What to Say When You Propose: 15 Proposal Speech Examples for Every Type of Couple

Finding the perfect diamond is one thing; finding the right words is quite another. Are you wondering what to say when you propose? 

Whether you’re proposing under the fairy lights of the garden you share, on a windswept Cornish cliff, or at your favourite London restaurant, your proposal speech frames the moment you both remember forever. 

Below you’ll discover what to say when you propose, plus practical tips, romantic wording examples and answers to the most‑googled proposal‑speech questions. Also wondering how much to spend on an engagement ring? We’ve got you covered.

In a rush? Jump straight to our ready‑made proposal speech templates.

• How to plan your proposal speech
• Proposal speech templates
• What to say when you propose to your boyfriend
• Simple proposal lines
• Proposal speech FAQs

Why What You Say When You Propose Matters

Your proposal speech turns “Will you marry me?” from four words into a heartfelt promise. 

It shows your partner you mean it, you’ve thought about your proposal idea and, most importantly, you know them. 

A sincere proposal speech also calms your nerves - when you plan what to say, you’re less likely to fumble the ring.

Hitched tip: Instead of memorising your proposal speech word‑for‑word, give yourself bullet points to refer to so you sound natural.

How to Plan your Proposal Speech

Here's a handy step-by-step guide to help you plan what to say when you propose. 

Proposal Speech Templates

These proposal speech templates will help you shape what to say when you propose. Pick a format that works for you, then alter it to suit your own story.

Romantic Proposal Speech Template

“[Partner’s name], from the moment we got lost in Paris with no Google Maps, I realised adventures are better with you. You challenge me, you cheer me on and you still laugh at my terrible puns. I want every cup of tea, every Sunday lie‑in and every new passport stamp to be with you. Will you marry me?”

Why It works

• It contains a personal memory - referring to being lost in Paris
• There’s a compliment - ‘you challenge me’
• There’s a future promise - ‘every new passport stamp’
• You ask a direct question - ‘Will you marry me?’

Heartfelt Proposal Speech

“From the moment we met, something in my world shifted. Every day with you has made me a better version of myself. You’ve been my calm in the chaos, my laughter in the quiet moments, and my reason to look forward to every single tomorrow. I can’t imagine facing life’s highs and lows with anyone else. I want to build a home, a future, and a forever with you. Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• There's emotional reflection - something in your world shifted, you became a better you
• It highlights your journey - looking back on your relationship, and to the future
• It contains warm language - the language used is poetic: 'my calm in the chaos'
• There's romantic appeal - it's perfect for romantics who value meaningful connection

Funny Proposal Speech Lines

“I was going to make a big speech, but then I realised - you already know I’m obsessed with you. You’ve seen me in my worst joggers, you’ve tolerated my Spotify playlists, and you still choose me. That feels like love. So let’s make this official before you change your mind… Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It shows personality and humour - 'my worst joggers'
• It creates a light-hearted and joyful moment - 'before you change your mind'
• It acknowledges real life moments - sharing quirks and in-jokes makes it authentic

Simple & Sincere Proposal Speech

“I love you. That’s the beginning, middle and end of it. You make everything feel lighter, kinder, and more meaningful. I can’t picture a future without you in it. So I won’t. Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It's stripped back and genuine - 'I love you. That's the beginning, middle and end of it.'
• It has depth of feeling without being flowery - 'I can't picture a future without you.'
• It contains a genuine compliment - 'you make everything...'
• It leaves space for spontaneity - without scripting too much, you've got space for emotion too

Emotional Proposal Speech Template

“I never truly believed in fate until you came into my life. The way we met, the way we just clicked - it felt like the universe had finally stopped messing around and brought me to the person I was meant to find. You’ve taught me what love really is. And I want to keep learning, with you, forever. Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It's dramatic - perfect if your partner loves grand gestures
• It works written down as well as spoken - if you want to propose in a letter or a card
• It builds to a powerful question - 'will you marry me?'
• It works in a more traditional setting - such as a sunset beach, or a scenic view, to create a grand moment

Lighthearted Proposal Speech

“I was going to write you a poem, but I’m not Shakespeare. I thought about a big gesture, but you know I can barely keep a plant alive. So here I am, just me - standing in front of you, totally in love, asking the one question I know in my heart: Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It balances humour with sincerity - there are jokes, but it's serious too
• It's relatable - references to real life challenges like keeping plants alive is honest
• It's spontaneous and warm - it's fun, and lends itself well to in-jokes

Classic Proposal Speech Template

“You are my best friend, my biggest adventure, and the love of my life. Every moment with you is a gift, and I want a lifetime of those moments. I love you more than words can say - but I’ll try, with this one: Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It uses classic and timeless language - biggest adventure, love of my life, more than words can say
• It emphasises friendship as well as love - 'you are my best friend'
• There's a traditional feel - it works well with the classic ring box, down on one knee format
• It's romantic - it will mean a lot to anyone who's been dreaming of this moment their whole life

Birthday Proposal Speech Template

“I know today is all about celebrating you - and you deserve to be celebrated every day. But I was hoping I could make this birthday one to remember forever. You’ve given me so many reasons to smile, so much love, and a life I never dreamed I’d be lucky enough to have. So I have one more gift, one more surprise… Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It focuses on them - reinforcing their birthday, while building towards the proposal
• There's a surprise element - the proposal is an additional surprise gift
• It creates a shared milestone - their birthday also becomes your proposal anniversary
• It's emotionally layered - you're showing how much you care and how meaningful the day is too

Christmas Proposal Speech

“They say Christmas is about spending time with the people you love - and there’s no one I’d rather spend this day, or any day, with than you. You make life feel magical, even after the fairy lights come down. So this year, I don’t just want to wish you a Merry Christmas…I want to ask you to be mine forever. Will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It ties into the romance of the season - Christmas is a warm and emotional time
• It uses universal themes - love, togetherness, family
• It can be adapted for a gifting moment - with a ring wrapped up, on the tree or in a stocking
• It creates a cosy and intimate mood - even if you're surrounded by family

New Year's Eve Proposal Template

“As we count down to midnight, I’ve been thinking about all the things I want to leave behind this year - and all the things I want to carry forward. You’re the best part of my life, and I can’t imagine going into another year without making you a permanent part of it. So before the clock strikes twelve…will you marry me?”

Why it works

• It taps into the symbolism of new beginnings - it's a life changing moment!
• It heightens the emotion of the countdown - there's already so much anticipation
• It fits in with the moment - there will already be fireworks, champagne and a midnight kiss lined up
• It's both reflective and forward-looking - you're moving into the new year with a clear plan for your future

What to Say When You Propose to Your Boyfriend

Whether you’re in an LBGTQIA+ relationship, or proposing to a man as a woman, we recommend using wording that feels true to you both:

“There’s no rule book that covers how two lads from Leeds end up here - but I know life has never felt more right. You’re my partner in Northern humour, late‑night tikka takeaways and big‑dream planning. I want to keep building that life together. Will you marry me?”

“I know this isn’t what’s expected - but I’ve never liked to do what’s expected of me anyway. I love you, I love us, I love our life together, and I’d love to be your wife. Will you marry me?”

Short & Sweet One‑Line Proposals

These simple proposal lines are perfect if you want to great straight to the point - and you can check out our guide to romantic love quotes for more ideas:

• “You’re my best friend - will you marry me?”
• “Let’s make this last forever: marry me?”
• “My answer to life’s big questions is you. Will you marry me?”

Proposal Speech Dos & Don’ts

Still feeling nervous about what to say when you propose? We’ve rounded up some handy dos and don’ts for your proposal speech to keep you on track. 

Dos

• Do speak in your everyday language - avoid grandiose words you’d never normally use.
• Do pause for emotion; a shaky voice shows you care!
• Do mention the future (e.g., “growing old and grey together”).

Don’ts

• Don’t wing it completely - nerves can steal your words.
• Don’t copy a speech wholesale from the internet; tweak it for your story.
• Don’t bring up arguments, disagreements or anything that might kill the mood.

FAQs About Proposal Speeches

Want to know more about giving the perfect proposal speech? From nailing your proposal lines to the words to say when you propose, it’s all here. 

How long should a proposal speech be?

Aim for under 90 seconds. It’s enough time to be meaningful without veering into Oscars‑acceptance territory.

Should I propose on one knee?

Tradition says left knee down, ring in your left hand - read our full guide to which knee to propose on for the history and alternatives.

Do I need to memorise my speech?

Not necessarily. A discreet card in your pocket is fine, just don’t rustle with a full A4 sheet or hold up your phone.

Can I propose without a ring?

Absolutely. Many UK couples buy the ring together later; just explain in your speech: “The only thing missing is the ring we’ll choose together.” You can also propose with a temporary ring if you like. 

What if I cry or forget my words?

Carry on! Emotion makes the moment authentic; a laugh and a deep breath will reset you.

Should I hire a photographer?

It's a great idea to hire a photographer or videographer to capture your proposal. You can even hire a content creator, for candid, emotional moments sent direct to you. If that's not in the budget, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to hide away to record the special moment. 

Can I propose at Christmas?

You can propose at Christmas - a Christmas proposal can be really romantic. Suss out if it's something your partner would like before you start planning - and remember to get them a Christmas gift that's just for them as well, as a proposal is technically a gift for you both. 

Can I propose on a birthday?

Similar to above - check it's something your partner would like, and make sure it's not their only gift. It can be a really special way to make a birthday stand out, but you need to make sure you recognise the birthday as an event in its own right too. 

Can women propose?

Of course women can propose! Whether you're a women in an LGBTQ+ relationship, or you're a woman planning on proposing to a man, there are no rules to say women can't propose. The tradition goes that women propose on Leap Day, in a Leap Year, but we say if you want to propose, don't wait for tradition. Do what feels right for you. 

Knowing what to say when you propose is less about eloquent poetry and more about authentic, heartfelt words. 

Speak from the heart, weave in personal memories and keep the focus on why you want to spend forever together. With that, you’ll have a proposal speech - or a simple, one‑line question - that’s as unforgettable as the “Yes!” you’re about to hear. Good luck! And get ready to find the perfect wedding venue...