Proposing to the love of your life can be one of the most exciting yet scary times in a person’s life. Even if you are sure your significant other will say “yes,” you want this to be a story worthy of telling over and over again throughout the years. Planning and rehearsing ahead of time can ease the anxiety and make your proposal a truly special experience. Give your fiancé a loving, special, and memorable proposal by following these seven tips.
Discuss Marriage Ahead of Time
We’ve all seen the awkward online videos of men kneeling down and popping the question, only to be met with rejection. A blunder such as this one is easily avoidable by discussing the issue ahead of time. This doesn’t mean you have to take away the element of surprise. In fact, a majority of women say that the surprise factor is one of the most important parts of a proposal. Just make sure it is the when, where and how of your proposal that catches her off guard. Pulling out a ring on the second date is likely not the kind of surprise your girlfriend is looking for. Having talked in the past about a future together will give you extra confidence, making the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
Find the Right Ring
Finding the perfect ring can be stressful, so don’t be afraid to do some creative digging to uncover her tastes in diamond engagement rings. Consider asking her friends to casually inquire about her preferences while out shopping, or ask her yourself when the two of you are at the mall. Be sure to find out the basics such as the kind of setting, band and stone she prefers. You likely know something about her style, so keep in mind what kind of ring would match it. Does she like to keep it simple? Or is it completely normal for her to sport big and bold jewelry? You’ll also want to think about practicality. If your wife-to-be has a highly active lifestyle, look for wedding rings made of sturdy materials such as platinum and choose a smaller, low-setting gemstone that will not interfere with her daily life.
Tell Her Why You Want to Get Married
Remember that a proposal can be nerve-wracking for her too. Make sure she knows that you are proposing because you really want to marry her. This is a time to really speak from your heart. It’s a good idea to rehearse what you will say ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to also leave room to improvise. At the end of the day, she will remember that what you said was genuine and heart-felt.
Make It Creative, Yet Simple
The possibilities for how to pop the question are endless and taking the time to make your proposal creative will be well worth it. One way to do this is to incorporate meaningful things that the two of you share, such favorite movies, foods and activities. While finding a unique way to ask her to marry you can make the event extra memorable, also remember to keep it simple. Research shows that most women prefer simplicity, and small gestures such as getting down on one knee and giving her a rose can go a long way.
Keep It Private
Unless you are absolutely sure the proposal of her dreams includes being on the big screen TV at a major sporting event, it’s generally a good idea to keep it private. An exchange that is just between the two of you is more likely to be genuine and heart-felt, and while you’ll be eager to share the news, the event itself is highly personal. That being said, one or both of you may want to include close family or friends. Know where the two of you stand when it comes to privacy and plan accordingly.
Choose a Meaningful Location
Finding the right location is one of the most important elements of a marriage proposal, as it sets the tone and atmosphere for the entire event. The ideal venue will be different for everyone and can range from the park where you shared your first kiss to the beach where you first met. Even proposing at home can be meaningful if it catches her by surprise and makes her feel special.
Relax and Have Fun
You’ve researched the ring, rehearsed your speech and picked the perfect location. Now, it’s time to relax and enjoy the experience. Remember that this moment should be enjoyable for you as well, and no matter what happens, you can experience the joy of knowing this is the beginning of your journey with the one you love.
About the Author: Dianna Clark is a contributing writer and has worked as a wedding consultant for 10 years.
