How to Plan the Perfect Surprise Proposal in Melbourne
Planning a surprise proposal in Melbourne sounds simple enough - choose a beautiful location, organise the ring and pop the question. But when you start thinking about the details, there’s usually a little more involved and it can become easily overwhelming to plan alone.
Where will you propose? Will it be private? Do you need a permit? What happens if it rains? How do you get your partner there without making them suspicious? And if you’re booking a photographer how do you make sure they’re in the exact right place without giving away the surprise?
After planning and capturing proposals across all of Melbourne including the CBD, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and beyond - we know all the little details are often what make the biggest difference. So if you’re wondering how to plan a surprise proposal in Melbourne, here’s what we recommend...
Choosing the Right Proposal Location
Melbourne has no shortage of incredible places to propose. From iconic skyline views, to undoubtably Aussie beaches, and charming gardens that feature include experiences like walking through Australias oldest hedge maze, and a tunnel of Wisteria - choosing a location can become overwhelming.
We encourage you to star by considering what celebrates your love story, and the nuances of that location
Metropolitan locations like the Crown, Le Ciel, The Langham, and our Flagstaff Rooftop can cost a significant amount of your proposal budget, but come with the certainty of inner city privacy and incredible hospitality. Charming inner city green spaces such as Fitzroy or Carlton Gardens are free but require flexibility in where we set up depending on how busy it is as a public space. And outdoor locations such as McCrae Beach, our Sorrento Clifftop, and Alowyn Gardens will leave you exposed to the elements.
Think about the location you have in mind and consider the following:
- Will you have enough privacy for your level of introversion/extroversion?
- Is it close to a windy/wet weather back up option?
- What would you like to do before after the proposal. Can you get there seemlessly from the proposal location you have in mind?
- What would the logistics of that spot look like? Things like access, friends and family (or even your photographer), and permits.
Because proposals are an intimate event with an average of 2-5 people in attendance, a lot of public spaces are free to use. However, a quick google of the location should help you uncover if their are any additional costs associated with the use of that spot. For example Wilson Botanic Gardens in Berwick will require you to get a permit to use the grpunds for a proposal due to their strict rules around photography on the grounds.
A quick google of the location should give help you uncover the kinds of costs associated with using that location, and help with planning your budget and expectations of how the proposal will look.
Choosing the Time of Day
Timing can completely change the look and feel of a location. Arriving at Crown Towers at peak check in time can cause frustration and a delay in getting up to your room, and parks like Ashcombe Maze and Heronswood have no outdoor lighting after dark. If photography is important to either of you, light is another important consideration to make.
Visiting the location in the lead up to guage how the location feels at certain times of day, and asking your photographer (if your intending to book one in) their recommendation is always a good place to start.
Decide Whether You Want a Styled Proposal
Some people imagine walking into a beautiful setup filled with florals, candles and a Will You Marry Me? sign. Others want something incredibly natural. It’s a completely personal decision, and ideally a conversation you’ve had with your partner in the lead up to planning your proposal.
If you’re planning to DIY your set up, don’t forget you’ll need to plan who is responsible for the set up, pack up, and minding of the proposal while you make your way over.
If you’re currently on the fence, or looking for inspiration, head to our Melbourne Syling Page to see what we have available, or reach out to us directly if you’d like speak about a bespoke set up.
Organising your Photographer
A proposal photographer isn't simply there to take a photo of you on one knee, they're capturing the moment your partner realises what's happening, their reaction, the ring, the hug afterwards and those first few minutes together as an engaged couple.
An experienced Proposal Photographer will know the in’s and outs of your location, logistics of capturing a proposal, and should discuss any expectations you have in the lead up.
You can absolutely plan to have a friend or family member capture the moment, just ensure you’ve created clean expectations with them, but we will always recommend one of our Professional Proposal Photographers.
Have a Wet-Weather Plan
Melbourne is notorious for its weather. Even when the forecast looks perfect a week beforehand, things can change quickly. That's why we always recommend having a Plan B before the day. Depending on your original proposal idea, that might look like moving to a covered location, having your accommodation as a back up option, adjusting the proposal time, or having a contigency for swapping the day if the skies look like they will open up. A backup plan means you can still enjoy the lead-up rather than spending the entire day refreshing the weather app.
Work Out How You'll Get Them There
This part is underrated but integral to a smooth proposal without your partner catching on or giving you a raised brow.
You can have the most beautiful proposal organised, but you still need a believable reason to get your partner there. Dinner reservations are great. So are walks, drinks, picnics, hotel stays, sightseeing plans or meeting up with friends. The trick is making the plan feel normal for your relationship.
Planning something slightly more elevated than ‘whats normal’? This is when friends and family can help. A birthday party, someone else’s engagement party - get the people closest to you in on it to take the heat off your ‘suggestions’.
Don't Forget What Happens After the Yes
You spend so much time thinking about the actual proposal that it's easy to forget about what happens afterwards, which is often one of the nicest parts (no more secrets and all celebration!). Consider booking dinner at a favourite restaurant, have champagne waiting, organising a hotel stay, or surprising them with friends and family.
If you've booked a photographer, allow a little time after the proposal for some relaxed couple photographs too.
The pressure is gone, you're officially engaged and those photos often become some of the favourites from the entire experience.
Feeling overwhelmed now that you have a better understanding of what goes into a proposal?
Thats why we exist. From helping you secure a location, plan the logistics, and hold down the set up while you two enjoy an activity into the lead up. We take care of every detail leading up to your proposal so all you need to worry about is showing up, and professing your intention to forever.
Photography only packages start at $550, and styled packages that come with a dedicated Proposal Planner start at $650.
