What to say when you are proposing?
- The Stables at Cypress Creek
- Dec 16
- 5 min read
With the holiday season approaching, there’s a special kind of romance in the air. Twinkling lights, family traditions, cozy gatherings, and meaningful moments make this time of year one of the most popular seasons for proposals. From Christmas mornings to New Year’s Eve celebrations, couples everywhere choose the holidays to take the next step in their love story. This seasonal surge doesn’t end when the decorations come down—locally owned wedding venues feel it almost immediately. The Stables at Cypress Creek, a beloved wedding venue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sees a noticeable increase in wedding tours every January due to all of the holiday proposals. Engagement season very quickly turns into wedding planning season. If you are planning a proposal and would like to hire a professional photographer The Stables at Cypress Creek offers proposal/engagemengt photography from their in house photographer/videographer Cypress Creek Productions. Be sure to follow us on Facebook Tiktok and Instagram.
Before touring venues and choosing dates, however, it all begins with one unforgettable moment: the proposal. While many people carefully plan how to propose, the question of what to say can feel overwhelming. The truth is, the most meaningful proposals aren’t about perfect words—they’re about intentional effort, sincerity, and speaking from the heart.
Be Intentional With Your Proposal
An intentional proposal doesn’t happen by accident. It’s created through thought, effort, and a genuine desire to make your partner feel deeply loved and chosen. Being intentional means taking time to reflect on your relationship and the significance of the moment, rather than rushing through it or relying on clichés.
When you take the time to put pin to paper about sharing what you love about your soon to be fiance, your partner will feel it. Thoughtful words show that this isn’t just a spontaneous decision—it’s a commitment you’ve carefully considered. That intentionality creates a more emotional experience and sets the tone for the life you’re choosing to build together.
From the Heart
The most powerful proposals begin with honesty. Before you propose, take a moment to reflect on why you love your partner and why you want to spend your life with them. What makes them irreplaceable in your life? How have they changed you for the better?
You don’t need a long speech. A few heartfelt sentences that come directly from your heart can be incredibly meaningful. Saying something like, “You make me feel at home, no matter where we are,” or “My life is better in every way because you’re in it,” immediately communicates love and intention.
Speaking from the heart allows your partner to feel the depth of your emotions in a way that rehearsed or generic words never could.
Reflect on Your Relationship Journey
Another way to make your proposal intentional is by acknowledging your journey together. Every relationship has a story—filled with milestones, challenges, laughter, and growth. Referencing that shared history makes the moment more personal and emotional.
You might mention how you’ve grown together or a moment when you realized this was the person you wanted to spend your life with. For example:“We’ve faced challenges together, celebrated victories, and supported each other through it all. Every step has only made me more sure of us.”
Recognizing your journey shows that your decision to propose is rooted in real experiences, not just a single moment.
Why they are your truly forever
A proposal isn’t only about love—it’s about commitment and intention. This is your opportunity to express the future you envision together. Talk about what marriage means to you and why you want to walk through life side by side.
Being intentional here means showing that you’ve thought about more than just the wedding day. Whether it’s building a home, creating traditions, raising a family, or simply growing old together, sharing your vision makes your proposal even more meaningful.
Statements like, “I want to choose you every day for the rest of my life,” or “I can’t imagine building my future with anyone else,” reinforce the depth of your commitment.
Don't Worry about Everything Being Perfect
It's easy to get lost in the weeds in saying the perfect words when preparing for your proposal. Perfection isn’t what makes a proposal unforgettable—it's the effort that really pulls on the heart strings. Your partner will remember how your words made them feel, not whether they sounded flawless.
Nerves are normal. Your voice may shake, and that’s okay. In fact, that vulnerability often makes the moment even more emotional. An intentional proposal is one where your partner feels seen, valued, and deeply loved.
When you put in the effort to speak sincerely and thoughtfully, the proposal becomes a moment the two of you will cherish forever.
Choose the Right Setting and Moment
Intentionality also extends to where and when you propose. Choose a setting that feels meaningful to your relationship, whether that’s a quiet, private moment or a celebration surrounded by loved ones.
Holiday proposals are especially emotional because the season is already filled with warmth and connection. Pairing that atmosphere with heartfelt words creates a proposal that feels magical and deeply personal.
Practice With Purpose
It can be helpful to think through what you want to say ahead of time. Jotting down a few key points—why you love them, why you’re proposing, and what the future means to you—can help calm nerves.
However, avoid over-rehearsing. The goal isn’t to deliver a memorized speech, but to speak genuinely in the moment. Trust that your feelings will guide your words.
End With the Question That Changes Everything
After you’ve shared your heart, bring the moment home with the question itself. Whether you keep it classic with “Will you marry me?” or personalize it slightly, this is the moment you’ve both been waiting for.
Pause, take a breath, and ask with confidence and love. It’s a moment that will live in your memories forever.
Let the Wedding Planning Process Begin
Once the excitement settles and you’re officially engaged, planning begins quickly. Many couples are surprised by how fast venues book after the holidays. January is one of the busiest months for wedding tours and bookings, especially for locally owned venues.
The Stables at Cypress Creek in Tuscaloosa, Alabama sees a huge influx of wedding tours in January as couples who got engaged over the holidays begin planning their big day.
Now that you’re engaged and ready to schedule your wedding tour, don’t procrastinate. Being intentional about scheduling a tour early is just as important as being intentional with your proposal. Availability fills quickly, and waiting can limit your options. Taking action early allows you to secure your date, envision your day, and move forward with confidence during this busy season.
Special thanks to the locally owned and operated wedding venues from across the country who continue to inspire us and support our small business daily.
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