If you've been with your significant other for a while now and are itching to pop the question, you might want to go with a more traditional approach by proposing at a restaurant that has sentimental value to the both of you. If not, a fancy restaurant or a restaurant that you both have come to love will do as well. Orchestrating an unforgettable and smooth restaurant proposal is a lot harder than it looks. Here are 3 tips that will definitely help.

Call Ahead and Plan It Out with the Staff

You definitely do not want to spring your proposal plans on the restaurant and the staff last minute, as the restaurant may not be able to accommodate your plans. The very first thing that you should do when you are planning a proposal is to call the restaurant to alert the staff and perhaps plan out some of the small details with them. This may include where you and your significant other may be seated, whether a special menu will be prepared and whether any other special preparations should be made.

The staff will be able to provide you with the help that you need. Most of the staff members will have many ideas of their own regarding how you can make that night extra special.

Pay Attention If You are Hiding the Ring

Although hiding the proposal ring in the dessert or in some dish may seem quite romantic or a good idea at the time, you need to be extra cautious if you do so. If your significant other is not aware that the ring is hidden in their dish, they may end up chomping down on it. You'd be surprised at just how easy it is to chip your teeth or even cut yourself on a diamond engagement ring. 

You might want to consider alerting your significant other that the ring is in the dish before they have a chance to even enjoy the meal. Also, make sure that the engagement ring is not hidden so well that it's hard to notice.

Have the Server or Someone On the Side Ready to Snap Some Photographs

If you alert the staff ahead of time, the restaurant may be able to delegate someone to snapping some photographs when you pop the question. This way, the photographs can capture the genuine emotions during the moment. If not, you might want to consider booking another table nearby at the same time and having a family member or a friend there who will be able to snap photographs right when you propose.

Proposing at your favorite restaurant, or even just a fancy local restaurant, takes a lot more planning than you'd imagine. Make sure you plan out all of the details ahead of time to ensure that the night proceeds smoothly.