Proposal Ideas

In this world of prom proposals and promise rings and everything broadcast on social media, it may feel like proposing to your love has to be a grandiose production. In reality, you want your proposal to be meaningful and memorable. That may look different for every couple.

1. Plan a decadent picnic, complete with a blanket, champagne/ wine, and a private location. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under the stars, this intimate setting is perfect for getting down on one knee. The only problem is that you may be snuggled on the blanket and have to stand up just to kneel back down!

2. Hike or stroll to a picturesque location and pop the question. Depending on whether this is something you’d normally do in your free time and whether you’re hoping to catch them off-guard, this may not be ideal. The riverfront or a scenic look-out is perfect for this.

3. Decorate a room with tons of pictures of the two of you. You may have to raid her phone or social media for all those selfies you’ve taken together. Get them printed, pick up some poster putty or push pins, and get to work plastering the wall with pictures. Be ready for some tears and hugs.

4. Make a romantic candlelit dinner or breakfast in bed. Go over the top with a fancy meal. And when you’re both done eating, that’s the time to profess your love and ask those four little words.

5. Create a picture book of the two of you with “will you marry me?” on the last page. If you’re the sentimental type, this is an awesome heirloom. How cool that your kids will someday hold the book you used to propose?

6. The jumbotron/ kiss cam is always an option. It can feel kind of clichè, but the important part is that they love it and it’s memorable. You’ve got options nearly year-round between the River Bandits, Storm, and Steamwheelers games.

7. Surprise! A ring! Slip the ring on their finger before they wake up and see how long it takes them to notice. Don’t attempt if your partner is a light sleeper.

8. Recreate your first date. This can be really fun. The memories of your awkward first date will surely make you laugh and provides a great backdrop for how far you’ve come since then.

9. Incorporate the proposal into a holiday activity. Hide the ring inside an Easter basket or box of ornaments. Carve two pumpkins: “Marry Me?”

10. Have a number of special people deliver love letters or puzzles throughout the day, ending with your arrival with the final “clue.” This is an amazing way to involve their friends and family and make them confused and excited at the same time.

11. Involve your pet, kid(s), or nieces/ nephews. Who would ever complain about a ring on the dog’s collar or leash? What about cute kiddos presenting your partner with a present, carrying a sign, etc? Literally no one. *Bonus points if you’re surprising your partner with a new pet.*

12. If you’re absolutely certain they’ll say yes, a surprise engagement/ proposal party would be a super fun way to pop the question! This will require collaboration from your partner’s parents/ friends, but the surprise

13. Plan a giant scavenger hunt. This could be drawn out over a week, a day, or a couple hours, leading your partner around town or around the house.

14. Take your love on a weekend getaway. Think Galena, Cedar Rapids, or even a stay-cation here locally. Pay the hotel staff or friends/ family to come decorate your room while you’re out for dinner. Imagine some rose petals, chilled champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Your little elves could turn on some low mood music, and maybe light (or turn on) some candles. Your partner may be expecting a proposal at a fancy dinner or a pretty location, but they won’t be expecting what’s waiting for them back at the hotel room.

We’re excited to be the Quad Cities region’s FIRST all-inclusive wedding blog and vendor directory! We are celebrating all things love in the QCA and helping couples plan their happily ever after!

Dream it. Plan it. Love it.