5 unforgettable proposal ideas

Stuck for unique, non-cheesy proposal ideas? Read on.

We talk to proposal planners, Gloria and Tania, the dream team behind My Proposal Co.

Here are their top 5 picks for out-of-the-ordinary proposal ideas for The Romantic, The Foodie, The Fun Lover, The Dog Lover and The Prince(ss)!

The key to romance is simple. Make it thoughtful and personal.

Make a list of all your partner’s favourite things (which may include food, wine, desserts, flowers, locations, movies, songs and even memories).

Design the proposal using elements of each favourite thing (whether obvious or subtle).

Serve a picnic basket of all their favourite foods, or have it catered by their favourite restaurant.

If your partner loved Christmas as a child, choose an outdoor location where you can deck the trees with fairy lights.

If you went on movie dates throughout uni, set up an outdoor cinema and play the first movie you saw together.

At the end of the movie, surprise and delight with a personalised video message.

When your partner turns around in surprise, ask the most important question you’ll ever ask in your life.

And the answer is…

Remember, a proposal doesn’t have to be a public affair (just like a fine dining experience doesn’t have to be in a restaurant). Scout the perfect location for a private dinner for two, such as a secluded beach or a holiday house you’ve rented for the weekend.

Hire a chef to create a three-course menu featuring all of your partner’s favourite dishes. Have a private waiter on hand to ensure the service and clean-up is looked after.

The way to a foodie’s heart is through their stomach, so it’ll be an experience to remember!

If your partner is the kind who prefers The Amazing Race over The Bachelor, send them on a treasure hunt! This one takes a bit of creativity, but it’s worth it!

Think of the important events and places that make up your story as a couple: Your favourite date spot, where you first kissed, your favourite Mexican joint and your favourite look out.

Place a clue at each location that directs them to the next stop. Get creative with maps, write the letters in rhyme, or have family and friends at every location handing out hints. Hot tip though – Keep it local or hire a driver so the travel is quick, enjoyable and there’s no opportunity for the excitement to fade.

Eventually you’ll be at the final landmark, ring in hand and ready to propose.

For some, a proposal isn’t a proposal unless it involves their closest friends and family. Especially those of the four-legged variety!

Perhaps you’re taking the dog for a walk when you stumble across a beautiful proposal setting. Or your partner arrives to meet you and discovers an engagement ring and proposal message tied around pup’s collar.

Training is important, so spend some time preparing puppers for his or her starring role. Remember that props like balloons and signage can be scary to a dog, so it can be helpful to slowly acclimatise them to these objects beforehand (especially if they will be near or attached to them). A strong ‘sit-stay’ command is also beneficial to keep pup in place for photos.

And finally, be sure to have doggy treats on hand to keep pooch occupied, especially if you sit down for a picnic!

This one is for those who love the royal treatment.

Make plans for a casual day out and tell your partner you’ll pick them up. Instead of showing up yourself, surprise them with a limo, a chauffeur and best friends who whisk them away for a day of indulgence.

The day might start with some pampering at a luxury day spa with a private masseuse. Chocolates and a favourite drink of choice, whether it be champagne or whisky, always works a treat. The concierge knocks on the door and presents them with a beautifully boxed outfit from their favourite designer. Dressed to the nines, your partner is chauffeured away at the end of the day to meet you for a private meal and a surprise proposal.

1. Use a decoy.

To get your partner to the proposal location without tipping them off, say you’re going to a friend’s birthday or colleague’s wedding. Alternatively, have a friend pretend to take them on a night out. This way, your partner will be dressed for the occasion without even realising it!

2. Capture the moment.

Have a videographer or photographer nearby ready to capture every moment. You may both be too caught up in the surprise to remember how it all happened, and this is one of those memories you’ll want to relive again and again.

3. Take your partner’s personality into consideration.

It’s easy to think that the event should be a grand, public proposal. After all, that’s what the movies like to tell you! However for some, a private, low-key affair is perfect. Pizza, a quiet night out, and just the two of you.

4. Engage a professional.

Proposal planning can be daunting when trying to do it all yourself. Engage a professional to execute the finer details, especially if you don’t have the time to develop an idea, wade through suppliers and coordinate without getting caught. Your professional may be a planner who can manage all aspects of the proposal, or a caterer or prop hire service to take care of certain aspects of the event. This way, when the time comes, you can concentrate on enjoying the special moment too!