Wanna Be A Groom? 3 Tips For A Stellar Wedding Proposal

Thinking of proposing marriage? We’ve got your back and have reached out to the experts. Top proposal mistakes, keeping it intimate vs. going public, and avoid the super cheesy cliches. Our interview with Heather Vaughn from The Yes Girls is a must read for anyone who is thinking of popping the question.

1. What is the first mistake wanna be grooms make when planning their proposal?

Whether the proposal is done well or not, it is such a memorable moment in a relationship. When wanna be grooms don’t give themselves enough time to plan their proposal it’s an unfortunate mistake. Typically when men don’t allow a couple of weeks to brainstorm and plan their proposal they resort to proposing in a way they think is cool rather than what their future fiancée would appreciate. In a short planning period, we’ve seen men get overwhelmed, put in little effort and creativity, which usually ends with the cliché “romantic dinner” at a restaurant proposal. Don’t wait until three days before to start thinking of a proposal idea. It’s worth waiting to propose until the following weekend to make it an occasion she is excited to remember; not one she is secretly disappointed sharing because it essentially took no thought.

2. Go big or go home? How do you decide if you should do a big splashy public proposal or keep it intimate?

It totally depends on your girlfriend’s personality. If your girlfriend is comfortable in the spotlight and naturally draws a crowd’s attention at a party, then it’s usually safe to say she won’t mind a public display of your love. However, we’ve found that the majority of women prefer a semi-private marriage proposal. The proposal may not be on stage but having a few onlookers doesn’t bother them if it’s still romantic and thoughtful.

Men should always “go big” in terms of personalizing their proposal. There is a misconception that if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on the splashy public proposal then you have to keep the proposal simple and private. Guys can “go big” with intimate proposals too. Your proposal objective is to wow her not a crowd; throw in a handful of personal touches and her favorite things (specific dates, memories, activities, photos, books, flowers, dessert, beverage, painting, etc.) for your private proposal too.

3. How can you avoid becoming “that guy” – the one with the well intentioned, super cheesy, cliché proposal?

Personalize your proposal to your relationship and you can’t go wrong. Need an example? If you include items from past memories don’t just give her the item, tie it to a sweet note or specifically explain how this will now be reflected in your future together as husband and wife. It becomes cheesy when there is lack of explanation with proposals and the items become more random than purposeful.

If you’re still nervous your proposal is too cliché or borderline cheesy, it can be extremely beneficial to get a female’s opinion. Whether it’s her sister, her best friend or a female proposal planner, females relate to females and understand romance. Period.

About Heather & The Yes Girls:

Since I can remember, I aspired to be a wedding coordinator. I love meeting couples and getting the opportunity to be a small part of their story which is what inspired me to start The Yes Girls Events in 2008. Hearing multiple grooms-to-be explain how they just “aren’t creative and romantic” struck a cord. Realizing there was no helpful proposal resource for men, it became my new passion. I fell in love with assisting gentlemen with their marriage proposal moment. I started helping these amazing guys, head-over-heels for their sweethearts, with creative and personal proposals. Now I’m hooked.

The Yes Girls events is a team of female wedding, anniversary and proposal planners. We love ALL things involving romance! We recognize the pressure it can be on gentlemen when it comes to “popping the question. Our team of proposal experts is abundant in creativity, alleviates any worries you have while creating and planning your proposal, and assist you in making your customized and unique “She Said Yes” moment a flawless celebration.