Planning Your Philadelphia Proposal – The Ultimate Guide
Planning your Philadelphia proposal is a very exciting time! I am sure your head is swirling with all kinds of ideas and perhaps questions as you are putting together this monumental life moment when you ask your partner to become your fiance. As a proposal photographer in Philadelphia, I have had the unique joy of photographing many couples taking this next step in their relationship, and there is not too much that compares to this sweet moment and promise to one another. In this blog post, I will give you practical tips and tricks and things to keep in mind for planning that I have learned along the way. I will offer ideas and inspiration to help make your surprise marriage proposal an unforgettable moment and answer some of the most common questions I get asked about proposals.
1. This Is For Your Significant Other
Keep in mind that this is for your significant other. Holding this thought at the forefront will really help shape how you move forward in planning your Philadelphia proposal. When thinking “Should I do this or should I do that?” ask yourself what your partner would like. What makes them feel the most special, thought of, and loved? If you are deciding if you should have your proposal on the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps, for example, ask yourself, “Does my partner like to be out in the midst of people, or would they prefer a more private setting?” If your partner doesn’t like being cold, maybe choose a spring or summer day. It’s a simple but important guiding principle that will shape everything from the location you choose to how you celebrate after the proposal. Keeping your partner at the center will help make decision-making easier and clearer.
2. Picking Your Philadelphia Proposal Location
One decision you will have to make is where to propose. Will it be someplace in center city Philadelphia? Maybe the city skyline in the background? Are you more of a casual couple, and is being in a park or the woodsy Wissahiken more up your alley? There are endless possibilities for places to propose Philadelphia, from your own backyard to a rooftop and everything in between. Luckily, I have another blog post with the best locations for a marriage proposal in Philadelphia that features some of the most popular spots in the city to get down on one knee. I have seen people choose sentimental locations, like where they had their first date or their first kiss, or more classic Philadelphia locations, such as Race Street Pier or Addison Street Proposal. Whatever the location, remember to choose somewhere that your partner would enjoy being.
3. Photo Permit for You Philadelphia Proposal
Something else you will want to consider when planning your proposal location is that some of the popular places in Philadelphia do require a photo permit that needs to be paid for and secured ahead of time. It’s an important step in putting together a successful proposal. You don’t want to have a plan and then when you arrive there the space is being used for something else or you are asked to leave. Here are a few of the locations that require a permit along with the links explaining how to secure them. These are just a few of the spaces where permits are required. I encourage you to do your due diligence, and wherever you decide on, find out if you need a permit to take photos there.
Second National Bank, 18th Century Garden, Merchant Exchange
(Longwood Gardens is not located in Philadelphia but is still popular for Philly couples to get engaged.)
4. When Should a Proposal Be?
Here are a few things to consider if you are on the fence about what time of year may be best to pop the question while planning your Philadelphia proposal. The winter holiday season is sometimes considered “Engagement Season” or “Proposal Season” as it is traditionally a popular time of year for this occasion. Couples sometimes pop the question while they are visiting family for Thanksgiving or Christmas or right before then so they can celebrate with loved ones and show off that shiny new engagement ring. I have photographed marriage proposals right in front of the Christmas tree at Christmas Village in Philadelphia, the holiday market around City Hall.
Now, for one couple, this would be a dreamy and special place for a proposal, with the chill in the air and the lights of the Christmas tree giving them all the holiday feels. For another couple, the thought of being out in the Philadelphia winter weather in the middle of the hustle and bustle of all the holiday shoppers is the exact opposite of their idea of a good time. As you can see, so much of it is personal preference. You get to choose your own adventure and plan the day and moment that works for you. Here are a few other quick tips on when to have your proposal. If you are picking a popular location such as the rooftop park Cira Green Park or The Philadelphia Art Museum Steps and you would prefer fewer people around, choosing a morning time proposal will likely be a time with fewer people around. Saturday seems to be the most popular day for a proposal, but choosing a weekday could also make it more likely that there are fewer people around if that is important to you. The weather is also something to consider. If your partner despises being cold, maybe don’t make a winter proposal. If your partner really doesn’t get along with the sun, an August proposal in Philadelphia might not be the best choice. There is really no right or wrong time for a proposal; ultimately, its whenever you are ready!
5. Should I Include Friends and Family in the Proposal?
For some Philadelphia proposals, it is the couple only. Other times, friends or family pop out from around the corner right afterward and join in the celebration. I have also seen proposals planned where the couple ig going to dinner or brunch after the proposal, and what was said to be a meal for just the two of them is actually a second surprise as other loved ones show up to cheers and toast to the newly engaged couple. You know which option will work best for your proposal planning and family. Some of the most touching proposals I have witnessed are the simple, classic proposals.
6. How Do I Keep the Proposal a Surprise?
Perhaps one of the most challenging parts of planning a proposal can be keeping it a surprise! Sometimes, consulting your partner’s best friend can be super helpful as they can offer advice and suggestions and be in on the surprise. In one proposal I photographed, the boyfriend told his girlfriend he was going out of town for business for the weekend, meanwhile, the girlfriend’s best friend invited her to go to a “Brunch fundraiser gala”. When they arrived at the entrance of the supposed gala, there stood her boyfriend at the end of a trail of rose petals, ready to propose! Your plan can be elaborate and involve others, or your plan can be just the two of you. Sometimes including others is key planning out the proposal; other times, there are friends or family that you know you cannot trust with the news because they will be telling everyone! You will likely know who you should tell and when.
7. Fun Element You Could Consider Including for Your Proposal
The proposal moment can truly be as simple as getting down on one knee and saying, “Will you marry me?” or you can add other touches to the moment if you choose. I have seen sweet and emotional cards that they have written, professing their love and those cards being read out loud to their partners before asking for their hand in marriage. I do kind of love this because it gives you a chance to really think about and express what you want to say to your loved one. The card then can be kept as a reminder of the moment. I have photographed proposals where shortly thereafter, a friend pops up with a chilled bottle of champagne and two glasses to commemorate the moment. You can never go wrong with having some bubbly! I have even seen where a couple’s pup arrived(with a friend) to join in their celebration. After the exciting proposal moment, emotions are high, and there is lots of excitement and celebrating to do. Celebrating can be done in many ways, from a quiet brunch at your favorite Philadelphia restaurant to fancy cocktails with city skyline views. It could be having parents or close friends joining you for a meal, or it could be a full-on engagement party.
8. Hire a Philadelphia Proposal Photographer
Hiring a Philadelphia proposal photographer to capture this incredible moment is always a good idea. This allows you to look back on your proposal moment for years to come and even share that moment with your children. I love photographing these special moments, and I would be happy to chat with you by phone to hear all about how you are planning your Philadelphia proposal. You can contact Heidi Roland Photography to schedule a time to chat. I look forward to hearing from you!
9. Planning Your Philadelphia Proposal – Real Marriage Proposals
I have photographed many Philadelphia Propols, and I invite you to browse the links below to see the beautiful variety of proposal ideas, locations, seasons, and styles. Enjoy!
Prettiest Street for a Proposal in Philadelphia
Rodin Museum Proposal Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin Bridge Proposal Philadelphia
Longwood Gardens Surprise Proposal
Franklin Institute Surprise Proposal
