Romantic Ways to Propose

The Three S’s of Romance

Many things can set up a romantic mood – candlelight, long-stemmed roses, a decadent gourmet meal – but a truly romantic proposal will follow the three S’s of romance: sincerity, sensitivity, and sacredness.

Sincere

For a proposal to be romantic, it must first be sincere. Asking someone to spend the rest of their lives in a committed, monogamous relationship is no lighthearted matter, and the individual asking the critical question should fully understand just what they’re asking for. To be sincere means to understand the good times and the bad, to be committed to the idea of “till death do us part,” and to be willing to work together as a partnership no matter what obstacles may arise during the lifetime of the relationship.

Sensitive

Sensitivity is critical when considering romantic ways to propose. Asking for a girl’s hand in marriage in front of her gathered family and friends may seem romantic at first, but if she is shy and quiet, such a public event may not be sensitive to the type of proposal she would prefer. Furthermore, sensitivity also means understanding her feelings about the ultimate engagement symbol, the engagement ring. Knowing what engagement ring design she has always dreamed about is a key to being sensitive to her style and sentimental preferences.

Sacred

A romantic proposal is also a sacred event that marks the beginning of a couple’s happily ever after. The proposal should not be rushed or premature just to fit with a certain date such as a holiday or birthday, nor should it be tendered if the couple is unsure about the whether or not they are the right age to get engaged. A couple that fully understands the enormity of a marital commitment is one that can treasure a proposal as sacred and heartfelt as well as romantic.

Ideas for Romantic Ways to Propose

Breakfast in Bed

Many different types of proposals can be sincere, sensitive, and sacred as well as being creative, personalized, and romantic. It is important to remember that what may be romantic to one person may not be romantic to another, but as long as the three S’s are followed, romance may blossom.

Popular options for romantic ways to propose include:

• A private picnic at a favorite secluded spot or indoors in front of a fireplace.
• Recreating the scene of the first date or first kiss.
• Popping the question during a luxurious limousine ride, gourmet meal, or other elegant occasion.
• Sharing a delicate gift box that conceals the ring as the ultimate gift.
• Nestling the ring in an unexpected location, such as inside a beautiful long-stemmed rose or dipped into a sparkling glass of champagne.
• Enjoying a romantic movie while committing to a personal happy ending.
• Proposing during holidays for added magic, such as a Christmas or Valentine’s Day proposal.

Classic Proposal

• A surprise proposal at work or home with flowers, chocolates, candles, or other romantic tokens.
• An intimate and decadent breakfast in bed.
• Recreating a significant proposal such as a parents’ proposal or a favorite celebrity movie moment.
• A scavenger hunt with romantic clues leading to the engagement ring.
• A hot air balloon ride, gondola cruise, or other unique yet romantic experience.
• Proposing with a poem or song.
• The classic on bended knee proposal.

Regardless of what type of proposal a groom-to-be chooses for his beloved (or vice versa), as long as the event is sincere, sensitive, and sacred to the couple, it will become a romantic and treasured memory sure to last for many happy anniversaries.