How to Accept a Marriage Proposal

Few moments in life are as unforgettable as a marriage proposal. Even if you’re expecting your significant other to pop the question, the sheer excitement and anticipation can leave you drawing a blank when the moment actually arrives. Don’t worry. We’ve put together plenty of tips and tricks to help you stay clearheaded and focused when your partner does get down on 1 knee.

1

Plan ahead for the occasion.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set aside a special poem, or write out your feelings on a separate sheet of paper. When the big moment finally arrives, you’ll already have something planned to say. [1]
    • You can find lots of romantic poems here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections/145134/love-poems .
    • Planning ahead may seem a little silly, but it’s a great way to share your feelings when the time comes. During the actual proposal, you might be too shocked and emotional to share everything that’s really on your mind.
    • You might say something like, “I’ve never felt so strongly about someone in my life” or “I thought you’d never ask!”
    • If your partner starts talking about budgeting money, meets with your friends in secret, and/or comments on other people’s engagement rings, there’s a good chance they’re planning to propose. [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Chances are, your significant other has put a lot of thought and care into where and when this proposal is going to happen. Instead of asking for an explanation, go with the flow and see where your partner takes you. [3]
    • For example, your partner might take you to the coffee shop where you first met instead of going to the shop that’s right around the corner.
    • Your partner’s proposal plans will probably be specific and well-intentioned. If they’d like to bring you to a particular place, just follow their lead instead of asking a lot of questions.
3

Take a deep breath.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Proposals are rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Take a deep breath to help ground yourself so you can listen and focus specifically on what your partner is saying. [4]
    2. Advertisement
4

Let them finish talking.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Proposals are definitely a 2-way street. It’s great that you want to share your thoughts and feelings with your partner, but give them a chance to express themselves, too. [5]
    • Depending on how your partner proposes, you might wait until they officially ask “Will you marry me?” before you say “yes.”
5

Say “yes.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Let them know right away that you want to marry them. Try to match your partner’s tone and body language, so they know for sure that you’re saying yes. [6]
    • For example, if your partner looks especially nervous, you might just say “Yes!” or “Of course I’ll marry you!”
    • You might also say something like “I can’t believe this is happening” or “I’m so happy” before you say “yes.”
    • “Absolutely, 100% yes!” “Nothing would make me happier!” or “It would be my honor!” are other things you might say.
    2. Advertisement
6

Enjoy the moment.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Instead, give yourself and your partner plenty of time to savor and enjoy each other’s company and think about your future together. There will be plenty of time later to celebrate with your loved ones. [7]
    • For instance, you might wait a day or 2 before officially sharing your engagement with friends and family.
    • Everyone reacts to a proposal in different ways. You could be really emotional, or you might just feel happy and relieved. There’s no right or wrong way to feel and behave after the fact!
7

Don’t worry if the ring isn’t perfect.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1322058-v4-728px-Accept-a-Marriage-Proposal-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you aren’t crazy about the ring, it’s not the end of the world. When push comes to shove, you can always replace or update the ring further down the line—it’s the person who gave you the ring that really matters. [8]
    • If needed, you can always get the ring resized by a jeweler later on.
    2. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How will I know if he is getting ready to pop the question?
    Community Answer
    When he's talking about the future, be sure he says "we" and "us" instead of just "me" or "I".
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 26
  • Question
    I know my partner is going to propose. How do I act surprised?
    Community Answer
    Just smile and put your hands on your cheeks like most people do. Then yell yes!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 32
  • Question
    Is it right to make love after being proposed to?
    Community Answer
    Yes, because romance and emotions are in the air. It must be consensual though.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 23
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Don’t ask your friends for a hint on when your partner is going to propose. Instead, let your significant other take you by surprise! [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      • Don’t try to predict or romanticize what the proposal will be like ahead of time. Just let yourself be surprised and excited in the moment! [10]
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Propose Marriage
      How to
      Propose to Your Girlfriend: What to Say and Do for the Perfect Marriage Proposal
      How to
      Reject a Marriage Proposal
      How to
      Get Your Long Term Boyfriend to Propose You
      How to
      Tell Your Girlfriend That You Want to Marry Her
      How to
      Propose to Your Boyfriend
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.theoneromance.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-accepting-a-marriage-proposal/
      2. ↑ https://www.insider.com/signs-hes-going-to-propose-very-soon-2018-11
      3. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/8-ways-not-to-ruin-his-marriage-proposal
      4. ↑ https://eachandeverydetail.com/accepting-proposal-grace/
      5. ↑ https://www.theoneromance.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-accepting-a-marriage-proposal/
      6. ↑ https://eachandeverydetail.com/accepting-proposal-grace/
      7. ↑ https://eachandeverydetail.com/accepting-proposal-grace/
      8. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/8-ways-not-to-ruin-his-marriage-proposal
      9. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/8-ways-not-to-ruin-his-marriage-proposal
      1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/8-ways-not-to-ruin-his-marriage-proposal

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Receiving a marriage proposal can be one of the most special moments in your life. If you're expecting your partner to propose soon, avoid letting on that you know about their plan or telling anyone about it. That way, your partner can be the one to break the news. When your partner proposes, just smile and say “Yes.” Don't be afraid to show your emotions when it happens. This is a special moment! You can cry, laugh, jump up and down, or do whatever feels right. Give your partner a hug and a kiss to show them how happy you are. Then, let them put the ring on your left-hand ring finger so it's official! For more tips from our Wellness co-author, including how to tell your family and friends about your engagement, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 146,429 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Elizabeth McClellan

        Dec 19, 2017

        "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement