You might have heard the old adage that the “best time to propose is when you know you’ll receive a yes.” We believe that this advice is solid – no one wants to experience the awkwardness or confusion that can come with a rejected proposal.

Every couple is unique, but having discussions about whether or not you’re ready for marriage, what you want your partnership to look like, and how you envision your future together are all important to your relationship. However, there is far more to the timing of a proposal than just whether or not you want to be engaged. Let’s go over four things to consider about the timing of a proposal so that you’ll feel confident in your choice of when to get down on one knee and pop the question! 

Do You Want to Include Family?

For many people, their family is important to their vision of their engagement. This could mean getting the blessing of a family leader, like a parent or grandparent. For others, this means their family being present at the engagement. Think about what your partner wants in this aspect, and how this fits into the timing of your proposal.

You might want to wait until family can come into town, or when they’re available to join you for your special moment. Maybe you want to find a good time to ask for a blessing. If family is important for you and your partner’s engagement story, make sure to consider how to best fit this event into their lives as well!

What Is Going On in Your Lives?

Take a step back and think about what major life events and changes are happening for you and your partner. Is there a graduation, job change, new niece and nephew, or other special event or change in your lives? Think about how the timing of a proposal, engagement, and wedding planning fits into the other aspects of your lives.

What Is the Location?

Is there a specific place you or your partner has always dreamed of becoming engaged at? Maybe there is a location that is meaningful to your relationship, like where you had your first date. Or, maybe you want to propose at the same spot your parents became engaged. Did you see a beautiful location on Instagram? Or do you just know that your outdoorsy partner wants to be outside in the sunshine.

The location you’d like to propose at can influence the timing of your proposal. If you’re looking for a sunny, warm day, you might want to avoid December engagements. The location you’re dreaming of might be busier at certain times of the year, or could be already reserved far in advance. 

Is it a Surprise? 

This one can be a little trickier to work out without totally spilling the beans that you’re planning to propose. Some people want to know when they’re going to be asked the big question. Others want to know that a proposal is coming, but have the specific date and location be a surprise. Some fiancés-to-be want to be totally swept away and completely surprised in the moment. If your partner hasn’t expressed any specific desires in this area, think about their personality. How do they enjoy other surprises in their life, like gifts, birthday parties, or learning some exciting news?

If you’re going to plan a surprise proposal, the timing can be a bit more important. You’ll want to think about how long you can keep a secret. Also, consider when and how you can get your partner to the location on the day of without it seeming suspicious.

Want to chat about how you can bring your proposal dreams to life and choose the perfect time to pop the question? Book a Discovery Call here. 

Photography by Sarah Tribett