So you’ve met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. You’re reasonably certain they want to spend the rest of their life with you too. Now you just need some inspiration (and courage) to propose. Here are our nine favourite marriage proposal ideas.

Propose in the place you first met

This one is a good safe bet. Whether it’s a cafe, a beach, a park, or blasting across the alkali flats in a jet-powered, monkey-navigated… (sorry, I had to get a Simpsons quote in here somewhere).

Romantic dinner

If you never cook this is sure to impress. Even if you do cook this is sure to impress. Everyone likes being cooked for, right? Watch those knives – being rushed to the hospital might spoil that special moment.

Include the pets

Been seeing some four-footed ring-bearers at wedding ceremonies lately (and consequently going into cuteness-overload), but if you’re both animal lovers what better way to propose than with the help of your fur (or feather, or scale) kids? Hint: don’t hide the ring in food.

Hire a musician

We’ve done quite a few marriage proposals now and nobody has said no yet! Typically we’re asked to pretend to be a street musician and play a request or two. Love the moment when she suddenly clicks and realises what’s going on.

Scavenger hunt

Sure, Gone Girl ruined this for everyone, but if you like an elaborate, crazy scheme this might be the option for you. Plant a series of boxes with clues inside around your home or neighbourhood. Each clue leads to the next box. You can probably guess what’s in the final box.

While on holiday

Great way to cap off a romantic trip. Many of our clients are people who are holidaying in Melbourne when they propose.

Helicopter ride

Joy flights like those provided by Microflite are a great way to set the scene. Propose after you disembark. And if you’re nervous it won’t seem unusual!

Hire a photographer

How good would it be to have professional shots to remember the event? Experienced photographers are generally pretty good at setting people at helping things go smoothly and setting everyone at ease. Be sure your partner is not too shy about being photographed. Better still, hire a professional videographer to capture the big moment on film.

Book a romantic weekend away

If you’re staying at a boutique hotel in the city, your proposal won’t rely on you changing your routine, and your partner is less likely to suspect something is up if you do something unusual. They’re also more likely to be relaxed and in a romantic mood.

Takeaways

1. Is your partner an introvert or an extrovert? (If you don’t know by now why the hell are you proposing?) If your partner is shy propose in a place where they are comfortable and you can be alone, like your home.

2. Don’t forget the flowers! A bottle of bubbly and a couple of champagne flutes doesn’t hurt either.

3. Do something unique and meaningful to your relationship. Involve one of your mutual interests.

4. Make it a complete surprise. It will make that moment all the more memorable.

5. Keep it simple.