How to Plan a Proposal They Can’t Help Bragging About

When you’ve found the one you can’t help but daydream about what you want your future proposal to entail. I’m willing to bet that if you two are on the same page you’ve talked about getting married. If you have it’s safe to say that a couple of hints may have been dropped about their expectations. As the one who’s popping the question, it’s important to live up to their expectations and hopefully even smash through them. Nonetheless, if you impress them they will be so happy and won’t be able to stop telling people how amazing you are. If you’re trying to figure out how to plan a proposal they’ll love keep reading!

Consider Their Personality

It’s easy to get wrapped up on the proposal planning websites and plan a proposal that looks good on paper. Then you realize your partner wouldn’t actually love that. It’s just not… THEM. That’s why it’s important to take a moment to think about their personality and what they enjoy. Are they a little shy? Maybe you shouldn’t get down on one knee at that really crowded place. Do they love to explore new nature spots? How about driving the extra hour to propose at a breathtaking location. Are they really sentimental? Why not bring along some photos or items that mark milestones in your relationship. You love your partner for who they are as a unique individual. Remember that this is your proposal and you can do whatever makes sense and feels right.

Pick A Location They’ll Love

Like I mentioned above it’s crucial to pick a spot that matches their personality. Is she a girly girl that always wears heels? Maybe a hike up that waterfall isn’t what’s best. How about a skyline view from the top of a hotel? Nonetheless, there are so many amazing places of all different types around the GTA that are proposal worthy. Other things to think about to help you brainstorm can be to think about places that hold meaning to you. For example, where you went on your first date, where you asked them to be your girlfriend/boyfriend or just your favourite spot to be. You could even do it in your own living room or backyard if that’s how you two roll. If you’re having a hard time getting the gears turning here are some ideas:

how to plan a proposal

GTA Proposal Locations

  • Guildwood Park, Scarborough
  • University of Toronto
  • Aga Khan Musem, Toronto
  • Trillium Park, Toronto
  • Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby
  • Kariya Park, Mississauga
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington
  • Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, Milton
  • Rockwood Conservation Area, Guelph
  • Scotsdale Farm, Georgetown
  • Parkwood Estate, Oshawa
  • Dog Tales Horse Sanctuary, King City
  • Lakeview Park, Oshawa
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village, North York
  • The Doctors House, Kleinburg
  • Tiffany Falls, Hamilton
  • Dundas Peak, Hamilton
  • RC Harris Water Plant, Toronto
  • Elora Gorge, Guelph
  • Rouge Beach, Pickering

gta proposal ideas

Choose a Time

Choosing what time of day to propose is actually a big deal. While you can propose whenever you like the middle of the day doesn’t particularly set a mood. If you want a more lovely, romantic atmosphere schedule to propose at sunset or sunrise. This time of day is more beautiful and it’s crucial if you’re planning on hiring a proposal photographer. Golden hour is the best time to plan your proposal because it makes for stunning light and flatters everyone so you’ll be looking your best in the photos. However, with every season, comes different sunset times. I have listed the best times of day for a proposal based on my experience as a GTA proposal photographer. You’ll also want to make sure you have at least an hour of sunlight for your photography session.

Times to Propose

  • Summer: 7:30 pm go time as sunset is at 9:00 pm.
  • Fall: 5:00 pm go time as sunset is at 6:30 pm.
  • Winter: 3:30 pm go time as sunset is at 5:00 pm.

Hire A Proposal Photographer

Many people want to have a photographer capture their proposal. This is a great idea because the moment tends to happen so fast that it goes by in a blur they later can’t recall. This also ensures their amazing reaction is captured so you can share with family, friends, and make an awesome announcement on social. While these are all good reasons to hire a photographer there’s yet another one. Booking a proposal photographer is gifting them yet another great experience.  Right after the big moment, you can create engagement photos that they won’t be able to stop staring at when you get them back. It’s an extra litle gift that keeps on giving for life. You can bet being able to look at that very moment when you’re old, gray and have been married for decades will always bring you joy.

toronto proposal ideas

Have a Good Excuse

Many of us, especially women, have an amazing intuition and the littlest things can get our alarm bells ringing. Not to mention that she’s probably been expecting you to propose at any moment already. That’s why it’s important to set up a plan that fits snuggly into your normal lifestyle. Why would they think anything out of the ordinary is about to happen? You do this all the time! If it’s something too out of left field it can feel fishy, you know? Creating a solid excuse can be helpful if you’ve hired a photographer as well. Obviously, they can’t wait around for you to casually show up so come up with a reason to arrive at the allotted time. For example: If you’ve planned a conservation area proposal you could that there’s a cool guided tour you want to go to. Another hint you may want to drop is that you want to go out for a nice dinner after. This can spark them to get more dressed up instead of their usual so that they don’t regret it when the photographer pops out.

gta proposal photographer

Write An Emotional Speech

I understand that saying a speech before you pop the question might seem a bit cheesy. It really isn’t! Your partner will be so touched and happy if you tell them how much you love them, how important they are, why you love them, etc. It’s a breeze to get down on one knee and ask “Will you marry me?” But nothing is as beautiful as opening up your heart, expressing how you feel, and making an emotional speech. You’ll want to take time planning this beforehand. Brainstorm what you want to say and try to memorize it the best you can. Tell them how much they mean to you!

Go The Extra Mile

It’s not for everyone but hiring a proposal planner can really take your plans to astronomical heights. Planners work with you to figure out how you can make your big moment one of a kind, sentimental, and visually stunning. Not only do they walk you through everything and plan every detail they take care of all the setup and takedown as well. So if you’re thinking about taking it to the next level and having an amazing set up filled with flowers, music, balloons, candles, etc check out Luxe Proposals.

Set Up A Celebration

After you propose, get your happy “yes!” and finish your photoshoot, what’s next? A celebration of course! This doesn’t have to be anything crazy but it’s nice to stretch the happy moments a little longer. You deserve a good time after all your planning and hard work!

Here are some ideas:

  • Go to a high-end restaurant
  • Meet up with family/friends
  • Hotel stay
  • Spa day
  • Weekend getaway
distillery district surprise proposal photos
Surprise Proposal at Pure Spirits Oyster Bar in the Distillery District

Don’t Leave Any Clues

Last but not least try not to leave any clues laying around. Make sure you have a really great spot to hide the ring. That means it may have to live with your parents for a bit. Is it possible they could glance at your phone or email? Make sure you delete your history and hide any emails that have proposal related subject lines. This even comes down to your behaviour as well. While I know it’s tough not to get nervous and giddy you don’t want to give any signs that something is up! Everyone wants a true surprise. 🙂

I hope you found this article about how to plan a proposal helpful. Still not sure what type of proposal is right for you and your partner?

Check out: 20 Proposal Locations That Aren’t Overdone