The history surrounding Saint Valentine focuses on love. Although stories about him are vague—he did die in 3AD—Valentine’s name has lived on to celebrate romance throughout history.

February 14th is already enveloped in love, so why not pop the question on this special day? Here’s how to plan a Valentine’s Day proposal that will knock their socks off.

Marriage Proposal Tips for Valentine’s Day

Don’t Make It Cringy—or Go All Out

You know your significant other better than anyone else. Would red balloons, conversation hearts, and all things frilly and pink make it cheesy for them? Or would they like this kind of Valentine’s Day proposal? If so, it’s best to skip out on the typical V-day adornments.

However, if your partner has a sense of humor and loves decorations, then, by all means, include them. Cue all of the hearts, corny love poems, and rose petals you can muster. Going overboard can be just as fun when planning a proposal.

Make It a Surprise Proposal in a Big Way

Only tell those that you completely trust about your Valentine’s Day proposal. Planning a surprise wedding proposal can be difficult when too many people know about it. Don’t leave anything lying around that may give a clue. Guard your phone for text messages if anyone else is involved in planning. Do your absolute best to throw them off the trail of your Valentine’s Day proposal ideas.

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The Cutest Proposals Come Before or After V-day

If you want to shock your partner, unexpectedly utilize the holiday. Galentine’s Day is February 13th, and you could have friends organize a fake event that you hijack for a proposal.

Alternatively, those who are thrifty know that the day following a holiday—Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween—equals significant discounts. Grab all of the red and pink decor you can get the morning after V-day, and propose then. Your SO may be disappointed on February 14th, but you’ll know how to reverse that feeling the day afterward with a stunning Valentine proposal.

Include Valentine’s Day, But Don’t Necessarily Focus on It

Of course, the holiday should include the typical gifts—candy, flowers, cards—that encompass Valentine’s Day. However, don’t feel that the holiday needs to be a focus beyond that. Your relationship is unique. Only use February 14th as a springboard.

Still communicate love by telling your partner why you want to be with them for the rest of your life. Include traditions, such as getting down on one knee and creating the perfect Valentine’s Day proposal. In essence, don’t rely on the day’s theme to do the asking for you.

8 Valentine’s Day Proposal Ideas

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Tips are great, but we know that you need some ideas on how to plan a Valentine’s Day proposal. From holiday-centric to downright sweet, here are some suggestions for orchestrating the cutest wedding proposal ever.

• Use conversation hearts: These adorable little pastel candies remind us all of our childhood. Either have personalized ones made or buy multiple bags and pull out all “marry me” ones. When those are the only words they’ll find, they’ll get the clue.
• Alter a box of chocolates: Work with a local candy shop to place the engagement ring where one of the candies would go. You could also open a ready-made box and do this yourself. Either way, imagine your partner’s delight.
• Use your talent: Do you have a talent? Whether it’s writing, songwriting, or poetry, compose something just for them. What a fabulous keepsake this would be.
• Kidnap them (not literally): To clarify, we’re not talking about scaring your partner into marrying you—we’re talking about an abrupt change of plans that only you know. Turn going out to dinner into an impromptu weekend away, or switch a Valentine’s - Day event into a surprise ask.
• Make an album for your Valentine’s Day Proposal: Create a photo album recapping your relationship, and have the last image be of the ring. You can look at it together and enjoy the memories. Get down on one knee after they realize what the final picture signifies.
• Schedule a love photo session: If you’ve been dating a while, it can be a great excuse to have professional photos taken together. Make your photographer aware of the surprise proposal so that they’re ready.
• Propose during a romantic movie: Find a film with an ultra-romantic scene, or—better yet—a proposal. Wait until the right time, then pop the question.
• It’s the final countdown: Make a countdown to Valentine’s Day, and give your love a present each day in February. Your biggest and best gift will come on February 14th. The lead-up presents don’t have to be expensive, either.

February 14th is special in its own right, but you can make it even more so by popping the question on the holiday. A big bonus is that you’ll never forget the date you got engaged. With a creative, thoughtful ask, you’ll be well on your way to a “yes” in no time at all.