Proposing marriage is always exciting, but planning an engagement abroad? There is something extra special about popping the question overseas.
It might take a little more effort than engagements in your home country. However, the preciousness of the memories will make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re seeking luxury, novelty, or just love your partner’s wanderlust heart, here’s what you should know.
Choosing Your Dream Destination:
Researching the most romantic places in the world quickly reveals endless inspiration. Keep it classic with Paris or Santorini. Invest in luxury and tropical backdrops in the Maldives or Indonesia. Alternatively, head completely off the grid, popping the question atop Mt. Kilimanjaro or in the hills of Kazakhstan.
Dream destinations are entirely subjective. The most important part is selecting your partner’s dream location. And, practically speaking, just make sure the climate will play ball. A rainy proposal could be romantic, but visiting the Maldives in its wet season might get old.
Logistics & Legalities
The logistics and legalities of proposing abroad are difficult to navigate. Will you surprise your partner with a holiday? Or will you plan it together and drop to one knee as a surprise?
Those questions will impact your budget and how you approach booking flights, visas, accommodation, and transport. As the proposer, it’s also your responsibility to consider cultural sensitivity and any possible language barriers that could impede your proposal.
The Perfect Proposal
There is no one “perfect” proposal. Instead, aim for a thoughtful experience with plenty of room for individuality.
When proposing abroad, hinging the experience around a landmark or tradition is a romantic place to start. If possible, contact local experts, like photographers or guides, for help on the ground. Keep timing in mind, too. Sunset often creates softer lighting that makes for aesthetic and flattering photographs. That’s something to consider if you know your partner would prefer photographs or videos to capture the moment (and is conscious of their appearance).
Rings & Romance
Rings are romantic and symbolic, and your proposal will be too. But, even with a gorgeous halo engagement ring, it’s not all about romance. You’ve got to be practical when planning proposals abroad.
Always invest in safe storage and transportation, including padlocked bag compartments and sturdy boxes. Jewelry insurance is an absolute must when traveling with an engagement ring; nobody wants an item of that value unprotected. And if you and your partner are traveling for a while, consider bringing ring-cleaning products to prevent premature damage.
Capturing the Moment: Preserving Your Memories
As touched upon earlier, being able to capture the moment is incredibly precious. Hiring a local photographer or videographer is a great way to guarantee that those memories last forever. If you take this route, these experts will help you scout locations and select poses. It’s helpful to have someone “behind the lens” to ensure the results are flattering.
Engagements abroad are full of magic. With the right planning, your proposal will be a total success.
