Proposing marriage is one of the biggest moments of your life. Are you ready for it? That's a question you should be asking yourself before you ask for your beloved's hand, and the answer should be nothing short of a resounding "yes!" This marriage proposal checklist will help you get prepared, mentally and logistically. 

1. Find an Engagement Ring They’ll Love

The perfect proposal requires the perfect ring but what that looks like will be different for every couple. Whether you choose a classic diamond engagement ring or you design your own custom wooden ring, the most important thing is that the ring represents your love story in a genuine way. Whether that means surprising your fiancée with a ring you know she’ll love, or choosing it together and enjoying the process, it’s another way to show them that you care. Take our ring style quiz for some ideas!

If the ring is being shipped to you, you may want to consider a close friend or neighbor to be the one to receive her ring, just to avoid any chance that she stumbles upon it in the mailbox.

2. Make Sure the Ring Fits

As important as it is to find the perfect engagement ring, choosing a ring size that fits is also pretty crucial. Resizing a ring is possible—up to a point—but it's best if the ring fits just right the moment you present it to her. The best way to find someone's ring size is to use a ring sizer, but to avoid blowing your cover, we recommend measuring the size of a ring she already owns, or asking a friend for some intel. 

3. Make Sure She's Ready

Most of this marriage proposal checklist is about making sure you're ready to pop the question. But just as importantly, is she ready? There's nothing worse than getting all psyched up to propose, only to get shot down. Do what you can to make sure you're both on the same page before you ask her to marry you!

4. Have a Game Plan

How and where do you want to propose? What type of proposal would be most meaningful to your relationship? For some couples, it's an all-out experience, like planning a scavenger hunt that ends with you on one knee surrounded by family and friends, or while the sun is setting one evening during an extravagant beach vacation. For others it's a small, intimate moment at a meaningful place, like the restaurant where you had your first date. 

5. Talk to Her Parents

If you're from a traditional family (or, if she is from a traditional family) you should probably talk to her parents before you ask her to marry you. Whether this conversation involves asking for their blessing and permission, or simply informing them of your intention, it's a conversation you'll be glad you had. 

6. Keep the Ring Safe (and Hidden)

Having to hang onto your engagement ring from the time you buy it until the moment you propose can be a little stressful. Find a place for the ring where it won't get lost, and where she won't accidentally stumble across it. Do everything you can to keep it out of harm's way, especially when it's in your pocket on proposal day. 

7. Time It Juuuust Right

Timing is everything, and if you want your moment to be special, it needs to happen at the right time. Of course, choosing the right moment can be tricky, especially if you want it to be a surprise.

Check your calendar and look for a time when you know for certain you'll both be free and clear. That means no serious ongoing stresses or responsibilities, no big projects either of you is working on, no prior plans and—within reason—doing your best to minimize the chance of surprise obligations that could derail your plans. 

8. Scout Out the Location

If your plan involves proposing at a specific place and time, do your homework. Visit the location in advance to make sure there are no unforeseen obstacles. If you're proposing at a favorite restaurant, be sure to make a reservation. You may even want to let some of the staff in on your plans in case you need their cooperation. 

9. Speak From the Heart

Only you can know what the right thing is to say when you're down on one knee. Just be honest, speak from the heart, and tell her you want to spend the rest of your life together. It really is as simple as that. If you want to plan out your exact words ahead of time, go right ahead. If you feel comfortable winging it, that's okay too.