Insights · Marriage proposal
Want to propose but don't know where to start? Nerves are completely normal. You'll both remember this "yes" for a long time, and you want it to go the way you've imagined.
Below you'll find how to propose step by step, proposal ideas for every personality and budget, places to propose in and around Patras, what to think about with the ring, and how to get the moment photographed without your partner suspecting a thing.
Contents (7)
How to propose: step by step
- Think about them, not about Instagram. Do they love surprises in front of people, or would they prefer something quiet, just for the two of you? The best proposal is the one that suits them.
- Find the ring. The size is the hardest part. Quietly borrow a ring they already wear, or ask a close friend. Most jewellers can resize it afterwards anyway.
- Choose the place and the time. Somewhere that means something to you both, at a time of day when the light is lovely. Sunset is a classic for a reason.
- Have a plan B. In case it rains, the place is packed, or something changes at the last minute. A backup spot will save you a lot of stress.
- Think about what you will say. You don't need a speech. A few honest words about why you want to spend your life with them will mean more than any polished speech.
- Arrange the photographs. The moment lasts a few seconds and there's no second take. If you want photos of it, decide in advance who's taking them.
- Think about what comes after. A table for two, your friends waiting to hug you, a video call with your parents. The day doesn't end with the "yes".
The best part of a proposal isn't the setting. It's the look on her face the moment she realises what's happening.
Clever marriage proposal ideas
At sunset, by the sea
The most popular idea in Greece, and for good reason. A beach just before the sun goes down, a blanket, two glasses of wine. It's simple, it's romantic, and you get the best light of the day for photos.
Where you first met
The café of your first date, your university, the square where you first kissed. It doesn't have to be impressive. It just has to mean something to you.
On a trip
Paris, Rome, a Greek island, or the hot-air balloons of Cappadocia at sunrise. Being away gives you time and atmosphere. Keep the ring in your hand luggage, never in your suitcase.
At home, with candles and memories
For couples who'd rather not have an audience. Candles, flowers, photos from your years together, your favourite song. It's one of the most tender ways to propose, and the easiest to organise.
With friends and family
A "casual" dinner, and when the ring comes out, everyone you love is there. It suits people who love a party. If your partner is on the shy side, propose when it's just the two of you and have your friends waiting afterwards.
During a "fake" photo shoot
One of the cleverest ideas: tell her you have booked a couple's photo shoot, for an anniversary or as a gift. Halfway through, you get down on one knee. She is already dressed and ready, the light is right, and the photographer knows exactly when to press the shutter.
At Christmas or on an anniversary
Among the Christmas lights, under the tree, or on your anniversary. A day that already matters to you gets one more reason to be remembered.
On a walk in nature
A hike with a view, a picnic in the mountains, a snowy landscape in winter. If you love the outdoors, you won't find a more natural setting.
Places to propose in and around Patras
- By the sea at sunset. The beaches of Achaia face west, so the sun goes down over the water.
- With a view of the Rio–Antirrio bridge. Especially when its lights come on.
- At Patras Castle. Stone, greenery and a view over the city.
- In Nafpaktos. The little harbour with its Venetian walls, or the castle overlooking the gulf.
- Further afield. Monemvasia, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are a few hours' drive or a ferry ride away, for a proposal getaway.
For more inspiration, have a look at the places for a photo shoot in Greece that we have put together.
Proposing to your boyfriend
More and more women are doing the proposing. Everything above applies here too. Instead of a solitaire, you could choose a watch, an engraved ring or a small gift that means something to you both.
The proposal ring
- The size. Secretly borrow one of her rings or ask someone who knows her well. If you're not sure, go slightly larger so she can actually put it on when you ask.
- The style. Look at the jewellery she already wears: gold or silver, delicate or statement, classic or modern.
- The box. Keep it somewhere she won't find it, and don't carry it around in your pocket all day, because the bulge gives it away.
A proposal and an engagement are not the same thing in Greece. The proposal is the "will you marry me?" moment. The engagement (arravones), when the bands are worn on the left hand, usually comes later as a small celebration with both families.
How to photograph the proposal without them knowing
A proposal happens once and is over in seconds: dropping to one knee, the hand over the mouth, the tears, the hug. If a friend films it on a phone from a distance, you usually end up with a blurry glimpse. With a professional photographer hidden nearby, you get the whole story.
- We talk beforehand. You tell us your idea, the place and the time. We help you pick the spot so the light is good and you're not standing with your back to the camera.
- We are there before you. Blending in like passers-by. She suspects nothing.
- We capture the whole moment. From the moment you arrive to the "yes" and the first embrace.
- And afterwards, a short photo session. With the ring on her finger and the emotion still on your faces. These often turn out to be the most genuine photos you'll ever have together.
And if after the "yes" you'd like more photos together before the wedding, see our pre-wedding photo shoots.
Frequently asked questions about proposing
How should I propose to my girlfriend?
Start with her personality: whether she loves surprises in front of people or something quiet for the two of you. Pick a place that means something, go at sunset, get the ring size right and keep your words short and honest.
What is the best place to propose?
One that means something to you. If there isn't one, a beach at sunset, a castle with a view or a trip are among the most popular choices.
Which hand does the proposal ring go on?
Usually on the ring finger. Which hand varies from family to family and from country to country, so follow whatever feels right for you.
Can a woman propose?
Of course. More and more women propose, often with a watch or an engraved ring instead of a solitaire.
How can I have the proposal photographed without them knowing?
With a photographer hidden at the spot before you arrive. You arrange it all together in advance: the place, the time, the exact spot and a signal, and she suspects nothing until you get down on one knee.
Planning a proposal?
Tell us your idea, the place and when you are thinking of doing it. We'll help you plan it, and we'll be there, out of sight, to photograph the "yes".
Photographs: Dimitris Stergiou and the studio team