Proposing at Home: Seven Great Ideas

Proposing at home gives you a great deal of control over this momentous occasion. Nevertheless, you need to be flexible. Start your planning process by asking yourself this question: when do you want to propose? This deceptively simple question has several layers to it.

• What day of the week?
• When are your days off work?
• What time of day?

If you can arrange it, it's a good idea for you and your future spouse to have the day off work the day of, or after, your proposal. Proposing before a weekend or holiday is a great option, too.

A morning proposal will give you the whole day to celebrate, while an evening proposal might feel more romantic. The middle of the day is perfect for a surprise proposal.  

It might be wise to have a backup plan, especially if you're trying to keep your proposal plans secret. Unlike your time during a vacation proposal, "regular life" is still happening on a regular schedule during a home-based proposal. For example, work schedules can change quickly, and anyone can have a bad day at work. Be prepared to make some adjustments if needed, especially if you're involving friends, family, or professionals in your plans.

Game-Based Proposals

Games are a playful way to get your significant other in the right mood.  Two types of games work especially well with proposing at home: word puzzles and scavenger hunts.

Try setting up a word puzzle game in advance and give yourself the letters to spell out romantic phrases. You can implement "fun rules" right off the bat or play it seriously and spell out your words as a complete surprise. It all depends on the mood you want to set and your loved one's personality.

A scavenger hunt is an exciting way to propose. You and your partner work together to gather clues while moving all over your home. You can also tailor this experience to the mood you want and your partner's tastes. Make this game as sweet or sexy as you like.

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Mealtime Proposals

Meals are popular times for proposals because you can easily get your partner's full attention. Proposing at home gives you even more control. You control not only the food but also the ambiance. A candlelit dinner or fresh pancakes when your partner wakes up? The choice is yours.

Who doesn't love being served breakfast while happily lounging in one of their happy places! Proposing to your partner during, or just after, breakfast in bed will create a very special and intimate moment. If you can spend the rest of the day together, you'll have plenty of time to see friends and family or have more joyful times together.

Another popular strategy for proposing at home is to cook for your partner. Of course, you can also decide to prepare the meal together. Cooking together can be romantic, silly, or adventurous. You can add a message in your recipe for your significant other to find or place a written proposal on the table. Traditionally, you'll present the engagement ring over dessert. However, you don't have to wait that long. Take the pressure off and propose at the start of the meal.

Don't forget: you can always order in, too!

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Create a Spa-like Experience at Home

For a very romantic atmosphere, consider an at-home spa day for your partner. You can prepare a warm bath or give your partner a relaxing massage before proposing. For something more professional, you can hire a masseuse or nail technician to come to your home.

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Dramatic Proposals

Some people like to go all out. To make your home proposal big and bold, arrange it so you can take care of the decorations while your partner is out. Fill your home with balloons, flower petals, candles, or other romantic and festive elements. To really set the mood, have a playlist of romantic music ready for the big moment.

You'll probably want to keep your plans for a dramatic proposal a secret from your partner. This may be challenging, particularly when proposing at home. Enlist friends and family to help you pull this off. You should also consider hiring a professional photographer to document the moment.

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Relive a Special Memory

Sometimes, looking back is the best way to go forward. Recalling a happy memory from your shared past can be a great way to pop the question. Recreating the circumstances of your first date or reflecting on your first trip together or another important moment will have your partner thinking about what makes your relationship special.

If you can't quite recreate the past in your home, try looking at photos, watching videos, or bringing out souvenirs. Special songs from your past and even foods can help bring back powerful memories. You can easily combine this strategy with other proposal ideas.

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Proposing in Your Own Backyard

Using your home's outdoor space can lead to some fun proposal settings! If you have a patio or yard, try to incorporate seasonal elements into your proposal. Write your proposal in the snow, hide a message among spring flowers, or pitch a tent to create a special romantic space under the stars on a summer night.

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Sharing the Moment with Others

We can't complete this list without discussing proposals that include loved ones. Indeed, friends and family can play a role in any of these scenarios. They can help you set up the perfect surprise for your future spouse or just be joyful guests when you pop the question.

If you or your partner have children, involving them in a home proposal can demonstrate your commitment to a positive blended family dynamic. Sometimes, people choose to tell the children about the proposal first, and then include them in the event. They can help with decorations, hold signs, and even present the ring.

We're lucky enough to live in an age where distance doesn't mean we can't share close moments. Friends and family who can't be physically present can still be a part of your home proposal through various video conferencing tools, like Skype or Zoom. 

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