Tips for Proposing (Marriage) While on Vacation

There are few events in life that are as monumental — or as intimidating — as proposing marriage. Proposing on vacation raises the fear factor even higher. There are so many logistics: where to go, what adventures to plan, how to do the big reveal, which travel insurance to purchase and how to travel safely with an expensive piece of jewelry.

Planning a vacation proposal requires meticulous strategizing and ingenuity, but this detailed preparation will reap unsurpassed romance, excitement and cherished memories. Before you drop down on one knee, here are six tips to get you from “How will I pull this off?” to “Will you marry me?”

1. PLAN EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE

Don’t wait until you arrive at your destination to plan the fine points of your proposal. Will you do it at a vineyard? On a ski lift? At sunset? A proposal concierge service can assist with everything from making restaurant reservations to ordering your beloved’s favorite flowers — and much more. Keep in mind that something may go wrong — the hotel you booked may be unacceptable or a local attraction may be undergoing repairs. Have a backup plan, just in case. Compare and purchase travel insurance in case you have to re-book at the last minute due to unforeseen events.

2. CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

The perfect location creates the perfect proposal backdrop. Whisk your honey away to your first-ever vacation spot or surprise her with a fresh destination. It may take more research to arrange an unfamiliar proposal location, but it will be well worth the effort.

3. PLAN THE ENTIRE DAY

It’s easy to lose focus on anything but that moment when you drop to bended knee. However, have plans in place that will make the whole day special. You could eat chocolate-covered strawberries, take a horseback ride or swim at a waterfall. The activity will be fun and memorable for you both and the distraction will calm your nerves.

4. PLAN WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO SAY

Unless you’re Winston Churchill, plan what you’re going to say during your proposal. “Will you marry me?” is the cornerstone of your proposal, but it needs to be eloquently and succinctly embellished. Write down what you want to say, then review it several times. Many creative turns of phrase can be found on the Internet and incorporated into your proposal.

5. WHEN TO PROPOSE

Resist proposing in the taxi, on the plane, or when you first set foot in your hotel room. The ring may be screaming to you from your pocket in a frequency only you can hear, but resist the temptation to rush the magical moment. Have patience – it will be rewarded.

6. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Always have a backup plan. If you don’t, you may find yourself at the Golden Gate Bridge when a thick fog rolls in, scrambling to choose another location. Weather may sabotage outdoor proposal plans, so always check the forecast before your big day.

Just like you and your bride-to-be are the perfect pair, a proposal melded with a vacation is also a blessed union. Try these six tips and you may find yourself quickly transitioning from “Will you marry me?” to “I do.”