Some proposers plan for months; plenty pull it off in a fortnight. Either way, the same tasks need doing in roughly the same order. Here's the countdown we walk our couples through — adjust the spacing to your timeline and nothing gets forgotten.
8+ weeks out — the big three
Get the ring underway (custom work takes weeks — size guide here), pick your date window, and book the photographer — prime sunrise slots and peak-season dates go first. If you're travelling, book flights and the hotel now too.
4 weeks out — shape the day
Choose the location together with your photographer (our quiz helps), reserve the celebration dinner, and decide on extras: flowers, champagne, family hidden nearby. Start the cover story so the outing feels natural by the time it arrives.
2 weeks out — the details
Plan both outfits (what photographs well), book the manicure for 1–2 days before, and confirm every reservation. If anyone has a role — ring-bearer child, hidden friends — brief them now, once, clearly.
1 week out — logistics lock
Watch the forecast with your photographer and agree the plan B. Reconfirm the meeting pin and time. Break in the shoes. Charge everything. Practise taking the ring out of its case one-handed until it's boring.
The day before
Ring check (it's in the slim case, in the jacket you'll actually wear). Read your three bullet points once, then put them away. Early dinner, early night — tomorrow starts golden.
The day — one job
Everything is planned; your only task is to be present. Get to the spot, take their hands, breathe once, and ask. We'll handle every other detail — that's the point of all eight weeks.