Check out The Heart Bandits-Wedding Proposal Planner interview in Sophisticated Groom Magazine February 2011 issue sold at Barnes and Nobles and Borders! Contact us today to get started on creating your own customized and romantic proposal.

Spring Proposal Checklist by Vanessa L. Jackson

“Proposing during the spring symbolizes life and growth,” Michele Williamson, co-founder of The Heart Bandits, a marriage proposal planning service in Torrance, CA says.  “This is a time where you’ll be growing and starting a new life together, it’s a new beginning.”

Michele and her partner, Marvin Velazquez, recommend the following spring proposal planning guide for proposing in the spring.

Pre-Game

Find the right time to ask her family members for their blessing.  If they say no, decide your next steps and if you’ll still propose.

Plan

Don’t plan a proposal based on what you like to do.  Proposing at a sporting event in front of tons of strangers may not be her idea of the best marriage proposal.  Make it personal and don’t use generic ideas you find on the Internet or in a book.  Make sure your proposal includes special memories or inside jokes from your private moments.  Create the plan, the budget, choose the ring, pick the date, reserve any vendors or venues and plan all the logistical details of the proposal.  If you’re proposing outside, have a backup plan in case it rains.  If you’re relying on children or animals to help propose, what do you do if things don’t go as planned?  Always expect the unexpected.

Cost

Excluding the price of the ring, proposals can range from free to $100,000 depending on how lavish the proposal is.  Don’t forget to think about whether you’ll buy a new outfit or something for your proposal.

Involvement

Asking for help is okay.  This is one of the most important days of your life and there’s a lot of pressure to make this moment perfect.  Get a woman’s perspective or consult friends.  Consider hiring a Marriage Proposal Planner from The Heart Bandits.

The Ring

It’s the center of your proposal, unless you’ve had a conversation with your girlfriend and know she doesn’t want one.  The type varies depending on her style and your budget.  Choose something nice that signifies your love but doesn’t set you back financially.

Spoiler Alert

Don’t leave a trail behind.  Make sure to hide any receipts, emails, or any evidence of ring shopping or proposal planning.

Destinations

Get hints of a place she would love to go.  Maybe it’s local or someplace she’s never experienced.  Cancun, Paris, Venice, Schloss Neuschwanstein Germany, Niagara Falls, New York City and Southern California are wonderful and romantic proposal destinations.

Locations

A hot air balloon ride, scenic hike, sunset cruise, upscale restaurant with a nice view, outdoor restaurants with a view of the water, skyline, mountains or rose gardens, outdoor day spa or wineries are always great places.

Spring Flowers

Long stemmed white Calla Lilies are beautiful and romantic.  Gardenias, Casa Blanca Lily, Stargazers and Peonies are also great choices.  You can’t go wrong with red roses because they symbolize love, no matter the season. If she doesn’t like roses try to find her favorite flower if you want to include them in the proposal.

Dress

Dress comfortably and in your style, but appropriate to the proposal activity.  Nice slacks and a collared shirt or dressy jeans and a blazer may be fine.

Focus

Avoid distractions because you’ll give it away.  It should be about your relationship, her and that moment only.  Avoid saying anything negative.

Have Fun

Even though this time is stressful, this is one part in the wedding process the man has complete control.  Enjoy it, embrace it and celebrate your future.

Social Network

Deciding to share the happy news is up to you and your fiancée.  You may choose to keep it private and bask in your own happiness for a few days or you may choose to let everyone know about it right away.  Decide as a couple what to do.

“The story of your engagement will be told over and over for the rest of your lives,” Michele adds.  “It’s the first chapter in the book of your marriage and life together.  He needs to make sure it is amazing.”