If you’ve been in a serious relationship for quite some time, you’ve probably wondered if/when your partner will be popping the question.

And if you both are happy in your relationship and have discussed the future, it’s pretty likely that an engagement could be in the cards for you. But what is the best way to propose? Is there a way to ensure you get it right? Though my first marriage was unsuccessful, the proposal itself was done well. So I hope by sharing everything you need to know about popping the question, you find inspiration to take the next steps for yourself.

First thing’s first: the ring.

Before planning out the entire proposal, you probably want to think about an engagement ring. Many women prefer to be surprised by the ring, rather than choosing it themselves. This means the choice is left up to their partner on size, style, and stone. If the task seems daunting, take a look at some of her jewelry first to get an idea of what she prefers. You can learn a lot just by examining what she wears on a daily basis. Does she tend to wear classic styles? White, rose, or yellow gold? Large solitaire stones, or multiple stones in one setting?

Custom engagement rings are a massive trend these days because choosing a setting and style can help you to add that personal touch to the overall engagement. And who says you have to stick to diamonds? Some women want a stone that is unique to them, so do some detective work if you feel she falls into that category.

Pro tip: While you're in her jewelry box, grab a ring that you know fits and use it to determine her size. When you propose it will be a perfect fit, not only saving the trouble of resizing later but also giving her the chance to show… Click To Tweet

Where will you ask?

So you’ve figured out what ring to get, maybe you’ve been carrying it around for some time thinking about where you will actually pop the question. This part is really easy for some, but quite tough for others. Many people know the perfect location to ask their partner to marry them, but it’s okay if you have to mull it over a bit. Maybe the perfect spot is at home, the location of your first date, where you first met, or another special place for the two of you. Perhaps you want to organize a lavish and elaborate weekend getaway, or just keep things simple and sweet over a candlelit dinner. Even the simplest of engagements can turn out incredible. Where will she feel most comfortable and in her element? Take some time to consider what you partner would like.

What will you say?

Once you’ve decided where, the next thing to think about is how? What do you want to say when the right moment comes? You might just pause and simply ask the question, or you might want to deliver a short speech expressing your feelings behind wanting to take the next step. People often choose this moment to reinforce how they feel about their partner. However you decide to ask, you want to plan it in advance because when you are in the moment you may find you are overcome with nerves. Don’t let it stop you though! Being nervous is okay, just take a deep breath and make sure to speak clearly when you ask.

When will you ask?

If you’ve planned a specific day or time based on where you will ask, this question is easy to answer. But if you’re the type of couple who likes to let things take their natural course, you may be carrying her ring around for weeks waiting for the right time to ask. Here’s a secret though: if you wait for the “perfect moment”, you’ll be waiting forever. The “perfect moment” is just an excuse people use because they are too nervous to take the plunge. Trust me, the right moment is now. If you are ready to commit to your partner, you could pop the question at virtually any time and it will be the right time.

How will you capture the moment?

Finally, you want to consider how you would like to capture the moment when you pop the question. Hidden photographers have become a recent trend, and are a great option. Having someone there to catch the surprise and emotion on her face in photographs is the perfect way to capture a true moment of intimacy without feeling staged. It also gives you a chance for some “first look” engagement photos if you don’t plan to do other professional photos until further down the road. Just be sure to choose a photographer who knows what he/she is doing – this is not the time for blurry phone camera photos.

Are you ready for it?

Hopefully this has given you some inspiration and helpful advice if you find yourself about to pop the question. Feel free to share your engagement story in the comments below – everyone loves a happy ending!