A marriage proposal is one of the most romantic moments of a couple’s life. These moments become cherished memories. At Do Amore, we love helping couples create the perfect proposal. In fact, our name even means to give with love! So, if you’re looking for the best proposal ideas, you’ve come to the right people. Read on to answer proposal questions, and read some breathtakingly romantic proposal ideas!

Proposal Ideas: The Basics

What’s the most romantic way to propose?

The most romantic proposals are full of meaning to the couple, so think special memories, places, plans for the future, and even nicknames. To some couples, this means a romantic private dinner where they had their first date. For others, it may mean a surprise gathering with family. And for our extroverted couples, the more public pizazz the better!

engagement ring in velvet ring box with white flowers and sparkling wine bottle

What to say while proposing?

“Will you marry me?” is a tried and true classic, whereas unique proposals incorporate the future you want your partner to create with you. So, do you want to travel the world together, forever? Raise a beautiful family? Be the most beautiful power couple? Be gaming buddies forever? The choices are endless!

Do you have to kneel when proposing?

Only if you want to! Kneeling to propose comes from the days of chivalry and knighthood, where a knight would show respect to a lady by lowering himself beneath her. Some modern couples love this romance and tradition. Other couples love a unique spin: you can propose sitting to dinner, laying in bed watching a movie, or jumping out of a plane! Whatever interaction with your partner feels most authentic should guide you.

What is a unique way to propose a guy?

We asked around, and almost every guy we asked wanted an intimate proposal while out in nature! So, if you’re looking to propose to your guy, think scenic vistas. Mountaintops, lakes, or on a hike. Most guys asked said they’d prefer it to be a moment just between you two, instead of in a crowd. So, pack a picnic, cozy up, and think romance!

What is the average time to propose?

The average couple is together around 18 months prior to proposal. But, love has not boundaries! If it feels right much sooner, go for it! Likewise, if you want more time, listen to that too. Also, if the proposal is not so much of a surprise, couples can plan their proposal to coordinate with special dates, family visiting, or other scheduling priorities.

proposal idea couple holding cupcake that says will you marry me

Top 5 Proposal Ideas of 2021!

We’ve asked around – and here are the most romantic proposals of 2021! And, we’ll be asking some of our awesome Instagram followers to chime in too. Here are the top 5 most desired proposal ideas!

#1 Proposal Idea: Memory Lane

Our sentimental customers wanted to propose where they first met or first said I love you! This idea is chock full of emotion and nostalgia. Remember when you had that first spark? That look in her eyes? Remake the occasion! Tell stories, make inside jokes, and think about what songs were popular that year. If you really want to get into “character”, how old were you? What was the Pantone color of the year? Were you in different jobs? The sky’s the limit and you can be as romantic or silly as you want. And, you can get others in on it too. Restaurants, hotels, stores, and even university admin love getting in on these beautiful moments. I mean, seriously, how often do you get to help in such a huge surprise? Ask people to take photos and show us!

Proposal Idea #2: Destination Proposals

Unsurprisingly, a destination proposal is high up on many of our customer’s lists. Who doesn’t want a romantic getaway?! Think “backdrop” – what is going to look great in your memories and pictures? Is there a city you’ve always wanted to go to? A beautiful lake? The beach! The mountains! The options are endless. Just remember to take the ring as a carry-on and not in your luggage.

#3 Proposal Idea: Furry Friends

Does your partner love pets? Bring them in on it! We’ve seen so many adorable proposals that include puppies and kittens – it’s a great way to start your new lives together! Tie your ring around your pet’s collar, or have them hold a sign asking your partner to marry you! Active couples could also go on a dog walk to a romantic proposal location. Finally, who could resist a dressed up pup for your perfect proposal?

group of friends surprising woman with proposal

Proposal Idea #4: Surprise Party

Are y’all the life of the party? Bring your family and friends in on it! Have your friends and family set up a big surprise party while you and your partner are out – or tell your partner you’re going to someone else’s party! Make sure to text on your way, and watch the surprise unfold before you. Bonus points for streamers and candid pictures capturing the moment.

#5 Proposal Idea: Simple & Intimate

Sometimes simple really is the best! A nice dinner, a quiet stroll, a beautiful view – and propose when it feels right. Remember: proposing is not just an Instagram moment, it’s about asking your partner to stand by you through thick and thin. It’s a big moment, and a very personal one! So, a quiet, intimate setting can be exactly the right option for many thoughtful couples.

outdoor intimate proposal idea

Engagement Ring FAQ

Can I show engagement ring before proposal?

Sure, if you don’t mind it not being a surprise. Many of our couples choose to design their engagement rings together, and then propose at a surprise time and place. Others choose to design and purchase the ring without their partner’s involvement, so it’s a complete surprise!

Is it possible to propose without a ring?

Yes. We work with plenty of couples who get engaged and then design a ring together! We also have sent some gorgeous loose stones for proposals. This option gives one partner the ability to choose the focal point, and the couple the chance to design the ring together. Check out our gorgeous new loose diamond boxes here!

man holding ring box showing off engagement ring

How do you present a ring when proposing?

Traditionally, your engagement ring is presented in a beautiful box (check out our sustainable Jarrah wood boxes here!). However, we’ve seen some super romantic proposals where rings have been hidden in champagne flutes, geodes, and puppy collars.

Surprise Proposal Ideas

Should a proposal be a surprise?

Most couples want some aspect of their engagement to be a surprise, whether that be the entire proposal or just when it happens. Quietly asking your partner’s friends is often a good way to test those waters. Other ways of finding clues include looking at your partner’s Pinterest pages and asking about their friends’ proposals!

How can I surprise my girlfriend in a proposal?

A surprise engagement is as easy as these four steps:

  1. Find her style through her Pinterest, friends, or other jewelry;
  2. Design a ring to compliment her style (check out classic styles here, or custom design with us!);
  3. Invite her to your proposal location, allegedly for another reason (a friend’s party, a class, or another event); and
  4. Pop the question!
couple hugging while man holds engagement ring behind woman's back

How to NOT Ruin the Surprise

Here are the top 5 biggest mistakes people make when ordering an engagement ring meant to be a surprise:

Shipping Mistakes

Shipping it to the couple’s shared home where the fiancée-to-be finds it. Instead, have us ship to a secure FedEx facility to avoid this!

Social Media Linkage

If you order the ring on a shared device without signing out of social media, Instagram and other socials can mine and publicly ask about purchases. You don’t want Instagram asking your fiancée how their ring is. So, SIGN OUT before purchase to avoid the tip off!

Clear the Cache

Not clearing your computer’s cache can also prompt unwanted advertising links. Clear your cache so Google doesn’t show engagement advertising.

Blabbermouths

Think before telling friends. Telling indiscreet friends/family is a surefire way to spoil the surprise. So, make sure not to tell people who will let it slip to your partner!

Hide it well!

Hiding the ring in too obvious of a hiding place will not get you the discretion you’re after. We suggest tool chests, locked vehicle compartments, a trusted family member’s home, or locked office drawers. Don’t trust your underwear drawer – everyone knows that one!

Can you help me develop a romantic proposal idea?

Of course! Drop us a line here, or email us at care@doamore.com, and we’ll help you design a gorgeous ring for the perfect romantic proposal.

wooden ring box with engagement ring, skyline and woman in background