Creating a Memorable Proposal

When Shane Zackery decided it was time to propose to his girlfriend, Ariana Rosado of the Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls cheerleading squad, he put a lot of effort into planning the perfect proposal. Collaborating with members of the Luvabulls squad and other members of the entertainment staff at the United Center, he arranged an elaborate surprise for Ariana. Midway through a dance routine, the music and choreography suddenly changed and a baffled Ariana was whisked into a chair by the Chicago Bulls’ mascot, Benny the Bull, while the rest of the Luvabulls and two other people in inflatable Benny costumes danced around her. At the pinnacle of the performance, Zackery popped out of one of the Benny costumes, got down on one knee, and asked Ariana to marry him.

The video quickly went viral and has already accumulated well over 5 million views. Not everybody can (or should) have their marriage proposal become a viral video. Zackery’s proposal was successful not because over 5 million people have viewed it. Its key success was in creating a perfect moment that this couple will remember and share stories (and videos) of long after the rest of us have forgotten it. With a little planning, you can create your own perfect proposal.

Timing

Zackery chose a very pubic proposal. It paid off well for him and seems to have been a good choice for this couple. As a dancer, Ariana was likely not daunted by having a major life event occur in front of a crowd. As long as you are confident of a positive response and you know your significant other enjoys attention, a public proposal can be great. It needn’t be as large an event as Zackery planned. If you love basketball and spent your first date at a Denver Nuggets game, why not try for a JumboTron proposal at the Pepsi center?

On the other hand, public proposals are not right for everybody. Some people just aren’t comfortable with that much attention, and others would simply prefer a private proposal. Especially if you aren’t certain of the response, a public proposal might not be for you.

Location

Regardless of the timing, try to pick a location for your proposal that has special meaning to you as a couple. If you’re travelers, consider making your proposal the culmination of a special trip. Or maybe go back to the place where you spent your first date. The perfect location could be anywhere from a mountain top to a concert hall to the produce section of the grocery store (if, for example, you met when you accidentally toppled a stack of apples and she helped you pick them up). It doesn’t have to be grand—it just needs to be special.

Atmosphere

There’s more to a proposal than just time and place. Depending on where you are, there are several factors you can control that can help to create a memorable event. A key element of Zackery’s proposal to Rosado was the music. He chose Bruno Mars’s “Marry You,” a fast-paced, whimsical song, well in keeping with the rest of the tone of the proposal. For a more traditionally romantic proposal, consider a slower song, ideally one that has meaning for you as a couple. Or something completely silly, but significant in some special way. Again, the key is to make it personal.

Creating the right atmosphere is all about pleasing the senses. Don’t overlook the power of smell. Wear that special cologne she loves. Or, if your proposal is part of a night in, cook her favorite dish so that the smell will be in the air when you propose.

Whatever shape your perfect proposal takes, it should be followed by the perfect wedding. Stonebrook Manor in Denver can help you make your dream wedding a reality. We might even have a few great tips for your proposal. Contact us today.