Guides for Brides logo
Fairs & Events Planning Tools
Top 10 Romantic Proposal Ideas for 2020/21

Top 10 Romantic Proposal Ideas for 2020/21


Cat Arnott
Cat Arnott Updated:
8th of March 2023

Even if you’re 100% sure your partner will say yes and you’ve looked at how to buy an engagement ring, proposing can be quite a daunting experience! Often the biggest stress when proposing your partner is deciding how and where to do it. Special as it is, surely you want to ensure that this proposal is impressive and unforgettable. Here, we have our favourite proposal ideas which can be adapted to be personal to you! From simple to more elaborate, simply add a little personality to make it different, unique, and truly capture your relationship. Bonus, all of these ideas are COVID-19 friendly! 

Location, Location, Location

proposal on the top of a cliff

The most popular way to propose is on holiday. While travel is currently restricted, a staycation in the UK still gives you plenty of options for a unique proposal location. Classic, simple, and sweet, just take your partner somewhere special. This could be somewhere sentimental, or somewhere you’ve both always wanted to go. Another popular way to propose is to simply find a stunning, secluded location; the possibilities are endless. For example, at beach at sunset or on a mountain after a hike both make a beautiful, very memorable proposal spot.

Or, if your partner loves a cultured day out, there are plenty of fun proposal options! Zoos, aquariums, art galleries and all kinds of museums are beautiful options too. Even roses, candles and champagne all set up where you’re staying is a gorgeous way to pop the question. Whatever the location, a trip away is a romantic, private way to celebrate your love and ask that all important question. 

Happy Holidays!

proposal after scavenger hunt

‘Proposal season’ is in the winter months for a reason! From December to February, we all celebrate holidays that are just made for romance: Christmas, New Year’s and, of course, Valentine’s Day! A ring under the Christmas tree, popping the question on a romantic Boxing Day walk, a proposal at midnight on New Year’s or a classic romantic celebration on February 14th are classic options. Champagne, romantic candlelight and festive spirit are already there, ready for you to make use of for a beautiful proposal! 

Go on an Adventure

Secluded space to pop the question

Turn your proposal into a treasure hunt by scattering clues for your partner to find! This is a great way to personalise your proposal, using the little in-jokes and references that make up your relationship. You could set up the hunt around your home or extend it to a tour of all your favourite or nostalgic spots around where you live. You could even ask friends and family to participate by waiting in certain spots to deliver the next clue! Then, finish in somewhere special where you can be waiting with a ring. 

Adorable Assistants 

Baby with engagement ring

Why not enlist the help of an adorable assistant for your proposal? If you have children together, it would be great to get them involved with your plan; as long as they can keep a secret. Proposal baby grows or t-shirts are a popular, and very cute, option.

Or, if you and your partner are animal lovers, enlist the help of a furry friend! What could be cuter than tying the engagement ring around your pet’s collar (or getting them a collar tag inscribed with “Will you marry me?”) and presenting them to your other half? If you don’t have a pet, but your partner has always wanted one, you could surprise them with one at the same time as an added bonus to your proposal! 

Treat Yourselves to A Feast 

proposal over dinner

Who doesn’t love to treat themselves to their favourite food? For food lovers, a perfect proposal will involve their favourite feast. This could be at their favourite restaurant, where you can ask them to write out the question around the rim of your dessert or give you the “specials” menu which will actually be a love letter you’ve written to your partner. Food and drink proposals, in general, are wonderful – slip the ring into the bottom of a glass of champagne or rest it on top of a home-cooked dessert. Or order a takeaway and have it spelled out on your pizza toppings or hidden within a special fortune cookie!

Surrounded by Loved Ones

toasting to proposal

Not everyone wants a public proposal, but if you know your partner would appreciate it, why not ensure your audience is your nearest and dearest. You can arrange an engagement party with everyone waiting for you with balloons and a marry me sign. The only person it’ll be a surprise for is your partner. Or, as parties are currently restricted, at home with family over Christmas is another beautiful spot. Also, you could have other friends and family waiting nearby until after the proposal if you want the question part to actually be just the two of you.

Or, your loved ones could actually be part of the proposal! It can be as simple as asking them to help put up signs around your home or asking them to hold up signs spelling out “Will you marry me?” as your partner approaches. 

Fun and Games

scrabble engagement

If your partner loves puzzles and board games, there are several fun options that create brilliant proposals. You can put your question on a customized jigsaw, waiting for your partner to finish and reveal your image!  You could either write “Will you marry me?” on a blank puzzle that you can personalise yourself or hide it in a ready-made puzzle with a picture that means something to you as a couple. Or create your own crossword puzzle with the words forming the big question as answers. Although, to make it less obvious, insert other general questions so they will not suspect a thing before they finish the puzzle. The puzzle can be as simple or as complex as you want, just as your proposal could be. 

Celebrate Your Love Story

Romantic scrapbook proposal

Of course, you’ll want your proposal to be something personal and meaningful to you both as a couple. A perfect proposal idea for someone who likes to get creative is to put together something made with love, like a photo album or a scrapbook full of memories—photos, tickets, drawings, letters, and notes of your relationship so far. You could even reserve a spot at the very end with a note reading something like, “Reserved for our wedding photo”, and once your partner reaches this page you can ask them to marry you. They’re bound to appreciate all the time and effort you spent making something so special, and it may become something you can do together in the future. For example, you may want to begin a new scrapbook titled “The Next Chapter” that you can begin to fill once you’ve tied the knot!

Go All Out

will you marry me sign in public space

If your other half doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, make your proposal spectacular! Classic options include a street performer or a surprise flash mob in a public area which can be a very exciting proposal. You could rent a billboard on a route your partner takes regularly or create a themed proposal, perhaps recreating an iconic scene from your partner’s favourite book or film. Whatever you choose, going all out is a great way to create a dramatic and unique proposal. 

Simple and Homely

man proposing to girlfriend on Christmas morning

On the other hand, you might want your proposal to be simple and private! So why not pop the question in your own home? You can dress up your home with candles, photographs, balloons and flowers. Or, if you’re not one to go over-the-top and want to do something very understated, why not propose when your other half least expects it? All these plans are well and good, but sometimes the moment just feels right and you know you want to ask then and there.

Now you've got lots of ideas for your perfect proposal, it's time to find a ring! Check out the top engagement ring trends for 2021 to find the perfect match for the love of your life.

Cat Arnott

About the author


Cat Arnott

With a Masters degree in History, Cat is the best person to consult if you need wedding facts and information fast. Her passion for weddings has led to her having a broad and up to date knowledge of trends and traditions and she is here to research on your behalf to find the answer to any wedding related problem.

Search for venues & suppliers near you


  • All Locations
  • Overseas