They say that the way you propose sets the tone for the course of your marriage. And if the love of your life has taken you to new heights, what better way to set the tone for an adventurous marriage than with a romantic helicopter proposal?

Helicopter proposals require a bit more planning, but your partner deserves the best. We are here to help, and we have years of experience assisting people in curating the proposal of their dreams.

Below, we will guide you through four simple steps, each designed to tick off another vital item on the proposal checklist. An unforgettable day away with your future fiancé? Here you come.

Step 1: Select Your Location (and Timing)

With a romantic helicopter proposal, timing is everything. Aotearoa has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and while you’re coasting over it in your very own chartered flight, you don’t want to be weighing up when the best time to pop the question is.

Before making your booking, consider what would make your partner the happiest. Do they shine during golden hour? Does the sight of mist touching the ocean in the early morning lift their spirits? It’s possible to curate the time and place you ask them to marry you, so the memory is edged in awe for the rest of your lives.

Communicating your selection to your helicopter pilot will also let them time the flight perfectly, so the conditions you’ve always dreamt of for your perfect proposal are coming to fruition right as you’re ready to pop the question.

When it comes to the how and the when of your proposal, you have a few options (though these will vary according to your chosen company):

In the Air

Proposing mid-flight introduces an element of surprise, but it can be a bit trickier than waiting for your flight to touch down. You’ll have limited space and headsets on, so make sure you discuss your intentions with your pilot beforehand. They can announce a particular landmark to set the scene for a proposal with an unbelievable view.

Be mindful that, while kneeling is a time-honoured tradition of the proposal, it’s not possible on a flight. If this is something that you value, you might consider waiting for the solid kiss of the ground instead.

At a Landing Spot

Some romantic helicopter proposal packages include a designated landing spot, although not all do, so be sure to carefully investigate your choice before booking. For example, our team has access to an exclusive piece of stunning cliffside overlooking the West Coast, allowing us to ferry you and your future fiancé to it at any time.

Proposing at a landing spot lets your partner enjoy the scenery of the flight as a warm-up for the magical day ahead, and gives you time to feel prepared. On top of that, arranging a landing at an exclusive natural spot or near a much-loved restaurant means you might be able to have a proposal set-up waiting there on the ground.

Make no mistake, both options are wonderful. When in doubt, simply ensure your ring is secure and have a few lines tucked away to use for your big moment. That way, the helicopter will be the only thing winging it.

Step 2: Be Smart About Your Ring

Speaking of which, it pays to take extra care with how you store your ring for the flight, especially if you plan on proposing in the air. If you are using a traditional piece of jewellery, such as a ring, for your proposal, it’s essential to ensure it's secure. Only bring it out from its hiding place when you’re ready to propose, as a mid-flight fumble could send it tumbling into the air.

If you're a bit nervous, you might consider using a temporary or ‘placeholder’ ring for a mid-flight proposal and swapping it once you've touched down. This is not strictly necessary, but we recommend considering how you would like to handle this aspect of the proposal so that it does not occupy your mind.

Step 3: Prepare to Capture the Moment

It’s undeniable; this is a memory both of you will want to relive over and over again. Rather than feeling distracted by the necessity of taking photos or videos during your proposal, consider hiring a photographer or videographer to document the day, or at least your special moment.

The easiest solution here is to choose a romantic helicopter proposal package that includes a documentarian. You can also choose your moment, allowing yourself and your partner privacy to bask in the romance of it all before taking a photo opportunity post-proposal, giving your partner a chance to feel ready.

Step 4: Plan Your Post-Flight Celebration

Finally, we must plan for the ‘yes’! The magic needn’t end once the blades stop spinning, so take a moment to consider how you would like to celebrate with your partner once you’ve committed to a life with one another.

For instance, we offer luxurious getaway lodge packages that allow you to wile away the sunset and evening together in the lap of luxury, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you're seeking something more low-key, a visit to your favourite restaurant or a quiet picnic in nature is an excellent choice.

Ultimately, this is a big day for you and your partner. Follow your instincts, plan for what you can, and bask in the moment alongside the person you love. After all, it’s your memory, too.

Plan the romantic helicopter proposal of a lifetime with us.

Of course, your ability to do all of this is contingent on choosing the right romantic helicopter proposal company to ferry you on this special day. The team at Helicopter Me is ready to help.

With our curated helicopter proposal package, navigating each of the four steps above is a breeze, leaving you plenty of time to simply enjoy the moment rather than getting caught up in behind-the-scenes details.

Reach out to secure a quote for your proposal package with our in-house curation team today.