HOW TO EXECUTE THE PERFECT SURPRISE PROPOSAL

While the idea of kneeling may sound overwhelming, don't let this put you off. Follow our step-by-step guide to a perfect proposal, and you'll end up not only engaged but also a surprise proposal insider.

Step 1: Secure the Engagement Ring

Once you're sure that the person you're with is the person you want to be with for the rest of your life, you'll need an engagement ring, that's where we come in!

If your significant other has mentioned an engagement ring style that you really like, now is the time to dig into that memory bank…or poke around their Pinterest profile. If both strategies fall short, call your best friend or closest confidante. Chances are, if she's ready to propose, she was ready a while ago and has had deep discussions with her best friend about swoon-worthy engagement ring styles.

Here are a few of the most popular engagement ring styles:

Sizing

Engagement ring sizing is tricky, especially if you plan to execute a surprise proposal. Unless your partner regularly wears a promise ring or solid band ring on their left ring finger that you can use as a sizing reference, it can seem like a big guessing game.

Step #2: Hide the Ring… Well (Don't Ruin the Surprise Before it's Happened)

No sock drawers or slatted ring boxes in the back of your closet, please. Especially if your partner is a bit nosy.

We recommend keeping your partner's engagement ring in the hands of a trusted friend or family member until the time of the proposal.

Step 3: Plan the?Surprise?Proposal

Now that you've purchased your engagement ring and it's well hidden from your partner, you're ready for step 3: planning the proposal.

Unless you're a wildly spontaneous couple who regularly jump from one unexpected activity to the next, it's best to plan your proposal within the confines of your normal routine. That is, if you want to keep your proposal secret.

Think about your partner… What are their favorite activities? What is most intimate to you as a couple? How can you incorporate a proposal into this activity??

Consider whether you want to photograph the proposal (more for your partner than for you). Your photographer will guide you on the best lighting, angles, etc. for a beautiful secret proposal snapshot. Leave those details up to the professionals… you have enough to think about.?

Step #4: Gather a trusted friend

If you have yet to involve your partner's best friend in the process, now is the time. You need this friend, really.

This friend can take your girlfriend to a day spa to get a manicure a few days before your proposal. This will allow your partner to focus less on their messy nails after the marriage proposal and more on the joy of the moment.

This friend can keep his partner off her trail while he makes sure her future fiancé is properly adorned for such a momentous occasion.

Step #5: Just Do the Thing

Today is the day. You are one step closer to an “us” rather than an eternal “I.”?

Put your phone on?Do Not Disturb?before you journey to your location. The last thing you need is a stray “good luck” text from mom blowing the whole surprise in the car.?

If you are prone to nervous sweats, don’t let your pits give you away! Wear a jacket, a dark shirt, or an undershirt… whatever you need.

Most importantly, when the moment presents itself, speak from the heart. While prepared speeches are great, authenticity is most appreciated. Let your heart and your love dictate your sentiment. Forewarning: you may black out and forget what you had planned. Don’t sweat it! It will be wonderful regardless.?

Step #6: Celebrate!

You did it. You made it. You are a hero, a legend. Your partner said “yes,” and you are well on your way to a fruitful life as a couple.?

Congratulations! Wash away those pre-proposal jitters with a drink on the rocks and soak up the newness of the engagement before the cloudy storm of wedding planning. When the time comes, however, we do offer a wide assortment of wedding bands as well for both?him?and?her.?