Are you ready to pop the question but don’t want to go down the knee-bending route that’s been done to death?
I get it, the traditional one-knee proposal is a classic, but it’s not the only way to pop the question.
Throw that traditional playbook out the window and check out this list of alternatives to getting down on one knee to propose:
13 Creative & Best Alternatives To Getting Down on One Knee to Propose
1. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt proposal is a delightful, adventurous, and creative alternative to getting down on one knee to propose.
First, you’d pick locations that are special to both of you.
These could be places where you’ve shared key moments, like your first date, your first kiss, or any other locations that hold sentimental value in your relationship.
Once you’ve chosen these places, you’d write clues that guide your partner from one spot to the next.
The clues should be fun and challenging but not too hard to figure out because if your partner is anything like me, they don’t like being left guessing for too long.
You’d either hand them the first clue to start the hunt or send it via text for an added layer of mystery.
As your partner moves from location to location, solving the clues, they’ll be taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
You can either enlist friends or family to give them the next clue at each stop, or you could creatively hide the clues yourself.
The final location is where you’d be waiting, ring in hand, ready to propose.
You don’t need to get down on one knee to propose.
I don’t think your partner will mind that you didn’t get down on one knee, considering the amount of surprise, effort, and thought you put into this proposal.
The beauty of a scavenger hunt proposal is that it’s highly personalized and interactive.
It’s not just about asking the question; it’s about celebrating your journey together up to this point.
2. Morning Surprise
If you want to switch things up but don’t have the time (or energy) to organize a scavenger hunt, consider a morning surprise proposal.
This could be as simple as waking your partner up with breakfast in bed and serving it with an engagement ring on top, leaving the ring on their pillow or on the breakfast table with a note, or taking them to a romantic spot in the morning with a picnic breakfast and popping the question when they least expect it.
Morning surprise proposals are all about getting creative and throwing your partner off guard.
It’s also less stressful than planning an elaborate scavenger hunt but still full of meaningful moments that will stay with you both for years to come.
3. Photo Album Proposal
In this digital age, photography is a great way to capture all the special moments in your relationship, so why not get creative and create a photo album proposal?
You could go digital or print out photos of all the places you’ve been together.
Or, if you really want to show some effort, make it an actual scrapbook with notes about your experiences in each location.
At the end of the album, you could add a special page dedicated to your proposal, where you can write a heartfelt letter and place the engagement ring inside.
Once your partner has finished looking through the album, ask them for their hand in marriage.
4. Proposal by Pet
If your partner loves animals, you can make a pet a part of the proposal.
Whoever said animals can’t be romantic?
If you have a pet, attach the ring to its collar and have the pet run up to your partner.
If you don’t have a pet, find a friend who does and enlist them in your proposal plan.
Pets never fail to bring some cuteness into any situation, so this is sure to be an absolutely adorable proposal.
5. Singing Proposal
If you’re musically inclined, you can choose to make things interesting and sing your way to a proposal.
It could be an original song, or you can go for a classic like “Marry You” by Bruno Mars.
Make sure it’s something that reflects both of your personalities as well as your relationship.
If you want to take it one step further, you could organize a flash mob of your closest friends and family, who can join in while you sing the proposal song.
This is a great way to surprise and wow your partner with an unexpected performance.
And no, you don’t have to get down on one knee to propose!
6. Proposal by Drone
Why limit yourself to proposing on land?
If you’re both tech-savvy and enjoy being outdoors, why not take to the skies and propose with a drone?
Get a friend or family member to help you with this one.
Have them fly the drone with the engagement ring attached, and when it arrives at your partner’s location, ask for their hand in marriage.
7. Virtual Proposal
I know this might sound weird, but these days, we do almost everything virtually these days, so why should proposals be any different?
If you and your partner are living in different cities or if visiting each other isn’t a possibility for whatever reason, a virtual proposal might be the way to go.
You can set up a FaceTime call, Zoom meeting, or Skype call where you can pop the question.
You could dress up for the occasion to add some seriousness and intentionality to the occasion.
Love is Blind is a series that shows that virtual proposals can be just as meaningful and thoughtful as traditional ones.
And unlike Love is Blind, you know what your partner looks like, and you can see each other as you propose.
8. Billboard or Public Sign
If your motto is ”Go big or go home,” this might be a great option for you.
You could rent a billboard in your partner’s city, or you could post something on a public sign.
This is an unconventional way to propose, and it will definitely bring the surprise factor.
It’s also a great option for the extroverts out there who don’t mind showing their love in front of an audience.
9. Quiz or Survey Proposal
If your partner is the type of person who loves puzzles and trivia, you could create a quiz or survey to ask them for their hand in marriage.
You can create a multiple-choice quiz with questions about your relationship and history together and have the last question be your marriage proposal.
10. Museum or Art Gallery Proposal
This is another ”go big or go home” type of proposal.
If you’re a true romantic and are looking for a grand gesture, this might be the perfect option for you, especially if your partner appreciates art.
Rent out an entire museum or art gallery with just the two of you present or organize a fake art exhibit featuring your relationship, and end it with your proposal displayed as a piece of art.
11. Dinner Proposal
Cook a special meal at home, and serve it on a special plate that has the proposal message written in edible ink.
This is a great option if you’re looking for something low-key and meaningful.
You can make the dinner even more special by adding candles, flowers, and music so that it’s a romantic yet intimate atmosphere.
12. Surprise Party Proposal
Who doesn’t love a good surprise party?
Gather your closest family and friends, and organize a surprise engagement party.
When everyone yells, “Surprise!” hold up a sign that says, “Will You Marry Me?”
13. Social Media or Blog Proposal
If your partner loves social media or has a blog, you could use these platforms to show how much they mean to you.
Write an eloquent and heartfelt post on their wall, explaining why you love them so much and why you want to spend the rest of your life with them.
You can also write a blog post on a relationship website (like this one you are on) and share the link with your partner.
It’s a great way to express your love for them in a creative and public way.
No need to get down on one knee here, either.
No matter how you decide to propose, always remember that it’s about showing your partner how much they mean to you.
And most importantly, choose a proposal that suits your partner’s interests and personality.
Don’t do a public proposal if they’re more of an introvert, or don’t create a complex puzzle if that’s not their thing.
And if your partner is not the patient type, try to keep your proposal short and sweet.
