proper’ ring together later. If your partner is more traditional, they might love the idea of a family heirloom ring or a ring you have designed or chosen especially for them. Whichever option you go for, the golden rule is to do what feels right for you as a couple – and only spend what you can afford.

Do your homework before proposing!

Make sure you have covered all your bases. If your proposal includes a much-loved four-legged friend, consider the practicalities and choose a location that accommodates your dog well. Unexpected cows in a field or footpaths with stiles could scupper your plans of an idyllic, romantic stroll unless you’ve checked out your route!

Please-Marry-My-Dad---Wedding-Proposal-Dog

best laid plans

Logistics aren’t very romantic, but you could do without any surprises on the day. It’s a good idea to get all your logistical details in order. Give yourself plenty of time so your partner doesn’t feel rushed, which can put you under pressure. Ensure you know where to park if you’re driving and how to pay for parking. Check the weather if you’re outdoors and have a contingency plan in place. If you’re planning a romantic meal afterwards, book a table in advance and pre-book a taxi if you plan to use one. Using a proposal planner is a great option to give you peace of mind, and our proposal packages are designed to alleviate any stress or worry.

A young man laughs as he grabs the hand of his new fiancee and pulls her towards him as they celebrate their engagement moment in Rydal Woods

Capture the big proposal moment...

Most of us have a gallery on our phone filled with happy moments and memories. If photos are important to you, consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the moment your partner says yes! Such a momentous occasion might merit more than a selfie, and professional portraits are a great way to start recording your wedding-planning journey. 

A newly engaged couple smile into the camera as they celebrate with a glass of prosecco with a backdrop of the Lake District fells and the Rydal valley

One last thing...

Remember… the most important thing is that you have decided to ask the love of your life to marry you. It’s a wonderful thing to find someone to spend the rest of your life with and you’ve done the hard part in getting to this point!

Keep the proposal in perspective – if you become too focused on perfection, you won’t enjoy the moment.

Don’t feel under pressure – jetting off to propose at the top of a glacier is amazing, but only if work, family and budget considerations allow. Sometimes the simplest things are the most special.

Steve Rhodes of Sage Green Photography captures the moment when a couple get engaged in a secret proposal on the shores of Rydal Water

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