One of the first things you get asked when you tell people you’ve decided to pop the question is usually how you’re going to do it. Will you choose something simple yet classic, such as asking over dinner at a restaurant? Or, will you rent an outdoor space, hire a photographer and scatter rose petals around a fountain? Both of these are great options, but if neither of those speak to you, you don’t have to worry. There are lots of other awesome proposal ideas out there — including some of the most popular ways to propose! If you and your partner are nature lovers, here are some of the best outdoor proposal ideas around. WHAT YOU’LL NEED Regardless of where you propose or how, there are a few key things you’ll need. These essentials will ensure your proposal goes smoothly. A RING This one is a no-brainer! While you might be considering a diamond ring, did you know there are other options? Our wedding rings for women also make for great engagement rings. They’re also perfect for outdoor proposals — if you happen to drop it, then you can easily secure a replacement without wasting thousands of dollars! A lot of people wonder “How much money should you spend on a wedding ring?” and, to us, the answer is simple — whatever’s in your budget. A PHOTOGRAPHER Even if you choose a close family friend to take photos with their cell phone camera, it’s important to have someone with you to take some pictures. Sure, you don’t need to blast them all over social media, but you and your partner will be glad to have some photos of the moment to share together well after the day is over. TISSUES There will be tears involved. Sure, you and your partner might be the type of people who don’t necessarily cry a lot, but this is a big moment! When you both decide to take that next step, tissues will be helpful in wiping away any tears or dabbing at your eyes so they don’t get red. Something to say. While winging your proposal speech is fun, you never know how you’ll react about something until you’re in the middle of it. Who knows? You might get down on one knee and only be able to say “So I love you, you know?” repeatedly. Take some time before your proposal to write down what you’d like to say. Even if you end up saying something else, this way you’ve written down your thoughts and looked at them a bit before getting on one knee. WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING AN OUTDOOR PROPOSAL If you’ve decided to go with an outdoor proposal, here are some things you might want to consider before you ask your question: Find Your Ring Size WEATHER What season are you planning on popping the question? Spring is notorious for rain showers, summer can have spontaneous thunderstorms, fall is hurricane season — and winter? Well, it’s usually cold. But, that doesn’t change the fact that spring has lots of beautiful flowers in bloom, summer means lots of sunshine, fall is perfect for wanting to wear more layers and winter can make for some cozy ambiance. Just keep in mind the different types of weather the area you want to propose in can receive, and keep checking the forecast in the days leading up to the event. You should also come up with a backup plan in case the weather isn’t the greatest. LOCATION Where are you planning on having your proposal? Some popular ideas include scenic overlooks, hiking trails, national parks and even at the top of a mountain. Consider the location of your proposal — do you think it’ll be difficult to reach during the time you want to propose? Some national parks close off different areas during different seasons due to weather and temperature. You can find some of the best national parks to visit during each month of the year online. CLOTHES Even if you don’t plan on sharing photos from your engagement with everyone, consider the type of clothes you want to wear. Some people want to wear nice clothes for their engagement. If you choose to pop the question after a long hike up a tall mountain, then you probably shouldn’t wear dress clothes. WHAT YOUR PARTNER WANTS Sure, you might have all these thoughts and dreams about how you’re going to propose to your partner. But, you and your partner are two different people. Before you make plans to propose, make sure you know what your partner wants. Even if it ends up lining up with what you want, too, this way you can be sure you’ve given them the proposal they want to see. Some people want something very lowkey, and others want to pull out all the stops (you only get engaged once, right?). Either way, doing this ensures you can have a successful proposal without making your partner feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed. BUDGET Proposals can cost money. Whether it’s the cost of the ring, hiring a photographer or even planning the trip out there itself, there’s going to be a cost to your proposal. Make sure you budget for it, as that can have an impact on your overall wedding budget later on. One area you can save money on is the ring. Instead of spending thousands on a diamond engagement ring, you can instead order one of our silicone bands, especially if your partner lives an active lifestyle. While many people wonder if there’s a difference between engagement rings vs. wedding rings, we can confidently tell you that the only difference is when you give it. Many couples choose to wear a simple ring as their engagement ring, sometimes even a simple band, much like a wedding ring. This can have a huge impact on your budget later on — you can splurge on having a plated dinner instead of a buffet or take a longer honeymoon. BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR PROPOSAL There are some benefits to an outdoor proposal that everyone can enjoy: NATURAL LIGHT Did you know that natural light is good for you? That’s right! There are lots of benefits to natural light for your mind, your body and your productivity. When you give an outdoor proposal, even if it’s overcast, you’ll still reap all the benefits of natural light. SERENITY The outdoors are typically very peaceful, especially if you choose a natural park or a hiking trail to pop the question. The serenity of the outdoors will help to calm any of the nerves you might be experiencing as you gear up to ask your partner to take the next step together in your relationship. PRIVACY Depending on where and when, you’ll find more privacy outdoors than if you choose to ask them to marry you in a restaurant or another indoor setting. Unless you’re asking them in the privacy of your own home (which is totally fine to do as well!), then you might have some onlookers to see what you’re doing. Sure, you might run into that outdoors as well if you choose to ask them to marry you at an overlook by the welcome center of Yellowstone Park in the summer, but if you choose to go a bit off the path to ask them, you’ll find things are somewhat more private. OUTDOOR PROPOSAL IDEAS Here are some fun outdoor proposal ideas that your partner will love! ON A HIKING TRAIL Hiking trails are private, so you know you probably won’t run into as many onlookers. It’s also great for hiding your photographer! Plus, hiking trails are typically maintained, especially if they’re run through a parks department. This way, the setting of your proposal will be free of trash, debris or anything else that could end up in a wooded area that isn’t maintained. BY A WATERFALL A waterfall is so romantic! That’s part of what makes it a great place to have a proposal. You might even be able to swing this as your wedding ceremony location, too, especially if both of you love the outdoors. The sounds of water falling will be peaceful, and you’ll have a picturesque setting for popping the question. ON A VOLCANO Did you know that some dormant volcanoes are used for engagements and weddings? That’s right! You can have the perfect engagement at a unique location. If you decide to elope there, too, make sure you find yourself one of our men’s wedding rings as bold as your engagement location to match. IN YOUR BACKYARD Depending on where you live, a romantic proposal can be done right in your backyard. Whether you hang a sheet and project their favorite movie, or you do some al fresco dining and serve their favorite meal, you have a lot of options when it comes to a backyard proposal. Backyard proposals don’t have to seem cheap. Instead, they can be heartfelt and cozy ways to pop the question, regardless of your budget. AT A PICNIC Do they like to go for a picnic? Consider asking them to marry you while on a fun afternoon out enjoying a picnic! Bring some of their favorite foods, a bottle of wine — and the ring, of course! If the weather isn’t great, you can either postpone or have an “indoor picnic,” still asking them to take that next step with you. Pack a few blankets to stay warm if there’s a breeze or if you’re proposing during one of the cooler seasons. Shop Our Stackable Wedding Ring Options ON THE BEACH Proposing on a beach is a timeless choice. You can roll out a carpet or burlap runner, set up some candles and even put together a small speech if that’s your thing. It might be harder to make it truly a surprise, especially since there aren’t many things hidden on the beach. However, those who love the beach will really love a beachside proposal. It also makes for a great wedding ceremony location. IN AN AQUARIUM How cool would your pictures be, getting down on one knee in the water tunnel where the fish are swimming above you while you pop the question? That’s right; an aquarium proposal is a great idea. While some people might consider it “inside,” there are lots of aquariums that feature outdoor exhibits. Plus, considering half their exhibits mean you look up at aquatic animals as they swim in their tanks, couldn’t you say you’re technically under water? Either way, proposing at an aquarium is a fun and unique idea. AT A HISTORIC MONUMENT If they’re a history buff, a historic monument could be a great idea for a proposal! Whether you choose a historic monument on a trip you two are taking or go for something that’s more local to where you both currently live, choosing a historic monument to pop the question is a special idea that your significant other will love. They’re usually really picturesque, too, making for great engagement pictures after the fact. AT A BONFIRE Thinking of proposing in the fall? A bonfire will make for a picture perfect proposal. The cozy ambiance of being beside a fire, cuddled up in blankets together or roasting s’mores is a cute idea. Plus, you could even make it look like you just pulled the engagement ring out of the fire! A bonfire proposal is such an exciting proposal idea. OUTDOOR VS. INDOOR – WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE? At the end of the day, the best proposal idea is one that you use. Whether you choose to pop the question at the top of a mountain, down by the ocean or even in a helicopter, there are so many different ways you can propose, especially outdoors. If you or your significant other consider yourselves to be outdoorsy people, an outdoor proposal can be a great option for you! Choosing an outdoor proposal takes some additional planning, as you have to account for weather, but it typically makes for great pictures. 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