Ava Me Photography Via Tayla & James’s Lower Hunter Valley Country Wedding
It’s proposal month here at Polka Dot Groom and we’re celebrating one of the most important aspects of any wedding. Without a proposal, nothing else falls into place!
But how to make that moment memorable? There are so many variables out there, I’d always suggest you start with: what would my partner want? But if you’re still struggling, I’ve listed a few options and aspects below to help turn your proposal from good to great!
The photobooth
Seems crazy, right? But if you can get the timing right, the photobooth proposal will go down as one of the greatest surprises and stories of all time – AND you’ll have the evidence to back it up. Your standard photobooth will give you three photos, so here’s the game plan:
• First photo: Normal smile.
• Second photo: Whip out the ring.
• Third photo: That reaction!
Yes, this proposal involves some very good timing on your behalf, and you’ll have to make sure you have the ring box at the ready. High risk, high reward, as they say.
Pets
Pets can play a huge part in the lives of individuals and couples. So, if you’ve got a four-legged furry friend, why not try and make them part of this special moment too – after all, they’re going to be around for all the other special moments!
Consider tying the ring box or just the ring to your dog’s collar. Picture the moment when the dog jumps up onto your partner’s lap and they aren’t quite sure what that thing is dangling from the collar. Then, when they open the box and look up at you, you’re already on one knee. Perfect for those of us who want to keep it low key but still ramp up the romance.
Flash Mob
Look, I’ll admit I’m not the biggest fan of these types of proposals, but in the social media age, it’s difficult to resist the chance to turn your proposal into a viral video. Why not ask your family and friends to get in on the act and rehearse some basic dance moves? And at the next family function, ramp up the tunes and pull off the surprise performance of a lifetime.
Can you picture the look on your partner’s face as everyone starts moving in unison and they’re at the centre of the spectacle? Don’t forget to get someone to film it! Here’s some inspo:
Photographer
Yes, this might be elaborate especially for those of us on a budget. But let’s face it, you’re going to whip out your phone for a selfie soon after the big moment anyway. Imagine if you didn’t have to worry about taking a photo because you had a photographer there to capture the moment. You could even ask them to keep it incognito in the lead up and during the proposal. Those candid photos will live on forever.
The outfit
All the cards are in your hands here. You’ve got the element of surprise and the ability to plan, so there’s no excuse for doing this in trackies and a singlet – unless of course, you’re going for a casual proposal, which is fine too. But if you’re going big, don’t forget to select the outfit to match. I went for the suit and bowtie, which I’m told is still a magnificent memory and made the moment that much more special.
Looking for inspo? Check out some of my interviews on wedding suits, bow ties and shoes.
And if you’re struggling with all the pressure that comes with your proposal, why not check out my ultimate proposal checklist, guaranteed to make sure you tick off all the boxes before you ask the most important question of your life.
Ms Zebra Says: I can’t even imagine the pressure that comes with planning a proposal – but thanks to Mr Houndstooth & his great advice, surely you can’t go wrong?!?!
About the author Mr Houndstooth: I am a happily married man. I enjoy a fine whisky, a new suit and swashbuckling around town with my beautiful bride. Looking back on my wedding day always makes me smile, even though it began to rain just as I said ‘I do’.
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