Tips to plan the best Jersey Shore proposal!

The best tip I can give, is that the photographers you are going to want to hire, are busy photographing weddings on the weekends. Try to pick a date with this key detail in mind. Some key benefits to not proposing on a weekend are that you have a better chance to secure the photographer you want and the location you choose will be far less crowded. Below are some other tips to keep in mind when planning your Jersey Shore proposal!

1. Consider your partners likes and dislikes.

   Will they like what you’re planning? Are they into the beach, or into the city. New Jersey is a diverse state, and there are so many different options here. From beach to farm, from city to small town, NJ really has it all! Think about where your favorite memories have been together, what you dream about in your future together, and what she has always dreamed this moment would be like.

2. Chat with their friends and family.

   If you’re unsure on their likes and dislikes, you can always turn to their friends and family, the people that know them best! You can ask them things about jewelry likes/dislikes, size of their ring finger (if you didn’t know already) and if they like being the center of attention, or if they dislike attention at all! Maybe something more private would be more suited to their style.

3. Plan the location.

   As discussed above, you want to make sure this location is a good spot for them. Is this a place that has meaning to the both of you? First date perhaps? Will they just know right away, or is it a completely new location, to make new memories! Once you’d decided on a location, it wouldn’t hurt to take a trip there by yourself to scope it out and make sure it’s “the spot!” If you need help, ask your photographer for ideas. They should have a ton of secret spots up their sleeve that would be the perfect location for you!

4. Plan for the right timing.

   A beach engagement in the summer sounds lovely, but maybe not at 12 Noon, when beach goers are lounging and soaking up the sun! Plan for golden hour, when they’ve all gone home, the beach is empty, and the sun is even with the horizon. Do your research, this time changes every day! Or, if it’s an indoor proposal, you have more flexibility with timing.

5. Time to choose your photographer!

   There are so many photographers in New Jersey, it may be difficult to find the best one for your needs. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and even ask friends and family their recommendations. Be sure to do this in private, so your partner doesn’t catch on and ask why you’re looking for a photographer.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to a few different photographers and ask for pricing information if it’s not listed on their website, and also full galleries of past proposals.

   Click here to book your proposal with Bokeh Love Photography!

6. Dress to Impress!

   I know this one can be difficult, but maybe tell her you’ve planned a date night, and you’d like to get dressed up! Make sure your outfits match the location. Tuxedos and ballgowns may be a bit much for a beach proposal, but if you’ve planned a beach picnic, a sundress and some linen pants may not be out of pocket!

7. Plan what you will say ahead of time.

   Proposing sounds scary, you may not know what to say. Don’t let this deter you from being your true self. This does not have to be a 10-minute speech. Keep it short and sweet and say what you want to tell them. Make it personal, and from the heart.

8. Have some friends on call to help.

   Get your friends involved. If you want to have a picnic on the beach, or want some candles set up in a park, bring on the help of your friends to set it up for you! Talk to them ahead of time and be in communication with them in case of inclement weather. Anything happens, especially in NJ! The weather can go from sunny to rainy in an instant. Think about a backup plan where you and your photographer can switch the location easily without any hiccups. If you don’t have any friends that can help, there are companies that you can hire that will set up a picnic for you (inside or outside).

   Companies that set up picnics for you:
   1. Jersey shore Picnic Co
   2. Surfside Picnic
   3. Styled Memorable Picnics
   4. Uniquely Made Events
   5. Black Basket Picnics
   6. Mega Celebrations
   7. OS Picnics
   8. Pop up picnics by the shed
   9. The Picnic Fairy
   10. Perfect Picnic LBI
   11. Simply Picnic
   12. South Jersey Picnic Co
   13. The Proper Picnic

9. Don’t rush to take pictures afterwards.

   Your photographer should not be rushing over to you to take pictures after you propose. Embrace the crying, the happy tears, and the emotions! This is not an engagement session; this is a proposal. It’s a surprise, and you want this moment documented for what it is. Pure joy. When you are ready for some portraits, or you’d like to point out that you’ve hired a photographer to your now Fiancé – go for it. Approach your photographer when you’re ready, then finish strong with some beautiful images where they are ready for the camera!

10. Enjoy this moment!

    Don’t forget to enjoy this moment. We’re just as happy for you as you are, starting this next chapter in your lives. Congratulations and we hope to work with you soon!

I hope this blog post helped you with some ideas and tips to Plan the best Jersey Shore proposal! If you have any questions, Please reach out to me directly. I will gladly assist! Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net