That's it, you've decided: you want to spend the rest of your life with your other half, and above all, you want to tell them!
Once the excitement settles, the questions start: how do you make this moment unforgettable? You certainly want to do better than the friend who proposed during a TV advert break, a moment his partner still calls "tragic".
Don't panic: here is our top 10 of proposal ideas for a stylish, original proposal, ranked from the most classic to the wildest. Remember that a proposal doesn't have to be extraordinary: it has to suit you and your partner and fit your story. No need to go over the top just for the sake of it!
1. A restaurant proposal
A great classic, and it still works.
For extra romance, book the restaurant of your first date. Go for the full three courses and champagne: pull out all the stops :)
We do advise against hiding the ring too well in the dessert, unless you want the evening to end in A&E!
2. A proposal on a meaningful date
The anniversary of the day you met, the birth of your first child, Valentine's Day, Christmas... You are spoilt for choice to find THE date that means something to you both.
Organise a lovely dinner, hide the engagement ring in your newborn's blanket or place it under the Christmas tree: a simple moment, but full of emotion.
Here, it happens during their friends' wedding: what better day to celebrate eternal love?
3. A romantic picnic
If you are the outdoorsy type, this proposal is for you! Fairly easy to organise, its success lies in the details.
Beyond the picnic itself, prepared in advance and done properly, the journey can be part of the experience: plan a walk to a secluded spot or a breathtaking viewpoint that will make the moment even more romantic.
The one condition, let's be honest, is decent weather. Keep a plan B!
PS: a sunset on top is the ultimate bonus!
4. A proposal at work
As we said, a proposal should speak to you. If you met as colleagues, bring things full circle by proposing at your workplace!
Take inspiration from this teacher, who declared his love in front of his class and colleagues.
We love it!
Bonus: SPOILER ALERT! Because we are fans of the show, and it is right on theme, here is (again?) Michael's proposal to Holly in The Office, which had us in tears:
5. A fairy-tale proposal
A cliché, you say? So what? We love clichés, especially romantic ones!
In front of the Eiffel Tower, at a castle in the Highlands, in a gondola in Venice or during a horse-drawn carriage ride: there is plenty to make anyone dream.
And to top it off, invite family and friends to celebrate your engagement and share your happiness.
6. A proposal on a romantic weekend away
A weekend away is first and foremost a chance to reconnect and enjoy some quality time together, somewhere romantic or unusual!
It could be the classic hotel, dinner and spa combo, or a campervan road trip for the more adventurous.
And why not finish in style with the official proposal, down on one knee in front of a beautiful view?
7. A treasure hunt proposal
If you are playful and imaginative, go for a real-life treasure hunt or an escape room: it takes some preparation, but the "wow" effect is guaranteed!
The idea is to scatter clues and riddles, ideally in places that mean something to you, leading your partner to the final treasure: the engagement ring!
8. A musical proposal
Is music part of your everyday life as a couple? Then go for it!
Whether or not you are an artist at heart, there are plenty of ways to propose with music. Here are our two favourites:
The most stylish, the flash mob:
The most romantic:
Not ready to sing? Hire a busker or a string quartet to play "your" song at the right moment.
9. A proposal on screen
Calling all geeks: this one is for you! A slideshow, a film of your love story with its key moments, messages from friends and family: let your imagination run wild, and finish with the big question.
If you are really, really keen, you can do what this man did: hire a whole cinema with family and friends and remaster a Disney classic:
10. A breathtaking proposal
Sporty and into thrills? Time to get creative: a hot-air balloon ride or a bungee jump, the perfect symbol of "taking the plunge".
This can be a surprise within a surprise, on your dating anniversary for example: they must not suspect the cherry on the cake, the proposal itself.
This video is one of our favourites, even if, honestly, we would have wanted to kill him too!
And as a bonus, we end with a proposal in a league of its own. It might depress us a little to see that some people set the bar this high, but we console ourselves knowing he won't get away with a simple bunch of flowers next Valentine's Day.
And why not get help from a wedding planner?
Some proposals seem within reach, others need a little (or a lot of) help: that is when a wedding planner comes in!
They can help make the moment unforgettable, guide you and bring fresh ideas. And remember that wedding planners have plenty of contacts: musicians, florists, venues...
A bit like a fairy godmother, and not just for the big day!
To find a wedding planner near you, browse our directory.