Planning a proposal to your partner can be intimidating. It’s something that takes a lot of preparation and confidence to get right, and it can sometimes cause more stress than enjoyment.

No matter how long you’ve been with your partner and how much they’ve expressed their love for you, there’s always that small seed of doubt that your partner might say no. This only adds to your worry about the upcoming proposal.

Planning out your proposal as best as you can will reduce your nerves and make the process a lot more fun and exciting. It will remove some of the anxiety about something going wrong so that you can enjoy a great day with your partner and end it with the perfect proposal.

So, how exactly do you plan a proposal to your partner? Here are some of the key steps that you need to take when you’re ready to propose.

Find the Perfect Ring

For obvious reasons, one of the most important factors when it comes to planning out your proposal is finding the perfect engagement ring for your partner.

If you already know your partner's ring size, you will be able to head straight to the jewelers to learn how much a custom engagement ring will cost you.

However, if you aren’t sure what size your partner's ring finger is, you may need to take a look at my current ring selection. Alternatively, you can see if one of their friends or parents knows the right measurements.

Once you know the right ring size, you can start searching through the different styles that are available. You’ll need to decide on the following:

• Metal (gold, silver, or platinum)
• Carat
• Gemstone type, size, and cut

Consider the Location

The next thing to plan is the location of your proposal. Are there any places that are special to them? Is there a particular scene that you’d like your engagement photos to contain?

No matter what location you decide on, make it somewhere memorable and unique. This is a moment that both you and your partner will remember for years to come.

When planning the area of your proposal, make sure to take your partner's preferences into account. For example, if they hate being the center of attention, avoid proposing in a busy public area. If they’ve always adored nature, try to find a peaceful location in the middle of a forest.

If you have no idea where to plan the proposal, ask your partner's family for some ideas.

Have a Photographer Nearby

Some people choose to hire a professional photographer to take some snaps of the proposal. However, you don’t necessarily need to spend money on an expert photographer.

Often, all you need is a phone or basic camera to get some great memorable shots. Get your friend or family member to linger nearby, ready to take some photos when you finally popped the question.