Some guys want their marriage proposals to be romantic, like strolling down the beach at sunset. Others want it unique and daring, like a helicopter ride over the charming countryside. And some just want it simple but memorable, like a dinner-for-two at an expensive restaurant.
There are 99 ways to propose to a girl, But no matter how you want it to happen, it should be perfect. Most importantly, you should do it as a chivalry gentleman would. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. You don’t have room for mistakes.
The Key to a Perfect Proposal
Planning a perfect proposal is no easy feat. It can sap you of energy and creativity. Sure, you can just pop out the ring and put it on her finger. But that’s not the way gentlemen propose.
Certainly not.
Remember that it’s a marriage proposal. It will be told over and over again to your family, friends, and children. You want it to be a story worth telling.
So, if you’re pretty sure that she’s the one, let’s go ahead and make it happen perfectly!
Wedding vs. Marriage
A marriage proposal is a man’s declaration of his intent to enter into marriage. It’s where you profess your love to your partner and ask her to be your wife. During a proposal, you won’t talk about the gritty nitty details of your wedding. You’re simply asking her if she will marry you.
Before you do the proposal, it’s important to test the waters. The last thing you want to hear from her is the word “NO” or “I’ll think about it”.
At this point, you should be confident that marriage is something that both of you want. Maybe you have been talking about it lately. The big question shouldn’t come out of the blue.
Understand What You Really Want
First of all, you need to decide what you want. Do you want it to be traditional? Or do you want it to be unique? You will find tons of marriage proposal ideas on the web. But it has to be something that resonates with your personality as a couple.
Remember that it’s not just about you or her. It’s about you two.
Don’t feel pressured to pull off a fairytale-like marriage proposal. Do something that feels good and comfortable for you.
Have a Plan
Once you’ve decided on a concept, it’s time to tackle the more specific details of your proposal. At this point, you should be able to:
- Pick a date.
- Inform friends or family. Sometimes, you will need input from the people you trust.
- Write down the logistics.
- Contact vendors, book hotels/restaurants, and finalize the event.
If you have the budget, you can also have professional event planners do this task for you. Splashy proposals are very popular these days. These people can plan a creative concept and organize all the details for you.
Find the Perfect Ring
A proposal is not a proposal without a ring. Every gentleman knows that.
Now, this is where it gets a lot more complicated.
Buying an engagement ring is not something that men do every day. So, don’t worry if you feel clueless or panicky when it comes to this topic.
It doesn’t hurt to get a little diamond education before purchasing a ring. Diamond rings are a big investment. You should determine the cut, shape, style, and size before you buy one. Most importantly, you want to be sure she will like it.
Ask referrals from friends and family members. Visit at least three jewelry shops nearby to scout for the best engagement rings. A reputable jeweler should provide you with the basic diamond education needed to pick a high-quality stone according to your budget.
Pick the Perfect Destination and Time
It doesn’t have to be at the Maldives or the Grand Canal in Venice. It could be somewhere close by but memorable, like the cafeteria where you first met or at your favorite restaurant. It could even be at your girl’s house where you will be joined by her family during the proposal.
You can also plan the proposal for your next travel vacation. Take advantage of the beautiful views, the outdoors, and the timing that you are both spending more time together.
Prepare a Good Speech
Now that you’re sure about where and when to propose and you have the ring, it’s time to look through marriage proposal ideas.
Sure, holding a ring on bended knees might say it all. But if you want to make it meaningful and unforgettable, you’ve got to prepare a heartfelt speech.
A marriage proposal speech need not be formal. There are no guidelines to follow. There’s just one thing you have to keep in mind: it should come from your heart.
Oh, so cheesy.
But it’s true.
Here are some tips for a heartfelt, well-crafted marriage proposal speech:
- Begin with sharing your thoughts. What do you like most about her? Why do you think she is the one? What were the happiest moments in your relationship?
- Tell her why. Let her know the reason why you want to marry her. You can describe why you feel so sure about it.
- Express how much you love her. Tell her how much you want to spend the rest of your life with only her.
One Final Caution
Asking someone to marry her is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a man. Before you start thinking about the proposal, make sure that you are both on the same page about marriage. Test the waters. Think through it. Don’t rush things.
No matter how you like your proposal to be, whether you want it intimate or extravagant, traditional or modern, you should always do it like a gentleman.
Behind a perfect proposal are detailed and advanced planning, careful considerations of time, date, and location, diamond education to find the perfect engagement ring, and a proposal speech that comes from the heart.
When you have all these things ready, you can be confident that your marriage proposal is going to be awesome, beautiful, and memorable.
