There’s nothing quite as special and romantic as proposing to your significant other on holiday. Not only are you surrounded by beautiful, unique landscapes, but you will likely add an extra element of surprise to the entire ordeal, as your partner surely won’t expect a proposal during your vacation. However, planning a destination engagement can also be a particularly challenging task, especially when you consider all the additional planning aspects you have to handle, on top of the general pre-proposal anxiety. Thankfully, a destination proposal doesn’t have to be quite as stressful, as long as you plan some key aspects in advance. To that end, here is how to propose to your partner on a vacation:
Choose a stunning destination
While most people might imagine destination proposals to include gorgeous white-sand beaches, the location you select should be perfectly suited to your partner, for the most special and memorable experience. If he loves the tropical scenery, then go for it, but if he enjoys spending time in the snowy mountains, for instance, then a proposal under the Northern Lights in the rocky Norway or Island might be a better option. On the other hand, you could also choose a destination that has a special meaning to your relationship, whether it’s the city where you first met or the place where you finally said “I love you”.
Plan out the entire day
Don’t just plan the moment when you will pop the question; make the experience a bit more special by finding a private place such as a secluded beach or a private courtyard with a stunning view to ensure your proposal isn’t interrupted. If you wish to go a step further, it would also be a wonderful idea to have some champagne after your partner says “I do” or even book a romantic dinner after the engagement to mark the occasion. Don’t forget to plan out what you’re going to say to your partner as well, to avoid the pressure and the nerves, and ensure the proposal goes smoothly.
Invest in gorgeous jewelry
No proposal can truly go without a piece of jewelry. It marks this special occasion, and presents a wonderful memory your partner can cherish forever. For that reason, it would be a great idea to invest in a luxury diamond jewelry piece from Deltora Diamonds, as an elegant and sophisticated option perfect for a proposal. If your partner is more traditional, you can truly never go wrong with a simple diamond ring, but diamond necklaces and bracelets can also be a great option in case your partner prefers more unconventional engagement jewelry.
Wear something elegant
Even if you are going on a hike or to the beach, you shouldn’t wear something overly simple and casual. A proposal is a very special and important event, and you should be dressed appropriately in something nice, elegant, and suitable for the occasion. What’s more, ensure your partner is wearing a stylish outfit as well, something he would be happy to see when looking back on your engagement photos in the future. Keep in mind that you can always tell him you are going to lunch or dinner as an excuse to get dressed up.
Try to go the extra mile
While simply popping the question in a stunning location might be enough for some, others might expect the proposal to be a bit more extravagant and memorable. If your partner appreciates a bit of drama as well, you could always ask for help with your proposal, whether that means asking restaurant staff to put the ring in a champagne glass or dessert, or even hiring a local company to create a romantic setting with lit candles, banners, and rose petals in the place where you plan on proposing. In either case, it would be a wonderful idea to hire a photographer that will sneakily take pictures of the special moment, to ensure you have wonderful memories to look back on in the future.
Even though destination proposals are incredibly beautiful and romantic, they also require plenty of advanced thought and planning. Hopefully, the helpful tips mentioned above will allow you to plan the ideal engagement, and be one step closer to that happily ever after.
QUEERGURU Correspondent PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine.
Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado,
he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second hand stores on a daily basis.
Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.