15 Best Proposal Ideas for a Fairy-Tale Engagement (2024)

It’s hard to top the sheer joy and comfort that comes from knowing you’ve got the partner of your dreams and you’re ready to spend your lives together. But staging the perfect proposal? Well, that’s icing on the cake! A dream proposal doesn’t have to mean an expensive one, either — far from it. In fact, some of the best proposal ideas for a fairytale engagement are simple, timeless, and cost absolutely nothing. All you need is a bit of planning… and nerves of steel! Let these proposal ideas inspire you for a magical engagement with your kids, pets, or alone with your true love.

On a Hike

Meh, perfect makeup is way overrated: Nothing beats the exhilaration of getting engaged while soaked in sweat at the top of a mountain you just climbed together. An endorphin rush on top of a dopamine rush? Now that’s an intoxicating combination.

In the Rain

Definitely don’t let a little precipitation foil your engagement plans; in fact, make a plan to propose in the rain on purpose! Proposing under an awning is utterly romantic — even cinematic. And it’s perfect symbolism for how you’ll greet life’s inevitable storms hand in hand.

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With the Kids

Maybe you already share children with your partner. Or maybe you’re planning to blend families with children on either or both sides. Show your commitment to a lifetime of love for the whole family by involving the kids in the big moment.

At the Site of Your First Date

Think back to your first date: Was it at a restaurant? A coffee shop? A park bench? Go back to the scene of that fateful meeting and propose at the very same place. (Alternatively, you might choose to propose at the same place where you first said “I love you,” or some other unforgettable moment you shared.)

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Hidden Video

Getting engaged is such a whirlwind: You’re so wrapped up in emotions that memories can feel like a blur as soon as it’s done. Plan ahead to replay those precious moments over and over again by planting a video recorder somewhere in the room — or even on your body! (Hey, depending on how it goes… you might even go viral.)

Write it in the Sand

A beach proposal is a timeless choice, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Make it ultra memorable — not to mention photo ready — by writing the big question in the sand. The waves will eventually wash away your message… but your partner will be by your side for life.

Doggy Delivery

If you share a special pup in your life, get that pet involved with an ultra-adorbs proposal. Maybe it’s a ring tied around the collar. If you don’t have a dog, but you know your partner’s always wanted one… maybe now’s the time to adopt one to help make the big moment even bigger!

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Surprise Photo

Say cheese! Only when the shutter snaps, don't just smile: Ask the big question your partner never saw coming. And now you’ve got the moment captured on film (or more likely, in pixels) to cherish forever.

At the Top of a Ferris Wheel

Board a Ferris wheel and wait until it pauses at the very top to pop the question. And hey, while your basket climbs, you can always blame your nerves on the heights. Of course, if you go this route… make sure you hold on tight to that ring!

On a Picnic

Pack a perfect basket for two: Think wine, cheese, chocolates, and all the indulgent accoutrements. Take it to a secluded spot for a wholesome picnic-turned-proposal. For added drama, set the scene at night, under the stars.

Sunrise or Sunset

You can pop the question over dinner or a tranquil beach stroll at sunset. But you’ll have to be an early riser — or a major night owl — for a sunrise proposal. Either way, a sky filled with kaleidoscope of colors makes for a fairytale proposal backdrop (and drool-worthy photos).

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On a Boat

Getting engaged on a boat is romantic and picturesque; being out on the water elevates the big question and make it feel altogether magical. A boat charter or a cruise imparts a feeling of luxury, whereas a canoe or kayak for two feels ultra intimate.

On a Birthday or Holiday

Make a big day even bigger by planning the proposal around your partner’s birthday or favorite holiday. Every season of the year provides opportunities to make it extra special, whether you get engaged in couple’s Halloween costumes or matching Christmas PJs.

Dessert With a Twist

Bake the big question right in to a homemade dessert: Top a cupcake with a ring, or ice the question onto your partner’s favorite cake. If you’re not the DIY type, enlist the help of the staff at your chosen restaurant or hotel to get it ready behind the scenes, serving up the pastry’ chef’s surprise for dessert (while standing by with a camera!).

Pre-Planned After-Party

Sure, getting engaged is about you two — but it’s also about the community that has supported your relationship as it grew, and will continue to support you on your marriage journey. So plan ahead to invite close friends and family to an intimate celebration timed right after the proposal. Maybe it’s a surprise at a restaurant, in the backyard… or Zoom works, too!

15 Best Proposal Ideas for a Fairy-Tale Engagement (2024)

FAQs

How do you propose creatively? ›

19 Romantic & Creative Ways to Propose to A Woman
  1. AT A CONCERT. There are few things more memorable than seeing an incredible artist or band live. ...
  2. PLAN A FLASH MOB. ...
  3. AT HER FAVORITE RESTAURANT. ...
  4. PLAN (& REHEARSE) A LIP-DUB. ...
  5. AT A MUSEUM OR HISTORIC SITE. ...
  6. IN A GARDEN. ...
  7. ICE SKATING. ...
  8. ON A PRIVATE BEACH.

What is the best proposal to a girl? ›

Beautiful Proposal Quotes
  • "You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars." — ...
  • "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you." — ...
  • "Life with you is like a dream, and I never want to wake up." — ...
  • "You are my today and all of my tomorrows." —
Oct 19, 2023

How do you propose a girl in unique words? ›

  1. Will you marry me? ...
  2. Let's spend the rest of our lives together. ...
  3. I want to grow old with you. ...
  4. I can't imagine my life without you in it. ...
  5. Having you by my side is what completes me. ...
  6. Before I met you, I never realized how empty my life was. ...
  7. I now know that you and I are truly meant to be together.

What are the 4 C's in proposal? ›

See if there is a way to integrate your responses into your proposal. The way you make your grant or fellowship application clear, concise, comprehensive, and compelling is unique to you and your research.

What are the 3 C's of proposal writing? ›

Dominick Soldano
  • Compliant: A compliant proposal follows the RFP instructions to the letter. ...
  • Complete: A complete, and hence fully responsive proposal goes beyond mere compliance. ...
  • Compelling: To get beyond a basic acceptable rating your proposal must be more than just compliant and complete; it needs to be compelling.
May 21, 2019

What is the best proposal line? ›

Best Proposal Lines and Quotes
  • "I found the reason for my smile the day I found you. ...
  • "With you, my life becomes whole, and with you, my days become bright. ...
  • "You deserve the world and all the good things it has to offer. ...
  • "You are my North, my South, my East and West, the sun of my morning and the night of my day!
Jan 17, 2024

Which knee do you propose on? ›

Traditionalists say you should kneel on the left knee, like a proper knight. Most people are right side-dominant, so using your right leg might be more reliable. Studies and surveys on kneeling to propose universally ignore which knee hits the ground. Your partner probably won't notice which knee you use.

What lines to say while proposing a girl? ›

Start by telling her how much she means to you. Let her know how much you love her and how she has impacted your life in a positive way. Explain why you want to spend the rest of your life with her. Share with her the reasons why you are ready to commit to a lifetime together.

How to propose without saying I love you? ›

Nine Ways To Say I Love You (Without Saying I Love You)
  1. I adore you.
  2. You complete me.
  3. You fill my heart with love.
  4. You're everything to me.
  5. I'm crazy about you.

How to propose a girl casually? ›

Plan a cozy night in with her favorite takeout, a movie she loves, and candles to set the mood. During a quiet moment, express your love for her and share your excitement about your future together. Then, propose in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by the warmth of your love.

How to tell I love you? ›

Saying “I love you” with words
  1. “I love you.”
  2. “I'm in love with you.”
  3. “I love spending time with you.”
  4. “You make me happy whenever I'm around you.”
  5. “You bring me so much joy and excitement.”
  6. “I love spending time with you.”
  7. “When I'm not with you, I feel sad/incomplete/lonely.”
  8. “I can't imagine my life without you.”
Oct 13, 2022

How do you say I love you another way? ›

Romantic Ways To Say I Love You
  1. "I'm in love with you."
  2. "You're safe with me."
  3. "I love you to the moon and back."
  4. Surprise them with a bouquet of flowers.
  5. "You make my heart skip a beat."
  6. Write them a love letter.
  7. "You have bewitched me, body and soul." — Pride and Prejudice.
  8. "You're the love of my life."
Aug 31, 2023

How to propose a girl in one line? ›

Synopsis
  1. You have seen my imperfections and insecurities and still chose to be with me. ...
  2. You make my days better and make me whole. ...
  3. You are the music in my life. ...
  4. Loving you has made me become a better person. ...
  5. propose day.
  6. Today I promise a lifetime and neverending love and togetherness.
Feb 7, 2023

What is a nice engagement message? ›

Sweet and simple engagement card messages

Congratulations on your engagement! Wishing you both a lifetime of affection and bliss.” “So happy to hear the news! Best wishes to both of you as you embark on this new journey together.”

What does a good proposal include? ›

Common Elements of a Proposal
  • Face Page or Cover Page. The face/cover pages typically include the following: ...
  • Abstract. ...
  • Scope of Work or Research Plan. ...
  • Project Budget and Budget Justification. ...
  • Direct Costs. ...
  • Indirect Costs. ...
  • Cost Sharing. ...
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Biographical Sketch.

What do people say when proposing? ›

Start by telling her how much she means to you. Let her know how much you love her and how she has impacted your life in a positive way. Explain why you want to spend the rest of your life with her. Share with her the reasons why you are ready to commit to a lifetime together.

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