5 Beautiful & Unique Ways to Propose

You only pop the question once (hopefully). A moment that neither you nor your partner will ever forget. You’ve seen a million proposal videos online, and you can’t find a way that genuinely reflects your relationship. You need unique proposal ideas.

We’re here to help. Best of all, none of these ideas will cost a fortune, so that you can choose one no matter what your budget. They’re not extravagant, but they do come straight from the heart. And if there’s anything that we’ve learned over the years, it’s that the little things that show someone you love them are what matter most.

Check out these unique proposal ideas.

1. Create a Scavenger Hunt

For those who love to solve a mystery, a scavenger hunt proposal is unique, fun, and active. Take your partner on a journey of your relationship by leaving notes and clues that bring them to special spots where you’ve shared moments.

Start at home and leave a note that directs them to your first date spot. From there, bring them to the place of your first kiss, and so on. The last clue should leave your partner right to you, where you’re waiting and ready with ring in-hand.

GR8 Tip: This one takes some planning, so make sure a friend of your partner is in on it to urge them along. Also, make sure employees at each spot are aware and ready to play along.

2. Create a Movie

You don’t have to be a professional producer to create a photo montage movie of all your favorite memories together. Most computers come with basic editing software, where you can upload pictures, enter text, and select music. Ask your partner to watch the movie with you, and make the last slide a meaningful phrase with the proposal attached. When they look at you, surprised and moved, have the ring ready.

GR8 Tip: Don’t use a shared laptop. You don’t want your partner to find the movie before it’s showtime. You can also do a non-cinema version by creating a photo album in chronological order of your relationship and making the last “photo” your proposal question.

3. Leave a Note

We’re not saying propose on a post-it – unless they’re die-hard fans of Grey’s Anatomy, then go for it. Every day for one week, leave a note that starts with “I love you because…” in the same spot for your partner to read. They probably won’t know what it’s leading up to, but each note will put a smile on their face for the day. On the seventh day, leave a note with your proposal.

GR8 Tip: Make sure you leave the notes somewhere your partner will see them at the same time each day. On the last day, stay hidden out of sight until they read the written proposal to create an extra element of excitement.

4. Chinese Take-Out

If your partner hates Chinese food, this isn’t the proposal idea for you. However, if you order Chinese regularly, this one might be perfect for you. You can either make your fortune cookie and slip a proposal note in there, or order a special-made cookie online. Hand your partner their cookie at the end of dinner and be ready with the ring.

GR8 Tip: Make sure they open the right cookie!

5. A Batch of Cupcakes

Are you a bit of a baker? If not, it’s okay. Your partner won’t be worried about the taste of cupcakes after they see your proposal. You can wait for a special occasion, or whip up a batch on a Tuesday night. Go to the grocery store and grab a box of cake mix, some festive cupcake liners, frosting, and candy letters. Spell out your proposal one letter at a time on the cupcakes and present them to your partner as dessert.

GR8 Tip: Pick their favorite flavor to personalize the proposal even more.

The Process of Proposing

Of course, there’s no wrong way to propose. As long as it comes from the heart and feels like the right time, we say go for it. And, since you’re going to be together forever, read the GR8 Romance Guide to Fuel Your Relationship eBook to keep the passion alive for years to come.