{"id":82009,"date":"2024-12-11T16:00:55","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flytographedev.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/how-to-propose-biggest-mistakes-to-avoid\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T23:27:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T07:27:47","slug":"how-to-propose-biggest-mistakes-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flyphotoprod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/how-to-propose-biggest-mistakes-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Propose: 10 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Proposal Ideas & Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

Proposing to your best friend is a fleeting moment that absolutely overflows with joy and celebration. \ud83c\udf7e But you might be wondering what to do<\/strong> when proposing and how to make it special for your partner. Leave it to us to capture the magic that ensues when you pop the surprise question, so you can focus on how to propose and what really matters when the time comes\u2013 your partner! \ud83d\udc96<\/span><\/p>\n

While the marriage proposal moment itself may be short, it\u2019s one that requires planning and thoughtfulness to unfold seamlessly. Here at Flytographer, we\u2019ve captured <\/span>thousands of proposals around the world<\/span>, so we\u2019ve truly seen it all. A little planning goes a long way to create that picture-perfect proposal moment that you\u2019ll look back on with joy for a lifetime. \ud83d\udcf8 Keep reading to avoid making one of these mistakes when proposing to your partner\u2013 whether you plan to do so in Paris, NYC or closer to home. \u2763\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n

Here at Flytographer we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over six million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Get your proposal captured by one of our talented professional photographers to relive your special moment, forever. Today we asked our proposal photographers<\/a> to share the top 10 mistakes to avoid when proposing to your love.<\/p>\n

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TLDR<\/b><\/h2>\n
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  1. Opening the ring box backwards or upside down<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  2. Not practicing the kneel<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Not preparing a speech<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  4. Popping up too fast after the big moment<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Not planning what to wear<\/strong> <\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Spoiling the surprise proposal<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  7. Forgetting to think about your partner<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  8. Not having \u201cthe talk\u201d before<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  9. Not hiding the ring box well<\/strong><\/a> <\/li>\n
  10. Not capturing the moment with<\/strong><\/a> Flytographer<\/strong>!<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Mattia in Lake Como for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Manjot and partner celebrate a proposal in Lake Como with a proposal photoshoot in Bellagio. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    1. Opening the ring box backwards or upside down<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Should I propose with or without a box?<\/span><\/h4>\n

    We are team ring box! This may seem like a no-brainer, but many engagement ring boxes can look the same from every angle. When you\u2019re down on your knee and gazing into your partner\u2019s eyes, the last thing you want is to have the ring facing the wrong way or fall out, especially if you\u2019re near water! (Yes, we speak from experience. No, they did not lose the ring forever, and yes, our photographer dove down to retrieve it! \ud83d\ude02) The goal is to keep that diamond engagement ring in the box and get it on that finger! \ud83d\udc8d We suggest practicing pulling the box out from your hiding spot and make a small mark on the bottom of the box, so you know which way is up. With these preparations in place, you\u2019re ready for the grand reveal. \ud83e\udee2<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Claudia in Sintra for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>Mark and partner celebrate a proposal in Sintra with a proposal photoshoot at Monserrate Palace and Gardens. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    2. Not practicing the kneel<\/b><\/h2>\n

    What knee do you propose on?<\/span><\/h4>\n

    That iconic proposal shot \ud83d\udcf7 happens when you go down on one knee, ring box in hand, and ask your partner to marry you; how you get down on that knee will determine if the photographer can capture the overjoyed expressions on both you <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> your partner\u2019s faces! Make sure you practice kneeling in the outfit you plan to propose in, and envision where the photographer will be. Your partner will naturally turn to face you \ud83d\udc40 as you kneel, so you\u2019ll want to make sure that you kneel on the knee that is closest to your photographer. This is so that you are opened up to the camera which will create better odds that your photographer can capture both of your reactions. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Fly tip:<\/strong> Before you go down on one knee, tuck your partner\u2019s hair behind their ear (if they have long hair and their hair is down) to avoid blocking their reactions with the dreaded \u201chair curtain.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Spyros in Santorini for Flytographer <\/span><\/strong><\/a>Dominik and partner get engaged during golden hour in Imerovigli Village.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    3. Not preparing a speech<\/b><\/h2>\n

    What to say when you propose<\/h4>\n

    The key to creating a romantic proposal moment lies in preparing (and practicing!) your speech and\/or key points to hit while you pop the big question. \ud83d\ude4f While you\u2019ve likely been thinking about and planning how to propose for a while, many of our customers have told us that they were overwhelmed with emotion and the moment passed surprisingly fast. \ud83e\udd37\u200d\u2642\ufe0f By practicing what you\u2019d like to say in advance, it frees up your mind to be right there in the moment. If you are unsure of what to say, think about how you felt on your first date and why you love them and want to grow old together. Remember though: if you forget your speech entirely and opt for a romantic kiss when the time comes, it\u2019s ok! We\u2019ll capture that too! \ud83d\udc4d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Leo in Paris for Flytographer. <\/b><\/a>Phillip and partner capture their engagement with a surprise proposal photoshoot in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    4. Popping up too fast after the big moment<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Do you put the ring on while kneeling?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Louder for the folks in the back: <\/span>\u201cStay on one knee until that ring is ON THEIR FINGER!\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

    Saying the four magic words, \u201cWill you marry me?\u201d and waiting for their \u201cYes!\u201d may feel like an eternity, but in reality, it takes just a few seconds. While it\u2019s tempting to immediately pop up for a celebratory hug or kiss\u2014 linger! Stay down on your knee when proposing until the ring is on their finger. Not only does it allow you and your partner to savour this momentous moment a bit longer, but it also allows your photographer those extra precious seconds to capture the iconic shot. \ud83d\udc4f Key phrase to remember on proposal day: <\/span>when you pop the question, wait before you pop back up!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Nathalie in Tokyo for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/a>Vithun and partner capture their engagement with a surprise proposal photoshoot during cherry blossom season in Japan.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    5. Not planning what to wear to propose<\/b><\/h2>\n

    What to wear for a proposal<\/span><\/h4>\n

    There are a few details to be mindful of when choosing your surprise proposal outfit<\/a>. \ud83d\udc55 First, make sure you can kneel in your pants or dress comfortably; not all fabrics are equally stretchy! Second, think about the climate. If you\u2019re in a tropical location, opt for light colours and breezy fabrics like linen and cotton to hide any sweat stains that could pop up from weather <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>nerves. \ud83e\ude73 Keep in mind your socks since they\u2019ll likely be on display while you\u2019re on your knee, and finally, double-check that your zippers are zipped, your buttons are buttoned, and you\u2019ve got a place to stash the ring before the big moment. \ud83d\ude4c<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a><\/strong> Akwasi and partner celebrate a proposal in Florence with a proposal photoshoot.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    6. Spoiling the surprise proposal<\/b><\/h2>\n

    How to keep the proposal a secret<\/h4>\n

    Typically, the goal of a surprise proposal is to keep it, well, a surprise. \ud83d\ude31 Being a sneaky and unsuspecting detective can be tricky, but it\u2019s likely going to be necessary. Question: do you know your soon-to-be-fianc\u00e9\u2019s ring size? Perhaps you can enlist the help of a close friend \ud83d\udd75\ufe0f\u200d\u2640\ufe0f with this one, or if they wear rings regularly, measure one or take it with you when you go ring shopping!<\/span><\/p>\n

    When it comes to planning how to propose, scheduling a fancy dinner or meal at a favourite restaurant is by far the most common ploy. \ud83c\udf7d This tactic is a sure-fire way to get you both dressed up and out the door. Oftentimes, we hear the question of \u201cwhen\u201d asked: \u201cShould I propose before or after dinner?\u201d We always recommend before! Before means 1) you can <\/span>actually<\/span><\/i> eat because those nerves are calmer post-proposal, 2) you avoid being bloated should you actually be able to eat, and 3) you have something planned to celebrate the occasion <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> can discuss all the antics that took place to make this exciting moment happen. Chances are you\u2019ll both be <\/span>full<\/span><\/i> of emotion, so that time to just sit together, debrief, and share your love and enthusiasm is truly, truly special. \ud83e\udd42<\/span><\/p>\n

    For more tips on having a flawless proposal check out 6 Photo Tips for Proposals When You Pop the Question<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Darine in Banff for Flytographer. <\/span><\/a><\/strong>Drew and partner celebrate a proposal in Banff with a proposal photoshoot on Mount St. Piran. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    7. Forgetting to think about your partner<\/b><\/h2>\n

    What are the best ways to propose?<\/h4>\n

    There are definitely a lot of unique proposal ideas out there (think helicopter charters, hot air balloon rides, or over-the-top ideas like an organized flash mob \ud83d\ude2e). There are also many other personal grand gestures, like recreating your first date, organizing a special scavenger hunt with personalized clues, or planning your proposal at their favourite place in the world (near the Eiffel Tower, for example!). While grand gestures are pretty spectacular, maybe your love isn\u2019t an over-the-top rose petals \ud83c\udf39 and Valentine\u2019s Day type, and that\u2019s okay! At the end of the day, you know your significant other best and what they would like their proposal story to be. Whether they would prefer a public proposal or a private romantic setting is something you need to think about! This moment is one that you\u2019ll both look back on for the rest of your lives, so think about what you want the story to look like and what parts will feel the most special to your BFF. \ud83e\udd1f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Rachael in Paris for Flytographer.<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>Stephanie and partner celebrate a proposal in Paris with a proposal photoshoot at Bir Hakeim Bridge & the Eiffel Tower.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    8. Not having \u201cthe talk\u201d before<\/b><\/h2>\n

    \u201cHow soon is too soon to propose?\u201d <\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The answer to this question is extremely personal; that being said, every couple needs to have \u201cthe talk\u201d before considering this monumental life decision! You want to at least know that your partner is 1) ready to take this next step and 2) excited about the idea of getting married. Don\u2019t worry about ruining the moment; the surprise will still lie in the \u201cwhen\u201d and \u201chow\u201d of the proposal. Plus, it\u2019s better to not completely catch them off guard. \ud83d\ude09 When it comes to moving forward toward an entire lifetime together, making sure you\u2019re both on the same page is paramount. \ud83e\udef6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    Photo: Barbara & Claudio in Positano for Flytographer.<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>Oriana and partner celebrate a proposal in Positano with a proposal photoshoot at the Beach.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    9. Not hiding the ring box well<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Let\u2019s just be honest: that ring box can be a total party pooper. Most ring boxes are beautiful and symbolic and\u2026 big! \ud83c\udf81 If you\u2019re planning a proposal in a season where coats or bags are an option, your job is a lot easier. If you\u2019re planning a proposal in a warmer client and\/or one that involves some moving around before you ask for your lovely\u2019s hand in marriage, that box is likely going to be harder to hide. Did you know there are companies that make sleek, compact ring boxes that camouflage in pockets more easily? It\u2019s true! Don\u2019t be afraid to get creative to save that big ol\u2019 ring box from ruining the surprise prematurely. Read on for more specifics and our best tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to hide a ring box<\/a> while travelling<\/b><\/h4>\n

    If you are planning to propose in-destination, definitely travel with the ring in your carry-on luggage \ud83e\uddf3 to avoid the potential headache and heartbreak of a lost bag or theft on the other side.<\/span><\/p>\n