Your Checklist for a Romantic Valentine's Day Proposal

There's a good reason why men choose to propose on Valentine's Day. It's the day of love and romance! 💚 The perfect time to celebrate and reaffirm your lasting love for each other. But like all special moments, it takes a bit of careful planning to make the day as magical as she deserves.

A Checklist Made by Women

It's true—preparing for a proposal is not a piece of cake. Even a simple setup takes proper planning to keep the surprise. That's why we made this checklist to help men like you orchestrate the perfect proposal for the love of your life. With a list written by women, you get a complete guide for a truly romantic and memorable day. ✨

Valentine's Day Proposal Checklist

1. Get Inspired 💡

First, you need to find some inspiration—a theme to tie your whole plan together. Look back on your love story, and you'll find treasured memories that will guide your proposal planning. Think about the day you met, your first date, or an unforgettable trip. Then, find a theme that speaks to both of you and start planning from there.

2. Pick Out an Engagement Ring 💍

On her: Montevalle Pavé Pear Cut Engagement Ring

Up next is arguably the most vital element of them all—the ring! Your proposal is incomplete without it. It takes 20-25 working days to craft the bright and brilliant representation of your love, so make time for this crucial step. Find a style that will make her say, "Yes!" then let your trusted jeweler work their magic.

Need a little help? We'll let you in on our secret. 🤫 Women want three (3) things in their Engagement Ring: it has to be Big, Bold, and Beautiful. Read our Gentleman's Guide in Picking the Perfect Engagement Ring to learn more.

3. Select a Venue 🌅

The next on your list is finding a lovely, quiet spot to pop the question. Our suggestion? Keep things simple and personal with a romantic home setup. Celebrate your love surrounded by family, enjoy delectable food, and focus on what matters most.

If you prefer going out instead, choose a venue with plenty of open air. Make a reservation weeks in advance as other couples will want to celebrate Valentine's Day too. It's better if you can visit the place beforehand, find the best spot for your proposal, and let the staff in on your plans.

*Given the pandemic, we highly suggest prioritizing health and safety in choosing a proposal venue. After all, the true purpose of this occasion is to celebrate the love you share for one another.

4. Plan for Documentation (Photo and Video) 📸

Your engagement is a significant moment in both of your lives. It's an event you'd definitely want to share with those dearest to your hearts (and maybe on Instagram as well 😉). Moreso, it's something that you'd love to look back to time and time again. These are why preparing for quality photos and videos of your special moment is a big part of proposal planning.

Set up cameras, ask for help from friends and family, or even hire a professional to document your special day. Have plenty of keepsakes of the day she said, "Yes!"

5. Write Your Speech ✍🏼

Is it necessary to write down your speech? Not at all. But, it helps most men to have a clear idea of what they're going to say during the big day. 

What to say? How long should it be? That all depends on you. Just remember that your engagement is a celebration of your relationship—a joint commitment to a future of love and togetherness. Focus on these, and you'll eventually come up with the right words to say as you ask for her hand in marriage.

6. Plan Your Outfit 👞

Now let's delve onto the nitty-gritty. Remember Step 4? Since you'd want to take lots of photos and videos to commemorate the special day, it follows that you'd like to look your best. Aside from aesthetics, planning your outfit can also have practical reasoning. Some men hide the ring box inside their jacket pockets. After all, they're roomy, and some even have zippers to secure the ring in place.

Need more tips to hide the ring? We wrote an article about it HERE.

7. Plan for Her Outfit Too! 👗💅🏼

Trust us—she'd want to look her best too when you get down on one knee. Think of a way to get her into lovely attire, have her nails done, and maybe even prepare her hair and makeup without spoiling the surprise. Since it's Valentine's, it's easier to make her think that she's preparing for a simple, romantic date.

Bonus: Prepare Your Props 💐

Flowers? Signboards? Rose petals? Make sure to get them ready before the big day.

These preparations mainly depend on your theme. Whether you decide to go big or stay in line with the basics, making it a special day for her is what truly matters.

 

No matter how you choose to make this day memorable, make sure to make it an enjoyable affair for you too. Design a romantic Valentine's Day proposal for both of you, and you already have everything you need for a truly memorable day.

Need a few more inspiration? Take a peek at these lovely couple's proposal stories for more romantic ideas. 💚