When to start planning your Surprise Proposal
By, Tabitha Miki FDI CFD Floral Designer & Jolene Kaneshige Proposal Coordinator
Recently, I had a conversation with our head proposal coordinator and ninja photographer about how far in advance most partners plan the proposal. I was quite surprised how many partners plan the actual proposal at the last minute! At first, I wondered why they would plan it last and not before or around the same time as actually purchasing the ring. One of our wise counterparts explained that most partners will purchase the ring first and hold on to it for quite some time, sometimes they, themselves don’t know when they are going to actually propose. This helped me understand the client's point of view and how I could better serve our clients!
When is the right time to propose?
Honestly, this is going to be unique to every couple’s relationship. (I am not a relationship psychologist or counselor, this is simply my advice). With that being said, my personal advice is that you should have honestly discussed marriage with your partner prior to the surprise proposal and have communicated that marriage is the direction of the relationship. The actual proposal event is what you want to be a surprise, not that you want marriage and your partner does or doesn’t.
How far in advance should I begin to plan my proposal in Hawaii?
As soon as you book your plane ticket to Hawaii. Our availability fills up quickly in the summer months so starting the planning process 1 month out gives you choice selection of dates and times to plan your big moment! Also, how simple or extravagant do you want the proposal to be? Planning and sometimes ordering props or creating props takes time, so the farther in advance, the better it can be for everyone involved in the process! Remote picturesque locations for photography also take time to find and scout for the best and most epic proposals.
What if I can only begin planning 2 weeks ahead?
Life happens! Start planning as soon as possible! If you are planning it and having friends and family assist you, 2 weeks at least gives them time to take off of work to assist and/or rearrange their schedules to be able to help out.
We do the best we can to be accommodating to your schedule and provide the most stress free proposal experience possible.
Why should I plan and/or hire a professional ahead of time?
More options of activities you can plan to create that memorable day for both of you!
Destination Proposals in Hawaii are an option. ( It will take time to secure necessary air accommodations, lodgings, etc.)
More time to create back-up plans and logistics in case of weather, emergencies, etc. Right now things are so uncertain as we are still in the middle of a pandemic.
More time to create a budget for not just the ring, but to spend on the actual secret proposal! These are memories, you will create in Hawaii, that you will share with friends and family to celebrate your engagement.
More time to save and put money aside for the surprise proposal.
Less stress, especially if you hire a professional. If you are planning it yourself and have an outlined plan of attack, you will feel prepared and be able to focus on enjoying the moment. Your nerves will already leave you jittery, don’t allow last minute logistics to add to the stress! You should be able to enjoy the moment with her in Hawaii! This is about both of you!
I sincerely hope this helps and encourages you to plan ahead to alleviate stress and your nerves for your surprise proposal! Need more inspiration? Check out more of our blogs! Need help planning your surprise proposal? Send us a message! We would love to tell your story!
