How to Propose: Creative Ideas and a Beginner’s Guide to Getting It Right

Proposing marriage should be as special and personalized as your love story. Think about what makes you you as a couple, maybe it was meeting at a cozy café or bonding over a favorite TV show and use that as inspiration. Want to swoon them at your first-date spot? Bliss Proposals suggests revisiting where it all began and proposing there, reflecting on your journey together. Love adventures? Plan a romantic getaway, road trip or a helicopter ride and pop the question mid-flight. You could propose 35,000 feet up in the air on an airplane tour or even on a Ferris wheel at sunset. (Imagine the city lights below as you say “Will you marry me?”.) Bliss Proposals can help make this possible by arranging the décor, from candles and petals to sound and lighting, so you enjoy the view.

• First-Date Flashback: Take them back to your very first date spot and ask the big question there. It’s a sweet, sentimental idea highlighting how far you’ve come. Bliss Proposals can decorate that spot with flowers or lights to set the mood.

• Adventure Proposal: Whisk your partner away on an adventure. Think of a scenic road trip to somewhere meaningful, a sunrise hike to a mountaintop, or a helicopter ride over the skyline.

• Personalized Props & Scenes: Use custom signs or décor to spell out the moment. A giant lighted “Marry Me” marquee sign is a classic; other ideas include writing the question in chocolate on a dessert, spelling it out with rose petals, or setting up a photo montage of your memories. Maybe hide a message in sidewalk chalk or a jigsaw puzzle.

• Family & Pets: Include the people (and pets) who mean the most. Consider proposing during a family tradition or reunion; Brides.com recommends timing the question to coincide with an annual holiday or vacation so loved ones can share in the celebration. For animal lovers, let the pet help pop the question: have your dog or cat wear a bandana or tag saying “Will you marry me?”.

• Capture the Moment: New trends favor documenting the proposal on film. Hire a photographer who will secretly shoot or video the big moment. A keepsake you’ll love sharing. Bliss Proposals can coordinate a surprise photo shoot, guiding you to perfect vantage points, think Polson Pier at sunset or behind you on a snowy Toronto street.

Proposal Etiquette Tips

When the moment arrives, a few etiquette “rules” can help it go smoothly - but remember, it’s your moment!

• Which finger? Traditionally, the engagement ring belongs on the fourth finger of the left hand (the “ring finger”). This is where the wedding band will also go later, so be ready to slide it on there.

  
  

• Which knee? The romantic custom is to get down on your left knee while asking. This dates back to medieval times and signals devotion. If your partner is the one proposing, they can adjust this as they wish!

• When to show the ring? The classic approach is to have the ring in hand when you ask “Will you marry me?” and then after a joyful “Yes!”, slide it onto their finger. If you prefer a surprise reveal, you could hide the ring beforehand. Some etiquette guides usually advise being ready to place it on their finger immediately after they say yes.

• What to say: Speak from the heart. The Bliss Proposals team suggests sharing personal touches, recalling the first time you met, explaining how your partner makes you feel, and mentioning why you want to spend forever together. Practicing a few bullet points beforehand can help keep nerves at bay, but the magic is in being genuine. Above all, remember to ask the question clearly: “Will you marry me?” is the line everyone’s waiting for.

Traditionally, engagement and wedding rings go on your left hand’s fourth finger (ring finger), as shown here.

Kneeling on the left knee (ring knee) is the timeless way to propose – Although in today’s world, you can choose whatever feels most meaningful.

Irrespective of what you say or do, the key is to propose uniquely to you. And if you need a hand, Bliss Proposals in Brampton can help every step of the way. We offer fully customizable decor and setup options from signs and lighting to flower arrangements and expert planning assistance so you can focus on the moment, not the logistics. With Bliss Proposals on your team, you’ll have the support and style to bring even the wildest proposal idea to life.