5 Mistakes You Should Never Make When Proposing

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Your special partner makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world. So, they deserve the best proposal in the world, right?

But understand that this can mean different things to different people. A proposal that causes tears of joy for one may cause tears of embarrassment for another.

To ensure you get the best possible outcome (and response), avoid making any of these five common mistakes.

1. Taking Chances on the Ring

The ring design can always be a big gamble for people who don't know a lot about jewellery.

You can do things like look at your partner's existing jewellery or ask for advice from their friend/sibling/mother. If their style is modern, go for something that follows suit. You'll want a ring that's simple and classic. But if they have a soft spot for designs inspired from the past, you can always trust the elegance of vintage engagement rings when surprising them.

2. Doing Something Weather Dependent

Will your plan fall apart completely if it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy?

A fall hike through the woods and a surprise proposal at the lookout may seem incredibly romantic. However, it's less romantic if it's unseasonably warm and you're both sweaty in the pictures. Or, your plan to propose at the top of a Ferris wheel could be ruined if there is a cold and bitter wind blowing off the lake.

Always have a Plan B.

3. Doing Something That Doesn't Suit Their Personality

Some people would love a proposal on the jumbotron at a hockey game. However, that is certainly not for everyone. A lot of people would find it mortifying.

Always keep your partner's personality in mind. Best intentions can't make up for an embarrassing proposal that makes them wonder what you were thinking. 

A simple and personal proposal (like the bookstore where you met) will always trump a grandiose gesture.

4. Surprising Someone That Hates Surprises

Some people say they hate surprises, but secretly like them. However, "some" is the keyword there. 

The vast majority of people that say they hate surprises legitimately hate surprises. Gambling that your partner falls into the former category can very easily blow up in your face.

Let's say they made it clear that they hate surprises, but you try one anyways. They may think you don't really know them and might even change their "Yes" to a "No."

5. Involving Too Many People

Bringing too many people into your master plan is a bad idea for two reasons. 

The first reason goes part and parcel with the previous section. Someone that doesn't love surprises may find you planning things "behind their back" with family and friends horribly intrusive.

The second reason is simple: the more people involved in a surprise, the more people that can ruin said surprise.

Even if you trust everyone involved, you never know how things can break down. You can never plan for how their sister's boyfriend plays squash with a co-worker, who accidentally says something at the holiday party.

Keep the number of variables to a minimum by keeping the number of people involved to a minimum.

No one needs to tell you that this should be as close to a perfect memory as possible. Don't leave anything to chance. Keep anything too risky out of your proposal plan, and always keep your fiancé-to-be front and centre at every stage of planning.