Planning a proposal can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve identified three key elements to planning a proposal that will leave you stress-free and your bride swooning with affection.

Match the proposal to your bride.

It’s important to think of your bride’s personality and preferences when planning your proposal. Is she outgoing or more reserved? Does she like surprises or prefer to be in the know? Would your bride be embarrassed by an outlandish public display of affection or is that the type of proposal she has always dreamed of? If you’re unsure but don’t want to blow the surprise by asking outright, brainstorming with her close friends or family is a great way to get some feedback.

Make it a memory.

The moment you propose is one that will be remembered for a lifetime. It’s a story that will be told over and over again. The best way to make a moment a memory is by involving as many of the five senses as possible. Think about the atmosphere: what will your fiance see, touch, smell, hear, and taste? The more senses you can involve in this moment, the stronger the memory will be. Here are some ideas to get you started:

What does she see? This is where your location comes into play. It doesn’t have to be a hot air balloon ride to look fantastic. Maybe you line the walkway with luminaries, or watch a sunset together. You could decorate your favorite seats in a stadium or bench at the park. Wherever you choose, try your best to make the visual memory a great one.

What does she smell? This could be the pizza at the pizza shop you went to on your first date, or fresh flowers on the table. Maybe you smell the salty ocean or the fresh mountain air. Your scent memory could be as simple as her favorite cologne, because every time she smells it after, she will be reminded of that romantic moment!

What does she taste? Share her favorite dessert after she says “yes”. Give her peppermint hot chocolate to keep warm if you’re proposing on a chilly night. Use a fortune cookie to pop the question. She will be brought back to that special moment every time she has that taste again for the rest of her life!

What does she touch? If you propose on a sandy beach, have her take off her shoes to feel the sand. If it is a cold night, wrap her in a cozy blanket. Hold her hand or hold her close and dance together. This is sure to make it a dreamy moment.

What does she hear? Music can be a powerful tool to set the mood you are looking for. You could choose something upbeat and peppy or something slow and tender. Play “your” song in the background, or choose a new song with romantic lyrics that will forever become meaningful to the two of you. Maybe what she hears is part of the atmosphere, like birds singing or the chaos of a sports game.

A few small details go a long way.

The best part of your proposal is that it’s YOURS! Small personal details show how much you care and that you have put in the effort. Return to the place you first said “I love you” or take her to a place from her childhood memories. You could read a special scripture or write a poem to tell her why you want to marry her. Small details like this make it personal and special.

Remember, your proposal will be magical no matter what because it’s the start of a new life together. In the end, the love you share is more important than any way you could try to say it. Good luck, and I can’t wait to hear your proposal story!