With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be thinking that the time is just right to pop the big question. If you really want to make a grand romantic gesture, why not propose to a backdrop of gorgeous fireworks? This can really create the ‘wow’ moment you’re looking for, but only if you plan it carefully.

Without proper planning, things can potentially go disastrously wrong. To prevent silly slip-ups ruining the big moment, here’s your guide to popping the question with fireworks:

1. Get permission. It’s crucial to get the go-ahead from your local authority, as well as the owner of the property or land where you’ll be setting off the fireworks. If you don’t, you could have an angry property owner or even the police interrupting your big moment.

2. Assemble a team. If you’re popping the question, all of your attention and focus needs to be on your partner. You don’t want to be dashing away to set off fireworks at a crucial moment, or deal with issues. Rope some friends in and plan the display together, then they can manage it all at your signal.

3. Do it safely. Read all the safety instructions, and the firing instructions, well in advance of the big day. Make sure whoever’s helping you has read them too, and that everyone knows what they will be doing. The very last thing you want is someone getting hurt, especially not your partner! There’s also the risk of damaging property by mis-firing fireworks, which could get you in a lot of (potentially expensive) trouble. This could take the shine off the big moment.

4. Check that your partner likes fireworks. It’s tricky to do this without giving the game away, but it’s very important to find out whether your boyfriend or girlfriend is actually a fireworks fan. If they don’t like them or worse, are scared of them – your proposal may not go very well.

5. Don’t drown out your proposal. The timing of your fireworks, just like the timing of your proposal, is absolutely crucial. Think carefully about whether you want the display to start just as you’re proposing – will this add to the drama of the moment, or will it be distracting? Will the sound of an enormous rocket going off drown out that all-important question, or even the answer? These are important things to think about. You may want to wait until you’ve proposed (and received the answer you want) before giving the signal for the display to start.

6. What will the answer be? Of course, your partner will 100% definitely say yes – but perhaps hold fire on the celebratory fireworks show just on the minuscule chance that she doesn’t. On the other hand, you may need cheering up if your partner gives you a ‘I’ll think about it” – and you’ve paid for the fireworks, so you might as well set them off, right?