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10 Tips for Proposing Marriage

© Amy Cunningham

Getting engaged is an exciting moment in your life. If you're ready to take the plunge and propose, follow these 10 tips for an engagement that you'll remember forever.

1. Know Her Answer.
   This sounds obvious, but many couples haven't even discussed the subject of marriage. If you've had serious discussions about your relationship and where it's headed, then you probably already know that her answer will be 'yes'. If not, don't rush out and buy a ring. Instead, drop hints here and there to see how she responds. If positive, pick out that rock!
   
   
2. Ring Shopping.
   First, get an idea of what she likes. If she doesn't care about a surprise, then take her out to browse. If you want to surprise her, ask her friends or casually bring up the subject and tell her it's for future reference. You may also want to bring along one of her current rings with you in order to get the sizing right. This ring represents your love and commitment to her, but she's the one wearing it for the rest of her life.
   
   After learning her likes and dislikes, study up on the 4c's. Most men know little about diamonds. Never fear, check out this guide to the 4c's (carat, cut, color, clarity) for tips on buying a diamond.
   
   
3. Insure the Ring.
   After buying the rock, call your insurance agent and add it to your home owner's or renter's policy. Usually the fee is quite small and it will protect your investment if anything should ever happen to it.
   
   
4. Ask for Permission.
   Still somewhat of a southern tradition, many men will ask their future father-in-law for their girlfriends' hand in marriage. Although this rarely happens today and isn't a requirement, it still shows respect and thoughtfulness if you ask for her father's blessing. Invite him out to dinner and let him know how much you truly love his daughter and that you'd like his blessing in asking her to marry you.
   
   
5. Be Creative.
   You only plan to propose once, so make it memorable. Plan early and think creatively. Pick a location that holds a special place in your relationship. Be detail-oriented from the lighting to the mood. Remember that the first thing everyone will ask is 'How did he propose?'. Give her a moment to share for a lifetime. If you're stumped for ideas, check out our marriage proposal ideas with hundreds of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
   
   
6. Get down on one knee.
   Nothing is more romantic that the man you love down on one knee, with a ring in hand, asking for your hand in marriage. Enough said.
   
   
7. Catpure the moment.
   Have a video camera set up or a friend nearby to take pictures. She'll be so surprised and excited that she won't be thinking about preserving the memory. If you've planned ahead, you'll be able to treasure the moment forever.
   
   
8. Enlist help.
   If needed, get a close friend or family member to help you with the preparations. It makes the planning easier, especially if you're planning a more extravagant proposal. If nothing else, they're available for moral support. Be careful who you choose though. Pick those that you trust and make sure they keep their lips sealed tight.
   
   
9. Surprise!
   If she's like most women, she wants a surprise proposal! Even if she helped pick out the ring or knows that you've been planning to propose, you can still surprise her. Be creative and plan the proposal when she least expects it.
   
   
10. Celebrate!
    Be sure to bring your cell phone along! An engagement is such an exciting time and the first thing your fiance will want to do is call her friends and family. After you've shared the excitement of the moment with your nearest and dearest, it's time to celebrate! Enjoy a romantic dinner, share a bottle of wine, or go all out with an engagement party.
    
    

With these 10 tips for proposing marriage, you're all ready for the big day! Congratulations to you and your future fiance!