It’s that time of year when work, school, and all sorts of holiday parties are happening. If you decide this is the atmosphere you want your proposal to happen in, do not take the planning lightly. There are all kinds of things that could do wrong or may not work in your favor. Here are two do’s and one don’t to keep you focused on the prize!

Do… Know if she wants a public or private proposal.

You can still propose at a party if she wants an intimate setting. Guide her outside to the Christmas lights or take a moment under the mistletoe to do more than just kiss. After she’s said yes, return to the party and get everyone’s attention. If she wants something public with lots of flashing lights and phones recording, then grab everyone’s attention before you drop to one knee. Still make sure you’re in a picturesque spot. You don’t want all your proposal pictures having a questionable Santa or tacky decorations in the background!

Don’t… Propose on your own turf.

This may seem selfish, because we know the guys want to celebrate as much as the girls do, but celebrating in front of all your friends and family or your coworkers doesn’t give her the gleeful moment she’ll want. She wants to be able to squeal with her sisters or rub that diamond in some snobby coworkers direction; give her the moment she wants and deserves, and the possibility of escape if you didn’t talk wedding before popping the question.

Do… Go with the holiday theme.

I know some people like to be rebels and propose during the holiday season and pretend that the season has nothing to do with it… but, come on. You’re not fooling anyone! Don’t propose at Christmas time and not take a picture in front of a Christmas tree. There’s just something wrong with that! If you’re proposing at an ugly sweater holiday party, put a flap on your sweater you can pull that says, “Will you marry me?” Go with the flow of the season and party!

Emily