Valentine’s Day is all about timing. Will you whisper it? Sing it? Write it across the sky? Question it drunkenly across dinner? There are endless ways to ask someone to be your Valentine. And while they can all be sweet and romantic, I think it’s up to you—the asker—to decide what’s best for your relationship.
Sure, anybody can walk up to their SO and say, “Will you be my Valentine?” but how can you make it special? How will you make it memorable?
Here are my top 15 ideas for how to ask someone to be your Valentine—with tons of ideas ranging from classic and sweet to modern and romantic.
Bonus points if you can make it personal to you two as a couple. Think outside of the box. Make your partner laugh, cry, or smile. Make your message about them.
No matter how long you’ve been with your partner, use these ideas as a jumping-off point to make asking the question your own.
15 Will You Be My Valentine Ideas
1. Write Them a Handwritten Love Letter
Listen, I know we live in a digital world. Long gone are the days of passing notes in class. But hear me out on this one.
I love receiving (and giving) handwritten letters. There’s something so thoughtful and intimate about taking the time to physically write down your feelings on a piece of paper.
Jot down what you love about them, what your favorite memories are together, and what you feel when you’re around them. Make it as long or short as you want—just don’t leave out your question at the end.
Lightly spray some of your cologne or perfume on the paper for an extra sensory experience.
Related: 24+ Romantic Hot Love Letters For Him
2. Hide the Note in a Personalized Gift Box
This idea is super simple but so effective. Grab a small box and fill it with gifts that have meaning to the two of you. Photos, candy they like, inside jokes, or little handwritten notes will work.
Place the question written on a note at the bottom of the box that says:
“How about now that you’ve seen all this… will you be my Valentine?”
It’s great because it allows you to build excitement and tell your story one piece at a time.
Related: 5 Beautiful Valentine’s Day Crafts To Make
3. Plan a Romantic Scavenger Hunt
I cheated a little and added this as one of my ideas because this is how I asked my girlfriend to be my Valentine last year—and let me tell you, it was epic.
Create a small scavenger hunt that guides them to places that are meaningful to you both.
Ours was:
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Where we first hung out
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Our favorite coffee shop
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Our favorite park we sit at
I left little notes at each location with a short story we shared there or why I loved them. Your clues can lead to anything.
The final clue led her to my apartment. When she got to my door, I was waiting with candles lit, soft music playing, and a simple sign that said:
“So… will you be my Valentine?”
She rolled her eyes at me, laughed, cried a little, and said yes before I could finish my sentence. Pro tip: it doesn’t have to be expensive or involve gifts. Simple works too.
Related: Short Valentine’s Day Quotes
4. Serve Breakfast in Bed with a Surprise Message
Any time you can combine food and love, it’s a win.
Make (or order) them breakfast in bed with a note, written on pancakes, or on their coffee mug that asks them the question.
Get creative and write it in syrup on a piece of toast, pancakes, or even on a napkin. It’s cute, intimate, and low-key.
5. Create a Photo Memory Book or Mini Scrapbook
Great for couples that have been together a while. Print out old photos you have of the two of you together and add little captions, doodles, or handwritten notes next to each photo about why that moment mattered to you.
On the final page, write your question. It’s thoughtful and shows you care.
Related: How to Make Valentine’s Gift
6. Plan a Surprise Date Night
Similar to idea number four, you can plan a whole date without them knowing what’s up.
Dress up, go to that nice place you both always talk about, and keep the mood romantic but casual.
During dessert (or another slow, romantic moment), ask them. There’s something so sweet and simple about asking someone to be your Valentine without overthinking or over-planning it.
7. Create a Customized Playlist, with the Last Track as Your Question
Music is an emotion we all feel. Channel your emotions into a playlist that tells your story.
Include songs that remind you of them, songs that remind you of your relationship, or songs that you think they might enjoy. You can even slip in a song that reminds you of how you feel when you’re around them.
Title the last track:
“Will You Be My Valentine?”
Send them the playlist along with a short message telling them to listen all the way through.
8. Do a Balloon or Room Surprise
This idea is classic for a reason. Decorate their room or a portion of their home with balloons, lights, flowers, and photos of the two of you.
You can also use the balloons or a banner to spell out why they should say yes to your question.
It’s festive, cute, and great for loved ones who enjoy attention and pictures.
Related: 6 Cheap Valentine’s Day Décor Ideas for Couples
9. Bake Something and Hide the Message Inside
Cookies with icing messages written on top. Cake with writing inside. Cupcakes with little notes taped underneath the wrappers.
Include something you made with love and watch the sparks fly.
10. Plan a Movie Night with a Custom Intro
Homebody couples, this idea is for you.
Plan a movie night with their favorite snacks and play a quick slideshow or recorded video before the movie begins.
You can add pictures, funny clips you’ve recorded of each other, or even write text that leads up to you asking them to be your Valentine at the end.
It’s unexpected and sweet.
11. Make It a Puzzle or Game Reveal
Turn your question into a puzzle. Whether it’s a crossword puzzle, word search, or jigsaw puzzle, have them figure it out.
When they solve it, your message will appear.
This idea is great if your significant other loves games or solving things.
12. Write Down “Reasons You Love Them” and Place Them in a Jar
Take a jar and fill it up with small pieces of paper that list reasons why you love your SO. They can be simple things or long and meaningful ones.
Tell them to read a couple out loud, and when they reach the final note, have it ask them to be your Valentine.
It’s sentimental, thoughtful, and affirming.
13. Send a Surprise Delivery to Their Door
This is great for long-distance couples or if you just can’t see each other that day.
Send them flowers, cookies, or another small gift with a handmade card containing the question.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make someone’s day. Having your SO receive something out of the blue while they’re going about their routine can really brighten their day.
14. Ask Them While Creating a Meaningful Memory Together
You don’t always have to go big or pre-plan something. Ask them while you’re in the moment doing something you both enjoy.
Whether that’s on a quiet walk, during a deep conversation, or while you’re cooking dinner together, grab their attention and ask them.
Being genuine and present can be the best way to ask someone to be your Valentine.
15. Leave a Note or Sign Somewhere Unexpected
Write the question and hide it somewhere they wouldn’t normally expect.
Inside their car, on the bathroom mirror, in their bag, or as their phone lock screen.
It’s playful, creative, and shows you took time to think of an unexpected idea.
Closing Thoughts
Asking my girlfriend to be my Valentine last year taught me one thing: it’s better to put effort into something than to go all out and miss the mark.
You don’t need to spend hours planning the world’s most elaborate scavenger hunt. All you need is for your idea to be thoughtful to you two as a couple.
Think about what makes them happy. What makes them feel loved. What makes you happy when you express your love for someone.
As long as you’re asking with an authentic, true heart, your significant other will surely say yes.
Whether you follow one of these ideas or create your own special way to ask, enjoy the process of asking and answering the question.
I can promise you that one day, you and your partner will look back on this moment—and remember how special it was when the both of you said yes to each other.
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