When it comes to proposals, everybody often thinks of them as being spontaneous and romantic. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a spur-of-the-moment proposal, more often than not, the best proposals are well-planned and thought out.

If you’re looking to propose to your significant other, make sure you take care of all the little details so that your proposal goes off without a hitch.

Here are six things you’ll need to plan to make your proposal unforgettable.

The Ring

Of course, no proposal is complete without a ring. But before you just pick up any old ring from the jewelry store, it’s important to do your research and find one that’s truly special and will resonate with your partner. Think about their personal style and what type of ring would suit them best. Can you consider a diamond wedding band? Does she/he prefer a more unique and personal ring, like one with a family heirloom stone?

It’s also important to make sure the ring is the right size, so don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether that means enlisting a friend or family member to get their fingers measured, or simply covertly borrowing one of your partner’s rings for a few hours to make sure you get the right size.

The Location

Where you propose can be just as important as the actual proposal itself. Choose a place that has meaning to both of you or somewhere that’s significant in your relationship. It could be the place you had your first date, where you went on your first vacation together, or even just a place with a beautiful view that’s special to you both.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll want the location to be private so that you can enjoy the moment without any distractions.

The Speech

While some people might be able to wing it when it comes to their proposal speech, for most of us, a little planning and preparation go a long way. Write out what you want to say ahead of time so that you don’t get tongue-tied at the moment, and practice saying it out loud a few times.

This is also a good opportunity to personalize your proposal and make it your own. You can share memories from your relationship, tell inside jokes, or even quote your favorite movie or book. Whatever you do or say, make sure it’s heartfelt and sincere.

The Photographer

Hiring a professional photographer to capture the moment might seem like overkill, but trust the experts and experience, it’s worth it. Not only will you have beautiful photos to look back on, but you’ll also be able to relax and enjoy the moment without having to worry about taking your photos.

And if you’re worried about the cost, there are plenty of ways to save money on hiring a photographer, like booking them for a shorter period or finding one who’s just starting and willing to work for a lower rate.

Additionally, just like with a photographer, a videographer can also help capture the proposal in a way that photos simply can’t.

Your Witnesses

While it’s not required, it can be helpful to have a few witnesses on hand to help with the proposal. They can act as a second set of eyes to make sure everything goes smoothly and they can also help with things like keeping track of the ring or holding your camera.

Choose people you trust and who you know will be able to keep a secret. You could ask a close friend or family member, or even hire a professional proposal planner who can help with everything from picking the location to coordinating the photographer.

The Aftermath

Once you’ve finally popped the question and your partner has said yes, it’s time to celebrate! Whether you have champagne and cake waiting or you simply take a walk around the block to let it all sink in, enjoy this special moment together.

You can also make an engagement party or invite your friends and family to celebrate with you both soon after the proposal. Just be sure to give everyone a heads-up so they can clear their schedules.

Make sure to also change your relationship status on social media and let the world know you’re officially off the market!

Proposals are a big deal, and they definitely shouldn’t be rushed. By taking the time to plan each detail out, you can make sure that your proposal goes off without a hitch and is unforgettable for both you and your partner. So take a deep breath, relax, and start planning!