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Weddings

How to Make a Marriage Proposal at Home Even More Special

Planning to pop the question at home? Here are some sweet ways to upgrade a marriage proposal at home.

side portrait of a black couple smiling and pressing foreheads together, she has her hand on his chin

If you and your partner are the low-key types, then a marriage proposal at home might be absolutely perfect. While any proposal is sure to be romantic, you likely want to make yours extra-special—even if you’re planning on popping the question in a relatively simple and casual way. From adding some décor to including loved ones, there are several ways to upgrade an at-home proposal, though your soon-to-be fiancé(e) will likely love it no matter what.

Check out a few of our favorite ways to make a marriage proposal at home even more unique.

Clean and decorate.

You may be planning a super-low key marriage proposal at home, but empty pizza boxes and piles of laundry do not a romantic proposal make. Be sure that your house or apartment is clean before surprising your boo with a ring. If your home is already is pretty decent shape, a little added décor can add ambiance, whether it’s twinkle lights, fresh flowers, or candles. If you and your partner live together, you’ll have to be a bit sneaky to stealthily clean and decorate. Perhaps when your partner's locked in the bedroom on a long work call, you can decorate the living room for the big moment. 

Give a gift—yes, aside from the ring.

While the engagement ring will likely be the biggest gift presented during your proposal, giving your partner a little something extra can make the moment even more meaningful. We’re not talking anything expensive or life-changing (although we do love a puppy at a proposal!). This gift could be a scrapbook filled with ticket stubs and photos or an item (like a mug or a Christmas ornament) inscribed with the words “Will you marry me?” If you’re worried about actually getting the words out, a gift that does the talking can be helpful.

Time it right.

While a spontaneous marriage proposal at home can be quite romantic, it’s actually important to consider the timing before popping the question. If your partner is not in the best of moods, it’s probably not the right time for a proposal—even if you think it might cheer him or her up. Also be aware of times when your partner is generally feeling tired or cranky—for example, if he or she isn’t a morning person—and avoid proposing at those times as well. If you think your partner would want to look his or her best when you drop to one knee, don’t propose when he or she is in PJs with messy hair. Wait for a time when your partner is generally feeling good and pop the question accordingly.

Set the mood with music.

The right music can really set the tone for an amazing proposal. Whether you and your partner have “a song” or not, create a playlist of some of your favorite romantic tunes to play in the background as you pop the question. If you’re not a music expert, you can find lots of proposal playlists online to help inspire you.

Have your partner’s favorite food and drink handy.

Depending on the time of day, consider including food in your proposal plan. This can be a home-cooked dinner, a special dessert, or some Champagne. Or if you’re proposing in the A.M., have the ingredients to whip up those amazing pancakes at the ready. Either way, a tasty treat can make a casual marriage proposal at home even more special!

Plan an after-party.

If you’re considering a marriage proposal at home, you and your partner probably value your privacy and may want to enjoy those sweet post-proposal moments solo. However, it can be nice to celebrate your engagement with family members and friends, too. Plan to virtually connect with loved ones after you've popped the question, whether you call family members or friends individually, or plan a Zoom hangout with a larger group.