Indians love a good beach proposal. Here’s how to do yours perfectly

A beach proposal is a favourite for a reason. The calm crashing of the waves, the feeling of your toes in the sand and the spectacular backdrop of the ocean sky at sunrise or sunset are a dreamy combination to craft the perfect romantic moment. Indians, especially, love beach proposals because they have all the makings of a Bollywood rom-com climax. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to get perfect engagement photos at seaside locations around the world like the Maldives, Bali, Goa, Santorini, Seychelles and Phuket. But, there are plenty of logistics you need to figure out to ensure your beach proposal goes off without a hitch. From organising proposal photography to setting up an intimate setting for your surprise, planning a beach proposal takes a bit of work. As someone who planned a beach proposal myself, I’ve learned that proposing by the water requires quick thinking to adapt to unexpected stressors.

Ahead, see all the proposal planning tips you’ll need to kick off your beach engagement.

Find the perfect location

Choosing the right beach location is key to guaranteeing a beautiful proposal setting. First, consider the destination that feels right for the engagement. Is there a beach you often frequent together? It could be special to revisit this place in your romantic history for your proposal. Planning a beach vacation? Scout out the best beaches for proposals near your destination with a beautiful lookout, or seek a more private cove. If you are less familiar with the area, you might want to check online for frequented spots or ask your hotel concierge for any tips. If you’re staying at a resort, they may even have a special area on the property that can be the perfect location for your big moment.

Choose the right time

As you likely don’t want hundreds of spectators around that can take up prime sand real estate, it’s important to decide on a not-so-busy time to get down on one knee. Consider hitting the beach in the off-season when there aren’t as many sunbathers about or at an hour when the location is relatively empty, like when most people are at dinner. You can even plan a romantic picnic on the beach during this hour before you pop the question.

It’s also important to consider the best ambience based on the time of day: not when the sun is too bright, but definitely when it’s just at the horizon. Not only will it be beautiful to watch (and give you an excuse to get your S.O. out there for the surprise), but the light will be wonderful for photos. Helpful hint: Bring a sweater or extra blanket in case the temperatures drop when the sun is no longer in sight.

Make a plan in case of inclement weather

As I am well aware, bad weather can easily throw a wrench in your proposal plans. In my case, a windy forecast made my plans for a post-engagement dinner on the beach a less-than-ideal situation. So, we had to change the location for the second act of the proposal just hours prior. No matter your situation, it’s always important to have a rain contingency plan. Especially if you have hired a photographer or pre-planned a celebration afterwards, you may need to find another covered spot to pop the question. Always have a backup in place when you are first scouting out your ideal beach locale.

Pick the right beach proposal outfit

Deciding on the right outfit for your proposal is a tricky task. On the one hand, you don’t want to give away the surprise by showing up overdressed for a beach day. But, you also probably want to look more polished than usual, especially if you’re documenting the proposal. Try to find a happy medium or create an excuse for a slightly more put-together look. For example, you could offer to take a quick walk on the beach before a dinner reservation. If you want to do a full engagement shoot after the proposal, you could also keep a change of clothes for both you and your partner hidden away in the car.