5 Ways to Plan a Marriage Proposal Inspired by The Bachelor

how to plan a bachelor style proposal

Photo: Booje Media

The greatest and most heart-wrenching moment of watching a season of The Bachelor is, without a doubt, the proposal. There’s something so dreamy about the whole set up of the situation. It’s usually somewhere exotic, where waves are crashing in the background and the suspense of it all is enough to make your heart race for a good thirty minutes. So if you’re about to propose to someone who watches The Bachelor religiously, here are 5 ways you too can plan a television series-worthy moment that you and your fiancéee will never forget.

1. Pick an Exotic Location
When you’re brainstorming spots to pop the question — think big. Your local park or beach won’t do the trick. Instead, find an exotic locale that is remote and romantic. Make sure there’s a lot of greenery behind you, and that the spot is totally picturesque.

2. Make it Suspenseful
A true proposal on The Bachelor isn’t one that happens quickly (there are at least 5-10 commercial breaks, let’s be serious). The building of suspense is a key factor in this situation, so plan to arrive at the location an hour or so before it all goes down to build up your nerves and emotion. Give your partner instructions as to where to meet you and how to get there.

3. Rose Petals — EVERYWHERE
It’s not romance without red rose petals all over the place. Roses — or any flowers for that matter — set the mood.

4. Give a Long, Heartfelt Speech
With all the nerves, you may have the urge to jump down onto one knee. Instead, wait until they arrive and give them a long, 3-5 minute speech about how you can’t imagine your life without them, building up perfectly to the main event.

5. Have a Camera Crew Filming It
If it’s not on film and the whole world can’t watch it later, then did it really happen? A camera crew will definitely elevate the proposal to a new level — and once you add some edits and include a tear-jerking music score, it will be a memory you can rewatch over and over for years to come.

See More: These Real Life Proposal Stories (and Photos!) Are Giving Us ALL the Feels

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.