A girlfriend’s proposal should be sincere. A scene she’d replay in her head on quiet mornings. Haven’t seen the movie? No worries. These girlfriend proposal ideas are curated to help you create that very kind of moment and, at the same time, tell you what happened to the love story of Peter and Lara.
How to Choose the Right Moment and Mood
In the movie, Peter just shows up for Lara Jean, which is timed perfectly to say what words alone couldn’t. That effortless feeling starts with choosing a moment that reflects her.
Here’s how to do just that:
1. Understand Her Vibe
- Is she introverted or extroverted?
- Does she light up during quiet, cozy nights or thrive in the energy of a crowd?
- Let her natural energy guide the setting. Some of the most romantic ways to propose start in familiar places that feel safe and personal.
2. Public or Private
- Public girl? Consider rooftop toast, candlelit dinner, or a surprise setup at your favorite park.
- Private soul? Go for something small, intentional, and meaningful, like a quiet living room moment or a handwritten note slipped into her book.
3. Sweet or Playful
- Some girls melt for sweetness. Others adore clever surprises.
- Align your ask with her style: a sentimental photo wall or a custom game night twist.
4. Timing Is Everything
- Don’t force a “big moment” just for the sake of it.
- Let the setting feel natural, like something that grew from the rhythm of your relationship.
- While it may not require getting down on one knee like a traditional proposal, how you ask shows your commitment to making the moment memorable.”
5. Take Cues From Your Story
One guy recreated their very first coffee date. She thought it was just nostalgia. Then came the surprise: a tiny box with a linen-wrapped note that read “Be mine, officially?”
6. Real Talk
The best gf proposal ideas mean paying attention and tuning into what makes her heart feel seen.
And finally, we are getting ready for creative, romantic, and memorable ideas that we want to share with you. Let’s get started!
10 Curated Girlfriend Proposal Ideas
1. The Luxury Picnic Proposal ✨
A luxury picnic setup is one of the most timeless girlfriend proposal ideas. It creates a setting that feels elevated without being overwhelming.
How to make it unforgettable:
- Pick the right time: The golden hour (about an hour before sunset) offers flattering light and cozy vibes.
- Add thoughtful touches: Include her favorite snacks, drinks, and flowers. Layer pillows, textured blankets, and tableware that feels styled but not staged.
- Plan the ask: Slip a handwritten note under her plate, tie a small tag around her drink glass, or place a custom card inside a dessert box that says, “Will you be my girlfriend?”
Book your luxury picnic proposal with Dolce Vita Makers!
2. The Memory Scrapbook Reveal
It’s the same idea when Lara Jean pours her heart into handwritten letters. That same kind of personal storytelling makes a scrapbook proposal so meaningful to women. This is one of our options for cute girlfriend proposal ideas that shows real emotional presence.
How to bring it to life:
- Create a scrapbook or digital flipbook filled with your favorite shared memories, like first texts, concert stubs, goofy selfies, or notes you’ve written to each other.
- Keep it true to your style: You can go crafty with printed photos and washi tape or minimalist with a clean layout.
- Build the emotional rhythm: Let each page lead into the next, with little captions or inside jokes that build up to the final moment. Consider including meaningful proposal quotes that express how you feel about her.
- End it with the ask: Write something simple but sweet on the last page: “So… will you be my girlfriend?” ✨
3. Cozy At-Home Movie Night Setup ️
Some of the most unique ways to propose to a girl happen in the comfort of your shared world. In ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,’ some of Lara Jean and Peter’s most tender moments happen during laid-back movie nights.
How to create your movie night proposal:
- Set the scene: If you want that “home theater” vibe, use string lights, cozy blankets, and maybe a mini projector.
- Create a themed snack board with all her favorites, such as popcorn, drinks, maybe even a nod to her favorite film.
- Record a short trailer-style video that plays before the movie: a montage of your memories, inside jokes, and photos.
- End the video with your proposal moment.
- Add a reveal: Cue the lights and ask the question right as the video fades out.️
It’s thoughtful and one of the most unique ways to propose a girl will never forget.
4. The Surprise Game Night Proposal
This idea taps into the same lighthearted energy Lara Jean and Peter share. It’s the kind that starts with laughter and lands on something real.
Here’s how to make it meaningful:
- Choose your game: Scrabble is a classic for word reveals. You can also customize a deck of UNO cards or Jenga blocks.
- Spell it out: Mid-game, line up the tiles or cards to read “Be My Girlfriend”. Pause and let the moment sink in.
- Build the lead-in: Light some candles and keep the energy relaxed and playful.
- Bonus idea: Print a personalized card deck with a couple of fun prompts leading up to the question. Trust us! She won’t see it coming.
5. The First-Date Flashback ️
This is one of those girlfriend proposal ideas that shows intention without needing any over-the-top gestures. In the movie, Peter surprises Lara Jean with little gestures that return to their shared past. Those callbacks deepen their connection.
How to recreate your first date moment:
- Revisit the original spot: A coffee shop, bookstore, or mini-golf course.
- Elevate the details: This time, bring flowers, a handwritten menu, or a mini gift bag with a note inside that says, “Let’s make this official.”
- Dress it up slightly: Show her that you made a casual moment meaningful.
- Capture it quietly: A candid photo, a journal entry, or a short video clip of the spot will help you both hold onto it.
6. The Polaroid Wall Proposal
Lara Jean’s bedroom is full of keepsakes. A Polaroid wall proposal can become a visual love letter if your relationship is built on shared memories and snapshots.
How to design the moment:
- Gather key photos: Print Polaroids or instant-style shots from your time together.
- Arrange them as a timeline: Display them in a hallway, bedroom, or cozy corner where she’ll walk in and take it all in at once.
- End with the ask: The final photo should show you holding a sign that reads, “Will you be my girlfriend?” or something playful like, “Be mine.”
- Add small extras: Fairy lights, a playlist in the background, and maybe a camera ready to capture her reaction
7. The Adventure Hike Ask
While the movie doesn’t include a hike, Peter and Lara Jean share quiet, scenic moments (like their bench talks and lakeside silences) that create that same sense of pause.
How to plan the perfect hike proposal:
- Pick a spot with a view: Look for a trail that ends in a lookout, a cliffside bench, or an open clearing.
- Pack a small moment: A thermos of tea, a favorite snack, or a tiny blanket to sit on once you reach the top.
- Personalize the ask: Hand her a note on seed paper that reads, “Will you grow with me?” or “Say yes?” Bonus: She can plant it afterward.
- Capture the vibe: Set a self-timer or bring a discreet friend to snap the moment from afar
8. The Fortune Cookie Dinner
A lighthearted twist fits right into the world of Peter and Lara Jean. They didn’t always do things by the book, which made it fun. This is one of the most unique ways to propose to a girl who loves humor and surprise moments without all the pressure.
How to make the night special:
- Plan a takeout night or DIY Asian-themed dinner.
- Order or create custom fortune cookies: You can get them made online or DIY with pre-split cookies and printed notes tucked inside.
- Slip in the message: Instead of a typical fortune, hers reads: “Will you be my girlfriend?” or something cheeky like “A very important question awaits you—yes or yes?”
- Add your ask after the bite: Once she cracks it open and smiles, that’s your cue.
9. The Record Player Reveal
‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ leans heavily into nostalgia, like retro references and handwritten emotions. A vinyl-inspired proposal fits that same aesthetic. For those looking for ideas that blend emotion with creativity, this one’s all about shared rhythm.
How to make it sing:
- Create a custom vinyl or digital playlist: Label Side A with songs that matter to both of you.
- Design Side B with intention: Add one track titled “The Question.” It can be an audio recording of you asking her or a soft instrumental moment followed by your real-life ask.
- Set the scene: Light a few candles and set the mood with your favorite takeout or home-cooked dinner. Let the moment play out naturally.
- Bonus tip: Personalize the record sleeve with photos or a message inside.
10. The Message in a Bottle Beach Moment
While the movie doesn’t take place at the seaside, it’s filled with soul-baring scenes that feel just like this.
Here’s how to set the scene:
- Choose the right time: Sunset or early evening creates the best lighting and ambiance.
- Prep your space: Bring a cozy towel or blanket, battery-powered candles or lanterns, and a small picnic basket with her favorite treats.
- Bury the message: Write a note that says “Will you be my girlfriend?” and roll it into a small glass bottle. Gently place it near your setup, partly buried in the sand.
- Let her discover it: Guide her toward it casually, or pretend you “just spotted something.” It adds an element of surprise and wonder.
The Ask That Becomes a Story
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ve seen their story now. Through every idea in this guide, you’ve felt what made their relationship special. Every picnic, scrapbook, or quiet reveal holds the same energy: a thoughtful ask that says, “I see you, and I choose you.”
You don’t need to be in a rom-com to create a moment like that. You just need intention and the courage to ask a question that starts your next chapter. The best “be my girlfriend” proposals are the ones that feel handwritten, just like Peter’s note.
✨ Ready to create your moment?
Let Dolce Vita Makers help you plan the kind of girlfriend proposal she’ll never forget. Start planning your luxury proposal today.
