7 Ways NOT to Propose in New Orleans

Expert advice on how to avoid disaster when you pop the question in the Big Easy.

I’ve written posts on the best places to Propose in New Orleans, the best ways to spice up your New Orleans Surprise Engagement, and lists of the best things to do when you pop the question.

But I’ve never written about what not to do when you propose in New Orleans!

I’ve seen a lot of common mistakes during my 145 Surprise Proposals in New Orleans. Buckle up! Here are some ways to avoid adding stress to your proposal - or worse- spoiling the surprise!

1. Do not tell everyone you’re planning on proposing.

Only tell the people you can trust to keep a secret. I’ve had family and friends blow a surprise proposal by letting details slip. If there are family members who would want to know before it happens but are also likely to spoil the surprise, tell them at the very last minute. Sneak away for a quick call before you take a knee. They’ll be happy to have been in the know and you won’t have to worry about them letting the cat out of the bag. Remember- loose lips sink ships and we are aiming for smooth sailing!

2. Don’t invite just anybody to attend.

Most people keep their proposal just for two. But some people want family and friends to be a part of the moment. First, refer back to tip number 1. Then, only invite people who will not make it more stressful or chaotic especially if your plan has a lot of moving parts. I’ve had family get in the way of shots, show up too early, too late, or try to change the plan at the last minute. Guests are great but make sure you only invite the ones who will not interfere or try to steal your thunder. This moment is about you and the person you love- make sure it stays that way!

3. Don’t rush!

Give yourself plenty of time to propose. Try not to schedule a proposal when you only have a small window of time to work with. Travel is unpredictable and any number of delays could wreck your plan. You are likely to be nervous to begin with so don’t add to it by having to rush to the location. Working with the New Orleans Proposal Expert (Hi! It me!) is a great way to make sure you have enough time to pull everything off. I’ll help you schedule your day so you have plenty of padding around the proposal just in case life tries to get in the way.

4. Don’t propose hangry!

Many people propose on the way to dinner. It’s a solid way to make sure your partner is dressed up and have a nice surprise engagement celebration baked right in. But make sure it hasn’t been hours since you have both eaten before you pop the question. Schedule a stop for a snack along the way so one or both of you aren’t impatient to get to the restaurant.

5. Don’t propose hungover!

This can be a tough one in New Orleans. It’s a city known for it’s go-cups and 24 hour bars and it is very easy to overdo it. I have had multiple people show up to their surprise proposal with a headache and nausea after going HAM on Bourbon Street the night before. I’ve also had people drink so much they ended up in the ER! You may want to calm those pre-proposal jitters with a few beverages but make sure you are both following the 1-1 rule: one glass of water for every alcoholic drink.

6. Don’t propose clueless.

You know your partner better than anyone. But if there is any question in your mind about how they would enjoy being proposed to, do your research! Talk to (trusted) friends, watch some romcoms together with various proposal scenes while noticing their reactions, and pay close attention whenever they talk about things they find romantic. They may be dropping hints long before you ever start ring shopping. You’ve got one shot to get this right so take your time and make it perfect.

7. Don’t get cheap where it counts.

This is a quote from a proposal client’s grandmother who instilled in him the importance of investing in the right aspects of life. A destination proposal can get expensive quickly- the ring is only the tip of the iceberg. If you plan out your whole trip and then wait until the last minute to contact a photographer, you may not have enough in your budget to work with who you really want. And photography is definitely one of those services where you get what you pay for.

It’s likely you’ve never hired a professional photographer, event planner, or rented decór before so there’s a good chance you don’t know how much it costs. Start researching these elements early on so you can make sure you have enough set aside.


I’ve got some really good news for you, though. If you hire me you get an experienced proposal planner AND photographer for roughly what other pros charge for photography alone! I stock a number of decór elements that I rent out at a fraction of what local rental houses charge (less overhead + already going to be there= lower price!) and have exclusive access to some very special venues. I’ll also gather quotes from other pros, negotiate on your behalf, and decorate to help you create the proposal of their dreams on the budget you have to work with.

I am literally the only 100% local one-stop-proposal-shop in New Orleans. Aside from deciding to propose, working with me is the easiest decision you’ll ever make. Click below to get started!