As a Paris surprise proposal photographer, I’ve met countless guys who needed help planning the best way to propose to their partners in the City of Love. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s that to get that picture-perfect moment with the Eiffel Tower in the background and the surprise on your partner’s face, it takes a lot of careful planning. That’s why I’ve made this quick and easy guide. It covers all the basics guys need to know about proposing in Paris. By following the tips given here, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your proposal will go smoothly – and with luck, end with a big “YES”!
Keeping the Engagement Ring Safe
Flying into Paris, it can be a big challenge to keep your engagement ring safe – and secret. There are a number of ways your ring could be lost or discovered along the journey: from airport security checks, to your partner innocently opening your bag to look for something else inside.
My first suggestion is to not keep the ring on you while you travel. Putting it in your pocket runs the risk of triggering metal detectors. You hardly want your partner to discover your proposal plans amid loud beeping and a swarm of suspicious security staff.
Instead, put the ring in a small carry-on bag that you can keep with you at all times. Put the ring box in another more discrete container, or even a decoy prop. You can get even more stealthy by wrapping that up in a piece of clothing. Whatever you do, don’t keep it among items that you or your partner will need to access while you are en route. That’s just asking for trouble.
Finally, it’s always wise to take the precaution of getting the ring insured before your trip. If the ring gets lost (despite your best efforts), you’ll at least be able to get your money back.
Being Prepared for the Weather
Depending on where you live and the time of year you visit, Paris weather may be nothing like what you’re used to back home. Paris does not have nice weather, to be honest, and for a few months of the year (if that), it can be sunny and warm. Mostly in July and August. But even in June, it can be chilly. Also, it rains all the time in Paris. All the time. Surprise proposals in the rain is super romantic and not a problem at all, so you should be prepared for rainy weather and embrace it should it rain on your proposal day.
A lot of visitors to Paris are surprised by the weather, but it’s often similar to London weather. Cloudy, gloomy and rainy. You could, of course, have a nice sunny day, but no matter what the weather, your Paris engagement will be magical!
Recruiting Help to Make the Moment Perfect
This is a huge milestone in both your lives, so don’t try to handle everything yourself. Getting a little assistance can be just the ticket to pulling off a fairytale proposal. Depending on your partner’s personality, you may want to hire a musician or other performers to show up at the proposal site. If your partner is more low-key, then you can leave this option to the bolder folks.
At the very least, you won’t want to skip capturing the moment forever. By hiring a Paris surprise proposal photographer, you can get stunning pictures of the moment they say “I do”. They should also be able to assist you in other ways.
For example, whenever I am asked to photograph a proposal, I also provide help with picking the perfect spot, where there’s a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower or another romantic scene. I put every effort into keeping things under wraps until the moment comes – I’ve become an expert at acting and blending in! Your loved one will never know who I am, because I appear to be just another tourist.
Keeping the Surprise a Surprise
Along with the ring, you’ll also want to hide anything else that has to do with your proposal plans. If you have written a speech, made reservations, purchased tickets, or done anything else that your partner could discover, make sure it’s hidden well, in a spot where your partner won’t be looking. You can even ask your hotel concierge to hold onto such items for you.
If anyone involved in your proposal plans is supposed to be calling/messaging your hotel room or mobile phone, don’t forget to tell them it’s a surprise and that they need to be discreet about leaving messages or talking to your partner.
When it comes to family and friends, it may be best to keep your plans under wraps unless you can 100% trust that they won’t spoil the surprise. The fewer people that know, the fewer people there are who could spill the beans.
Calming Your Nerves
Whenever guys ask me for advice about proposing, controlling jitters is one of the biggest topics. After all, what could be more nerve wracking than asking someone to commit the rest of their life to you? Not much!
I know it may sound cliché, but my biggest tip is to remember to breathe. Slow, deep breaths will keep your body in a more relaxed state, while rapid breathing will increase your heart rate – making you feel only more nervous.
Some guys get especially anxious worrying about whether or not they’ve forgotten something. To combat this, it’s a good idea to keep a checklist on hand for everything you need to do prior to the proposal. I suggest making this on your phone so that it’s less likely to be discovered.
Other guys get stressed about the possibility of their surprise being ruined. But if you follow the tips listed above, there should be very little chance of that happening.
Lastly, remember that you’re proposing to your partner for a reason: they should be the person you have the deepest, most trusted bond with in the world. How likely is it really that they’re going to say “no”?
Popping the Question
There’s not much to a proposal, it’s just a matter of getting down on one knee and asking “will you marry me?” – right?
It’s actually not as simple as it seems. The exact way you go about it can have a big impact on the mood of the moment, as well as the way your photos turn out. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Don’t come to the proposal site with items in your pants pockets, as they will be visible in your photos. Put them in your jacket pocket instead. Also don’t forget to tuck in your shirt, straighten your collar, etc. right before the moment, but be low-key about it so as to not give away the surprise.
- Give the signal that you and your photographer have agreed upon when you are ready to propose, I always discuss this with clients ahead of time so we’re both ready.
- Make sure that you and your partner are positioned horizontally in front of your photographer before you drop to your knee, otherwise, you’ll only be able to see one person.
- Take one or two steps back before you kneel, so that there’s enough space between you and your partner.
- Gently lower yourself to one knee. Straighten your back, open the ring box and hold it out toward your partner.
- Look your partner in the eyes when you say your speech and ask them to marry you.
- There’s no hurry! Stay on your knee, even after they’ve said yes. They will come up to you, and you’ll then put the ring on their finger. You can get up after this. By not rushing through the proposal, you will not only make the moment magical for your partner, but you will also help your photographer get plenty of great shots.
I encourage you to practice the routine a few times if you can. It’s even better to do it with a trusted relative or friend. I know it may feel a little awkward “proposing” to your mom or your sister, but it’s better than fumbling during the big moment!
After the Proposal
Congratulations! The hard part is over, now you can sit back, relax and celebrate with your loved one! Make sure to check out great dinner options here.
Need a partner in making your Paris surprise proposal flawless? Karina Leigh Photography
After helping so many grooms-to-be, I’ve become well versed in everything it takes to make a proposal in Paris go off without a hitch. If you’re looking for someone who can help you plan well, pick the right setting, get beautiful photos, and even make recommendations for your post-engagement dinner, I’m ready to lend a hand.
Let’s Make it a “Yes!” – Contact Me to Set Up Your Paris Surprise Proposal and check out the Paris Surprise Proposal Package here.
