Marriage proposal: how to propose, clever ideas and places

Insights · Marriage proposal

Want to propose but don't know where to start? It is natural to feel nervous. It is a "yes" you will remember for the rest of your lives, and you want it to be perfect.

In this guide you will find how to propose step by step, clever ideas for every personality and every budget, places to propose in and around Patras, what to keep in mind about the ring, and how to capture the moment in photographs without your partner suspecting a thing.

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. Secretly borrow a ring they already wear, or ask a close friend. Most jewellers can resize it afterwards.
• Choose the place and the time. A place that means something to you, at a time when the light is beautiful. Sunset is a classic for a reason.
• Have a plan B. In case it rains, it is crowded, or something changes at the last minute. A backup spot saves 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 are worth more than any perfectly worded speech.
• Arrange the photographs. The moment lasts a few seconds and cannot be repeated. If you want to keep it, arrange in advance who will photograph it.
• 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".

Clever marriage proposal ideas

At sunset, by the sea

The most popular idea in Greece, and rightly so. A beach just before the sun goes down, a blanket, two glasses of wine. Simple, romantic, and with the most beautiful light of the day for photographs.

Where you first met

The café of your first date, your university, the square where you first kissed. It doesn't need to be impressive, as long as it means something to you.

On a trip

Paris, Rome, a Greek island, or the hot-air balloons of Cappadocia at sunrise. A trip gives you the time and the atmosphere. Keep the ring in your hand luggage, never in your suitcase.

At home, with candles and memories

For those who don't want people around. Candles, flowers, your photos from all your years together, your favourite song. It is one of the most tender proposals, and the easiest to organise.

With friends and family

A "casual" dinner, and when the ring comes out, all your loved ones are there. It suits people who love a celebration. If your partner is shy, propose when you are alone and let your friends be waiting for you 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 festive lights, under the tree, or on your anniversary. A day that already means something gains one more meaning.

On a walk in nature

A hike with a view, a picnic in the mountains, a snowy landscape in winter. If you love nature, there is no more genuine setting.

Places to propose in and around Patras

• By the sea at sunset. The beaches of Achaia face west, so the sun sets over the sea.
• 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.

If you are looking for inspiration, take 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 the ones who propose, and it is wonderful. Everything we have written 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 are not sure, go slightly larger, so she can put it on at the moment of the proposal.
• 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 in your pocket all day, because it shows.

A proposal and an engagement are not the same thing in Greece. The proposal is the "will you marry me?" moment. The engagement (arravones), with the wedding bands worn on the left hand, is usually a small celebration with both families that follows.

How to photograph the proposal without them knowing

A proposal happens once and lasts a few seconds: getting down on one knee, the hand over the mouth, the tears, the embrace. 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 keep the whole story.

• We talk beforehand. You tell us your idea, the place and the time. We help you choose the spot so the light is beautiful and you aren't standing with your back to the camera.
• We are there before you. Discreetly, 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 are some of the most genuine photographs you will ever have together.

And if after the "yes" you would like more photographs together before the wedding, see our pre-wedding photo shoots.