So you have the ring. You’ve picked the day. Now the only thing you have to figure out it is where. Sometimes the place can really add or take away from the actual big moment. On the fence about where to ask the question? Check out this easy pro and con list to help you break it down so you can be better prepared for your big day.

The Public Park or Beach

Pro: If your lady loves fresh air or if this happens to be a place you’ve frequented for picnics,  she’d probably love it. What’s even better is there will be plenty of trees or sand dunes around for photographers to hide behind to capture the moment. And if you need accomplices to help pull off the big surprise, since it’s such a public place, chances are your friends can blend in with the crowd.

Con: Unpredictable things can happen anytime anything takes place outside. Make sure you check the weather regularly to prevent being rained out. And also check the community calendar in case you plan your proposal on a day that has a big, public event. An over crowded park isn’t really that romantic.

The Local Coffee House

Pro: So your lady would rather spend her afternoons over a hot cup of coffee or tea while reading a good book or having a great conversation? This is definitely the place. Not only will she love it because it’s already of the places that makes her happy and comfortable on a regular basis, but every time you take her for coffee now, the place will be extra special. Plus you can get the baristas in on the surprise and help you pull it off.

Con: It might not be seen as romantic to her unless you do something to spruce it up (a rose for every day you’ve been together?). Also, plan it on the wrong day or during the wrong time and you have yourself a very over crowded space full of long lines, cranky hipsters and a not-so-thrilled future wife.

At the County Fair

Pro: There’s no limit to possibilities here. The tunnel of love? Top of a ferris wheel? A great game of bumper cars? Not only would this day be a memory in the making, but you’ll appeal to her inner child.

Con: Weather, crowds, and the potential of indigestion from fair foods. Be prepared and come with a plan. And don’t forget to check every detail. After all, you don’t want to plan a proposal on top of a ferris wheel if she hates heights. And maybe just have some Tums on standby too in case the funnel cake goes awry.

At a House (her’s, your’s or their’s)

Pro: Whether its your house, her parents’ or even her grandparents– you know you’ll be catching her by surprise. Plus then you can have an excuse to have the important people in her life (like grandma) in attendance for the big moment. Plus, you don’t have to worry about weather.

Con: It may not be special enough if you don’t plan ahead. And if you’re planning on having other people there, it may be best to see if she’s even interested in a public proposal. If she’s shy, it might be better to plan this one for just the two of you.

Some Place Completely New

Pro: While there’s no fond memories tied to it, that’s another thing that makes this place so special. The fond memory tied to here will be first and foremost your proposal. It’s the perfect place to plan a surprise because the place would be a surprise itself. Whether it’s a romantic vacation or just a spot in town you haven’t been to before, if she has a sense of adventure, she’s sure to enjoy every minute of this proposal.

Con: If you don’t do your research first, you may not be familiar with the space enough to pull of your proposal. Do your homework and know the ins and outs of this new place. That way, you can be prepared for everything, no matter what could go wrong.

Nikki

Photo Credit: Ruffled Blog