Romantic Proposals

Roses add a romantic touch to any proposal.

Jewelry Designer

Setting the stage for a marriage proposal takes a lot of planning and forethought. Now that you have met the right woman, you want to create a romantic proposal she will remember forever. You want to find the best way to express your love and ask the question of a lifetime. Find out how to plan an unforgettable and romantic proposal your sweetheart will love.

Know Your Intended's Personality

When planning a romatic proposal it is important to take your sweetheart's personality into account. If she is a bit shy, you might want to forgo a public proposal. She may be so embarrassed she forgets to give you the answer! Would you call her a traditional romantic, or is she a more practical person? What are her hobbies? Does she like exotic surprises, or would she rather enjoy nature? All these things give you clues on the best way to approach your proposal.

Remember that romantic means different things to each person. Romance doesn't always mean a candlelit dinner proposal at the fancy restaurant. Some girls prefer a more private and personal proposal centered around things meaningful to their relationship. For example, if a couple went to a play for their first date, the girlfriend might find it romantic if her boyfriend presented her with the playbill from the event, along with a bouquet of her favorite flowers. This act shows that meeting her meant so much to him that he kept the playbill as a memento, and it marked the start of their relationship.

Romantic Proposal Suggestions

Once you've determined what your lady would like, you can begin planning the proposal. Choose any of the following proposals and adapt it to your needs, or merge them to create your own romantic event.

Memorable Place

If there is a place special to you both, such as a lake, park, ball field, amusement park, beach, etc., you might want to consider popping the question there. Options include the location of your first date or the place where you first expressed your love for each other. Proposing in a such a special location adds even more significance to it.

Hobby Proposals

If you and your girlfriend share a favorite hobby, consider incorporating it into your proposal. Take a romantic, sunset, horseback ride together, and stop for some wine and cheese under a tree. While your horses graze, pull out that sparkling diamond. How can she refuse?

Are the two of you anglers? If so, head to your favorite fishing hole; only this time, replace the bait with that brilliant ring. You could offer to tie her hook on, turn your back and tie the ring on instead. Just don't let her cast it into the water!

A romantic hike may be perfect for hiking nuts. Plan a special hike, and once you reach your destination, get down on your knee, pull out the ring, and pop the question.

Musical Proposals

Adding music as a backdrop to your proposal can set the mood. You can hire a small string quartet to serenade your girlfriend or take her dancing, and request the band to play "your song." Plan a romantic dinner under the stars in a local park or even your backyard. Set the table, bring the wine, pick up a catered meal, and then ask a local musician if he'll play a song just for her.

Food and Proposals

Add a romantic touch to dinner.

Food is often incorporated into proposal, especially if you are proposing at a special dinner. It is also possible to hide the ring in a food item as a surprise. While it might seem like a creative and unique idea, it may not be the most romantic choice. Most foods will stain and dull the diamond, requiring it to be cleaned almost immediately. Furthermore, you wouldn't want to cause a medical emergency because of an inadvertent bite or swallow. The ring doesn't necessarily need to be in contact with the food, however. One of the most classic types of proposals is over a candlelit dinner, a glass of wine, or a sweet dessert, made all the sweeter by a delicate question and enthusiastic response.

Billboard Proposals

If you know the route your beloved takes home every day, you can actually rent a billboard dedicated to your love for her. For a less expensive but just as eye-catching alternative, have banners or signs printed, or make them yourself, and place them in conspicuous areas all over town!

Plan What You Want to Say

While some men like to propose without preparing anything in advance, others like to plan what they want to say. If you aren't quick with words, you might want to write down and rehearse the perfect words to say to your sweetheart, so you aren't tongue-tied when the romantic moment arrives. Another option is to find a romantic "I love you" greeting card, and while she reads those words, you set the stage for the actual proposal.

Be Yourself

Finally, remember your beloved will love you no matter how you propose. Your proposal will be a special memory she will always treasure no matter how it happens or what you say. Just be yourself and show her how much you love her, and she will know what is in your heart.