example of proposal speech

What to Say When Proposing to Your Partner Before Popping the Big Question

• Diane writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in weddings, party planning and couple lifestyle.
• She produces editorial content for The Knot, The Bash and WeddingWire Canada.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, she was the publisher of 2life Magazine and WeddingBells Magazine.

Sure, getting down on one knee while holding an engagement ring box sort of says it all. But the moment you get engaged should be an unforgettable one, and planning what to say when proposing can make all the difference. It's worth your time to have some eloquent words prepared for your proposal speech, especially if you're anticipating butterflies when the moment finally arrives. But how do you wrap up all of your feelings and vocalize them to the love of your life? We've outlined exactly what to say when you propose, along with ways that you can personalize your proposal script so that it's a sweet reflection of your relationship so far. Follow these tips to figure out how to express yourself leading up to the all-important question.

In this article:

How to Decide What to Say When You're Proposing

Here's your marriage proposal script.

It's obvious that you need to ask the question, "Will you marry me?" at some point, but your proposal speech should also include plenty of personalization and memories from your relationship so far. Here are a few examples of what to say in a proposal to make your partner swoon.

Speak from the heart.

First and foremost, let yourself be emotional and authentic when you deliver your proposal speech. Sure, you may be a bit nervous, but exposing that vulnerable side will make this a very special (and real) moment for both of you. It's important to run through a few sentences in your head, but you don't want to sound like you're delivering a rehearsed speech when you're asking the love of your life to marry you. Write down a rough draft—stick to bullet points or brief sentences—so you can easily remember what you want to say when proposing. You could open with something heartfelt and direct, such as "[insert name], I love you," or "[insert name], you are my soulmate. I love so many things about you."

Don't worry about memorizing your proposal speech word for word. If you speak from the heart and let your emotions guide you, it's sure to be perfect no matter what.

Reflect on the past.

When you're thinking about what to say when proposing, you can also reflect on the start of your relationship and all of the milestones that led you to this special moment. Answer these two questions and you're sure to find a few meaningful nuggets to really personalize your prose.

What did you think when you first met?

Reminisce about the first time you laid eyes on them or the first conversation you had. Talk about how you were awestruck by their eyes, or amazed to find someone who shared your passion for the same sports team, or how you just knew that someone seriously special had entered your life. Say something like, "When I first talked to you at [blank], I thought [blank]."

Of course, if your first meeting was less than romantic (you were hitting on their best friend while they spilled pinot noir on you, for example), you won't want to bring it up—unless the two of you already joke about it. But if you're still deciding what to say when you propose, reflecting on something about the early stages of your relationship is a sentimental way to bring things full circle.

When did you realize that you might want to spend the rest of your life with them?

Try to identify one specific moment when it hit you that you'd found the one . Was it when the four-star restaurant lost your reservation and they cheerfully suggested you head across the street for pizza and beer instead? The time they came over when you were sick in bed with the flu and watched a kung fu movie marathon with you? In your proposal speech, say something like: "The time you [blank], I knew we were meant to be." Touching on some of the little moments you've shared is a cute reminder of all the ways your relationship has evolved.

Describe how they make you feel.

Focus on how much better your life is now that they're in it. What do you have now that you didn't before you met? Have they helped you laugh off little things that used to stress you out? Taught you the value of having more in the fridge than take-out cartons? Show how much you appreciate and want your partner in your life by including those details in your proposal speech. Start by saying: "Before I met you, I was [blank]. Now I am [blank]" to show them just how wonderfully they've impacted your life.

Explain why you love them.

What is it about your significant other that inspires you and makes you want to be more like them? Their patience and kindness to others? Their sense of adventure? The value they place on making the world a better place? The reasons you love and admire your partner are thoughtful things to say when proposing, so be sure to highlight those details in your speech to make it known that you can't wait to get married. Say something like, "I love and respect your [blank], and it makes me want to try harder to be that way myself."

Talk about your shared values and future together.

Talk about the things that are important to both of you. Sharing the same values and goals will emphasize why you're a perfect match and why you should spend your futures side by side. It's these shared values that will help get you through the ups, downs and middle grounds of married life (not to mention planning a wedding , which takes a lot of teamwork).

Touch on some of the plans you've discussed about your future to drive home the point that you make a great pair. Say something like, "We both love [blank] and dream of [blank], so together we can [blank]." It's the perfect lead-in to the words they've been waiting to hear (drumroll, please): "And those are just a few of the reasons I'm hoping you'll spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?"

Remember to actually ask the question, "Will you marry me?"

Don't put too much pressure on yourself trying to figure out what to say when proposing. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or forget a few of the things you'd planned to say, fear not. Pause to enjoy the moment, take a deep breath and say the four most important words of all: "Will you marry me?" After all, you don't want to try to say so much that you get lost in the moment and forget to officially ask your partner to marry you. If you're proposing with an engagement ring, be ready to place it on their left ring finger (cue the happy tears).

Now that we've outlined what to say when you propose, let's string everything together to give you an idea of how it all flows. Here's a proposal speech example to follow.

(P.S.: If you're thinking about capturing the moment on camera, hire a professional proposal photographer to make sure you don't miss a beat.)

"[insert name], I love you.

When I first met you, I thought [blank].

The time you [blank], I knew we were meant to be.

You make me feel [blank] and I'm so grateful for [blank].

I love and respect [blank] about you, and [blank] makes me so excited for our future.

Together we [blank] and I'm ready for [blank].

And those are just a few of the reasons I'm hoping you'll spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?"

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87 Romantic Proposal Speeches to Hear a Resounding ‘Yes’

Talented writer Owen simplifies complex topics, focusing on psychology and personal growth. He enjoys camping in scenic mountains, traveling, and embracing diverse cultures.

In This Article

When you’re planning to pop the question, a well-thought-out proposal speech can make a huge difference. This speech is your chance to express your love and commitment. Keeping the language simple and heartfelt, focus on the emotions and memories that bind you together.

In your proposal speech, it’s important to speak from the heart, letting your partner know just how much they mean to you. 

So, how to propose to your girlfriend or boyfriend?

A sincere and straightforward proposal speech can turn this moment into a cherished memory, paving the way for a future together. Remember, it’s not just about the words but the love behind them.

What to say when you propose

When planning to propose for love, it’s important to create a romantic proposal speech that is both meaningful and memorable. Drawing inspiration from the best proposal speeches, focus on expressing the depth of your emotions and the significance of your journey together. 

A well-crafted proposal speech should highlight your genuine feelings and the special bond you share. It’s about illustrating to your partner how invaluable they are to you and the future you envision together. 

Remember, the essence of a great proposal lies in the sincerity and love conveyed through your words. For more detailed suggestions and examples, you can visit “What to Say When You Propose .” 

87 romantic proposal lines & speech and hear a resounding ‘yes’

A romantic proposal speech can be a significant moment in your life. Here are 87 romantic lines and ideas to inspire you:

• “Our love story is my favorite, and I want it to continue forever. Will you marry me?”
• “Life with you makes perfect sense. You’re my best friend.”
• “From the moment I met you, I knew my adventure had just begun.”
• “I fell in love with you for a million tiny reasons, and I want to spend a lifetime discovering more.”
• “You make me happier than I ever thought possible. Will you make me the happiest person alive by marrying me?”
• “With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone.”
• “My love for you is a journey, starting at forever and ending at never.”
• “In you, I’ve found the love of my life and my closest, truest friend.”
• “I want to be your last everything.”
• “Let’s make our own happily ever after.”
• “Marrying you would be a dream come true.”
• “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.”
• “Together with you is my favorite place to be.”
• “I want to be the reason behind your smile because you are the reason behind mine.”
• “Every day with you is a wonderful addition to my life’s journey.”
• “You’re the one I’ve been waiting for all my life.”
• “My heart is, and always will be, yours.”
• “Grow old with me; the best is yet to be.”
• “I promise to love, respect , protect, and trust you and give you the best of myself.”
• “For all the times my hand finds yours, it’s where it’s meant to be.”
• “I want to wake up to you every day for the rest of my life.”
• “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.”
• “I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry me?”
• “You have made my life a beautiful adventure, and I want to experience the rest of it with you.”
• “Let’s build a life we can cherish together.”
• “You are my forever confidant. My love for you grows stronger each day.”
• “With every beat of my heart, I will love you more and more.”
• “You are my once-in-a-lifetime love.”
• “I want to make you the happiest person in the world.”
• “Together, we have an endless conversation.”
• “With you, I found the love I had always dreamed of.”
• “You are everything I never knew I needed.”
• “Marrying you is not a duty; it’s a joyous end to my long wait.”
• “Your love is the kind that is talked about in epic poems and stories. I want to live that story with you.”
• “You are my soulmate, my sweetheart; you are my dream come true.”
• “From this day forward, let’s write our own story.”
• “I want to be your safe haven, your shelter from the storm, your partner in life.”
• “You make me want to be a better person every day.”
• “You have this incredible way of making my heart happy.”
• “I vow to help you love life, to hold you with tenderness.”
• “To live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home.”
• “You are my rock, my shelter, my home.”
• “I promise to be your navigator, best friend, and wife.”
• “Let’s be together until the end of time.”
• “You make my heart sing with joy.”
• “You’re the missing piece to my life’s puzzle.”
• “I’ve fallen in love many times… always with you.”
• “You’re not just my friend; you’re my love. You’re not just my love; you’re my heart.”
• “I want to be the one who makes your bad days better.””The best thing about me is you.”
• “I choose you. And I’ll keep choosing you, over and over.”
• “With a love like ours, I feel invincible.”
• “I want to make you as happy as you make me.”
• “Let’s navigate the journey of life together.”
• “I want to make every morning easier for you.”
• “You’re the one I’ve been waiting for, my love.”
• “Let’s create a lifetime of incredible memories .”
• “You are my greatest adventure.”
• “I want to be the one who makes your dreams come true.”
• “Your love is like a flame that lights up my world.”
• “I love you more than words can express.”
• “Let’s write our own fairy tale.”
• “You’re the reason I believe in love.”
• “With you, I am complete.”
• “You have filled my life with joy and love.”
• “I promise to support your dreams and respect our differences.”
• “You are my true north.”
• “I want to grow old with you and love you for eternity.”
• “You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
• “Together, we can face anything.”
• “You’re the love of my life and my best friend.”
• “I am who I am because of you.”
• “Let’s make every day an adventure.”
• “You are the reason for all my happiness.”
• “I want to be with you till my last breath.”
• “You complete me in every way.”
• “Will you make me the happiest person alive by saying yes?”
• “With every laugh, every dream, every moment, I fall more in love with you. Will you marry me?”
• “In your eyes, I have found my home. In your heart, I have found my love.”
• “You are my vow; I’ll keep it by continuing to love you every moment of every day.”
• “You are my always and forever, my happily ever after, my soulmate, my best friend.”
• “I want to be your forever companion. Will you marry me?”
• “I want to spend the rest of my life making you smile.”
• “Life is a beautiful journey, and I want to continue that journey with you by my side.”
• “I promise to be there when you need me, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort you and encourage you.”
• “You are my dream come true, my one true love, my one and only. I promise to cherish you for all my days.”
• “Together with you is where I belong; together with you is where I want to be.”
• “In your eyes I can see a beautiful future that we both can share with each other.”

When planning to propose for love, many questions arise about the best proposal speeches, including how to deliver them effectively and authentically. Here are some common questions:

Is it important to rehearse my proposal lines or speech?

Yes, rehearsing can be helpful. It ensures you’re comfortable with what you’re saying, making your romantic proposal speech flow more naturally.

Are short proposal lines as effective as longer, more elaborate ones?

Absolutely. Sometimes, the sweetest proposal lines are brief and heartfelt. It’s about the emotion behind the words, not their length.

How do I overcome nervousness while proposing?

Remember that it’s a special moment between you and your partner. Practice can also ease nerves, and focusing on your genuine feelings can help you stay grounded.

Check out this video to learn about reducing stress on a daily basis:

Is humor appropriate in a proposal speech?

If humor is a part of your relationship, a cute proposal speech with a touch of humor can be very endearing.

What if nerves get in the way during the proposal speech?

It’s okay to be nervous; it shows your sincerity. Take a deep breath, and remember that your partner loves you for who you are.

Final thoughts

Crafting the perfect proposal speech, whether it involves the best proposal speeches, the sweetest proposal lines, or a more personalized romantic proposal speech, is a deeply personal and significant task. 

It’s a unique moment where you propose for love, and the way you articulate your feelings can make a lasting impression. While there are numerous proposal speech examples and lines for proposals available for inspiration, the essence of a successful proposal lies in its authenticity and sincerity.

Whether your style is to deliver romantic things to say when proposing or to incorporate elements of humor in a cute proposal speech, the most important aspect is that your words genuinely reflect your emotions and the special bond you share with your partner. 

Remember, it’s not just about the words you say but how you say them and the love that shines through them.

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Owen Kessler is a talented writer with a knack for making complex topics easy to understand. He has a particular interest in psychology and personal growth, and his writing is known for its insightful commentary on these subjects. Read more When he’s not writing, Owen enjoys spending time camping in the beautiful mountains and forests that surround his home. He also loves to travel and has a deep appreciation for the diversity of cultures he encounters on his journeys. Read less

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5 Marriage Proposal Speech Ideas to Help Pop the Question

Not quite sure how to pop the question? Check out these amazing engagement proposal speech ideas to help you find the best one that fits your story.

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When it comes to proposing marriage, the words you choose can really make or break the moment (for proof, watch the '90’s movie The Bachelor ). It certainly can be difficult to come up with marriage proposal speech examples and ideas in advance—and deliver them smoothly on the spot. Of course, most proposers stumble over their words a bit during the big moment—and that’s totally okay (and frankly, kind of adorable). And in the end, as long you end with “Will you marry me?” you’re probably in pretty good shape.

Need some inspiration? Check out these marriage proposal speech ideas to help get you started!

1. the “how i knew” marriage proposal speech.

Giving your proposal a personal touch can make it even more meaningful—it’s pretty much a must. The easiest way to make your marriage proposal speech personal is to recall the moment you knew that your beloved was not just another fling, but “the one.” Tell the story of that experience. Sure, it could be something emotional (her nursing you back to health after an illness) or something seemingly trivial (the time he drove in the pouring rain to help you change a flat tire). The point is that you’re sharing a story that encapsulates your relationship, and talking about how you felt at that time. You may even choose to take him or her back to the spot where it happened (the diner where you had your first date, the college campus where you first saw each other), though that’s not necessarily a must. Of course, finish the story off by asking the big question.

2. The “What I Love About You” Marriage Proposal Speech

If you’re ready to propose marriage , you can probably list an infinite number of things about your beloved that you adore. Turns out that’s actually a great way to pop the question! Write down a list of the qualities that you love about your partner—from the mundane (the way she brings you coffee every morning) to the super-meaningful (his compassion and love of his friends and family). Start off the proposal with, “I just wanted to tell you all of the reasons that I love you.” Then, recite the list and finish it off with: “And I know that this list will continue to grow for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”

3. The Experience-Based Marriage Proposal Speech

Many times planning a special experience is a great way to pop the question. Whether it’s taking a romantic trip or going on a special hike, it can be particularly memorable to propose during an activity . During a quiet moment, perhaps while viewing some beautiful scenery or after a particularly exciting experience (rock climbing or parasailing, for example), say something like: “I can’t wait to have moments like this for rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”

4. The Short and Sweet Marriage Proposal Speech

Your marriage proposal speech doesn’t have to be something lengthy—keeping your words short and sweet can be really meaningful as well. If you also think you’re going to be super-nervous during the big moment (and really, who isn’t?), keeping things brief might be your best bet. Really, here's the simplest proposal speech example: “(Partner’s name), make me the happiest guy/girl in the world. Will you marry me?” Pro Tip: Saying your partner’s full name (first, middle, and last) makes whatever you say even more romantic!

5. Get Creative

For some people, the idea of verbally making a marriage proposal speech can be absolutely terrifying. Proposing marriage should be an exciting, memorable, and joyful experience —so if the stress of making a speech will take the fun out of your proposal, skip it. Instead, put your thoughts in writing—or even on video. Make a scrapbook of memories and photos from your relationship, and write “Will You Marry Me?” on the last page. Write a meaningful letter expressing your feelings and end it by popping the question. Attach the ring to your pet’s collar and have him/her do the work for you. Or create a video featuring friends and family members and pop the question at the end. There are lots of ways to propose without making a speech—let your proposal reflect your personality and comfort level.

A Few Final Tips

No matter which proposal speech idea you go with, it’s important to spend some time preparing for your big moment. If you decide to wing it, your nerves may get the best of you. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth proposal speech:

• Plan it out: Try to start thinking about your speech a week or two before you plan to propose. It may seem excessive, but you’ll be glad you had the time to prep and practice.
• Write out notes or an outline: If you don’t feel that you’ve memorized your marriage proposal speech, you won’t regret having notes at the ready in case you stumble or forget the words.
• Practice makes perfect: It may feel a bit weird to practice your proposal speech to yourself in the mirror, but we promise, it will help!
• Keep it short: Your partner will be eager for you to actually pop the question, so your proposal speech should be fairly short and to-the-point. As you’re practicing, if you find you’re speaking for more than a minute or two, try to edit down your speech.
• Speak slowly and take pauses: When it comes time to give your proposal speech, don’t rush it. Your partner will likely be pretty confused about what’s going on and by speaking slowly, you’ll giving your love time to fully absorb this amazing moment.

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