It’s tempting to think that a proposal must be a grand affair- a rented limo, beautiful clothing, a gourmet meal, a flight to an exotic country or a night in a ritzy hotel. Obviously, an average college student couldn’t hope to afford such a luxurious event- but love knows no bounds, and your proposal doesn’t need to wait until after graduation. Just because you don’t have deep coffers, that doesn’t mean that you can’t plan a stunning marriage proposal. We’ve put together a few tips for frugal but fantastic proposals:

Free is Fabulous

Make use of the resources you have access to. Parks, town squares, and city gardens are free to access, and most cities have amazingly gorgeous public spaces that would make for a beautiful (and frugal) public proposal. If you want a more private spot, then look to your friends and family. If someone you know has an amazing garden or a vacation home, ask if they would be willing to let you use it for a day or two.

Ingenuity Saves the Day… and the Dollar

We’re not suggesting that you take your sweetheart to the local Dairy Queen to propose over a kiddie cone. As affordable as that plan might be, it lacks all romance and thoughtfulness. Luckily, you can provide attention to detail and a romantic atmosphere on a budget, as long as you’re willing to put in a little hard work. Instead of taking her to a fine restaurant, buy the ingredients and prepare a delicious meal yourself. If you want to travel or go to a destination for your marriage proposal, then do some research to find an affordable way: many locations have deep discounts in the off-season, and still others have deals available for those resourceful enough to find them.

Personal is Better than Posh

Whatever you choose, the core principle of a successful proposal is this: it must be perfect for the two of you. Nothing else matters, especially anyone else’s opinion. A quiet picnic proposal can be more stunning and memorable than any three day whirlwind proposal trip if it was planned with care and created with your life together in mind. If you plan your proposal based on her passions and preferences, nothing else is important. Money doesn’t matter, as long as you show how deeply you care for her.

Still not sure how to propose on a budget? If you don’t want to compromise quality, contact The Heart Bandits. We can help you put together an affordable but perfect marriage proposal.