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Planning how to pop the question? You might say there's an art to getting engaged. Just like a scene in a movie, the setting, the dialogue - and even the props - play out a story to be remembered forever and retold hundreds of times.
Need some tips for presenting your proposal? We offer few do's and dont's, and plenty of tips on how to enhance the event. Draw upon others' experiences and our general advice to get your creative juices flowing or to gain more confidence in your original plan. It's up to you whether you ask exactly as someone else did (who would ever know?) or you drum up a never-been-done-before engagement moment.
No matter how you propose, your intended is sure to be thrilled. So have fun with it!
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Considerations |
Set the stage for your proposal with a little "creative direction": |
The Setting |
- Choose to surprise, not shock. Shock happens when you propose on your third date. Surprise is the result when you've been committed to one another for some time, declared your love and even talked about marriage and your future together.
- Get personal. Nothing shows love and understanding more than proposing with her (or his) personal tastes in mind. Favorite music, foods, friends - things like that.
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The Scene |
- Pick a site with her personality in mind. If the love of your life is a very public person, proposing in front of a crowd may be the way to go. Most people shy away from the limelight in such an intimate moment. When you pop the question privately or semi-privately, you two are more likely to be genuinely expressive.
- Make it memorable. A memorable place need not be extravagant. It's somewhere special to you as a couple. Consider where your first date, first kiss and favorite date took place as you choose where to propose. Where do you participate in joint hobbies? That site could be a winner, too.
- Check your watch first. Whether sunrise, sunset, starlight or another time creates the mood you want for proposing, consider the aftermath. If you're like most couples, you'll want to share the good news with friends and family right away. Different time zones sometimes make this kind of timing tricky
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The Script |
- Speak from your heart. However you feel comfortable expressing your love and devotion, just do it. Be sincere and honest. It's better to be direct (Will you marry me?) than speculative (What would you do if I asked you to marry me?).
- Be patient with the reaction. It may take time for your intended to get the courage up to say yes. Or you two may need to talk through some issues before you're officially engaged.
- Gestures can add power to your words. Getting down on one knee is an old-fashioned gesture that remains popular in this modern world. Another traditional act involves the groom asking his prospective father-in-law for a special request: his daughter's hand in marriage.
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The Props |
- Think outside the box. Add creativity and discovery to the affair by placing the engagement ring someplace outside of its box. See Romantic Ways to Ask.
- Isn't the ring enough? Of course it is. But bringing out roses or a bottle of champagne can add even more romance to the special moment.
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Romantic Ways to Ask |
Want to get engaged in a really romantic way? Get ideas here. Although this list is directed toward the groom, a woman proposing can use these methods just as well. |
- Cut a hole in a Crackerjack box, replacing the prize with the engagement ring. Propose at a baseball game.
- Fill up a small glass bowl with a bunch of reasons why you love her. Underneath it all she'll find the diamond.
- Put the diamond in a seashell, presenting it to her on the beach.
- Bring her back to the place where you first met. Then hand her a red rose or other flower with the diamond buried within.
- Plan a surprise picnic at the beach or in the woods, and bring along champagne and flowers.
- Display a cake in the window of her favorite bakery. Have it topped with the diamond and inscribed with a romantic message.
- Cook her dinner, and serve the diamond as dessert.
- Send her on a treasure hunt with clues leading to a special place where she'll find your diamond gift.
- While she's sleeping, slip your diamond gift on her finger.
- Use the ring to hold together a small bunch of her favorite flowers.
- Hide the ring in one of her winter gloves. (Assuming it's glove weather!)
- Hide the diamond in a box of assorted chocolates.
- Make the diamond her game piece during a game of Scrabble or Monopoly.
- Spell out "Will you marry me?" with stones or flowers at the park or with seashells at the beach.
- Memorize a French poem. Then recite it to her at a French restaurant as you offer the ring. Or take the poem/restaurant approach in Italian, Spanish or another foreign language.
- Rent advertising space at your favorite movie theatre. Before the movie starts, your proposal will be on screen.
- Rent a knight costume and white horse. Ride up and offer to be her prince
- Attend Karaoke Night at a local restaurant. Sing "your song" and then propose before you leave the stage.
- Commission an artist to paint her portrait, adding the engagement ring to her finger before your present it to her.
- Give her a puppy or kitten with the engagement ring secured on the pet's collar.
- Have a plane sky-write your proposal the day of a family picnic or other outdoor event.
- Attend a college or professional sport event. Have your proposal light up on the scoreboard.
- Create a personal Web page bearing your proposal.
- During dinner at your favorite spot, have the wait staff offer her ring as an option on the dessert tray.
- Take her out for Chinese food. Have the waiter or waitress give her a special fortune cookie with your proposal in it.
- Ask her father for her hand in marriage. After approval is given, offer your engagement ring at a family get-together.
- Hire a magician to entertain you and make the ring mysteriously appear.
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I purchased a necklace for our 35th anniversary. I must say that the stone is exquisite. The fire, color and clarity are outstanding.
Alex N. - Peyton, CO
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For delivery by Friday, May 9th, follow the shipping guidelines below.
