Ways to Propose

How to Propose

If you are anything like me  you will spend a lot of time wondering how in the world you are going to propose to that special someone you love. When the realization hits you that you want to spend your entire life with that one person, and that you suddenly want to be married and tied down, inevitably leads to the scary thought: “how am I going to ask?”  (by the way, I’m writing from my perspective as a guy, but perhaps you are a little less traditional. For example, one of my cousins proposed to her boyfriend. Regardless of your circumstance, this article can help you come up with plenty of great ways to propose!)

Be sure to add how your planning to propose, or how you proposed in the comments section! Rate them with a thumbs up or thumbs down!

Chances are, if she loves you and you have been talking about the idea of marriage, she will likely say yes. But still, you want the moment to be perfect.

We will soon have more articles that focus on specific types of proposals and details to help you plan them. But to start let’s look at 7 types of proposals and a few examples and ideas for each.

1. Creative

Creativity shows thoughtfulness. And it makes the proposal authentic and memorable. Ways to propose creatively:

• If you play an instrument, write a song for your significant other. If you don’t, try learning some basic guitar or piano a few months in advance. Your music doesn’t have to be perfect – the fact that you expressed yourself through music and lyrics is moving even if you don’t have a ton of talent. Of course, it’s still good to practice as you want it to sound somewhat nice!
• If you have a big yard or some land, build a gazebo by hand. Take your love to it, tell her “I made this for you. Everything I do for the rest of my life, I want to be for you”, and then ask the question.
• If you are an artist, paint or sketch a picture with meaning to your significant other. Maybe use a memory, or something you both love. Or even be more direct, make your piece of art portray a proposal, and use that to set up your big question.
• If you are skilled at creating things with your hands, perhaps make a custom box for the ring, with your own designs and message.

2. Sentimental

• Take your love on a trip to places that have memories of you together: the place you first met, where you had your first kiss, where you poured out your heart and declared your love. As you stop at each place, remind your love of those memories. Finally, pick a new location where you would like to propose, and when she asks what memory happened here, tell her “This is where I ask you to marry me”.
• Another creative way to propose is to write a journal entry every day for several weeks for your significant other. On the final entry, ask for their hand in marriage. (This is kind of like a “Notebook” proposal)

3. Funny

• Set up a scene similar to that of one of her favorite romantic movies or romantic comedies, and propose in a similar manner. For example, if your girlfriend loves ‘Pride and Prejudice’, you could wait for a foggy day and set up a picnic by a lake and quote several lines, such as “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”  You can use the same idea with another movie. Cheesy? Maybe. Romantic? Definitely.
• If your girlfriend knows you are planning on proposing to her, you could fake her out by kneeling down and pausing in the middle of a conversation, and then tying your shoe. Make sure she has the sense of humor for this though, and only joke once or twice and remind her you are really planning on surprising her with the actual proposal.

4. Elegant

• Are you all about the classics? There’s nothing wrong with a special evening at a classy restaurant. If you don’t want to be too cliche, don’t propose at the restaurant but wait and take her to a pretty location elsewhere and surprise her after dinner. This will also get her to wonder if you are maybe not going to propose at this time, allowing you to catch her off guard.
• If you are both wine lovers, take her for an evening of fine wine tasting. Have a special bottle of champagne ready for when you give her the ring.

5. Outdoors

• The beach is never over-rated. Take your significant other to the ocean for a picnic, or a walk along the beach and ask as the sun is setting.
• If their are mountains nearby, take her somewhere with an amazing view that overlooks the world below. If you are overlooking an ocean, day time would probably be best so that you can see the beautiful panoramic view. If you are overlooking a city, night time is cool because they lights are incredible (you could also set up a bunch of candles at the overlook in advance)
• If there is one nearby, a waterfall is a beautiful place to propose.
• An elegant outdoor proposal for those who aren’t out-doorsy types would be outside by a huge fountain, if you know of one.

6. Public

• Personally I prefer one-on-one and privacy for moments like a proposal. But that’s just me. Some people love to be around large groups. If that’s the case for your significant other, you could propose at an event they are really excited about going to. Such as a sports game, a broadway musical or a concert.
• If you propose at a concert or club, talk to the DJ before hand and tell him your plan to propose. Have him announce you up at some point, and you can ask your significant other to marry you in front of an audience.
• A creative public proposal could be a lot of fun if done right. Get a bunch of people to hold up giant signs down town that spell out “MARRY ME” and have them stand on various balconies of buildings. It would take a lot of planning but would be an unforgettable proposal.

7. Cute

• Kittens and puppies make everything better. If you and your significant other have been wanting a little pet, buy an adorable kitten or puppy and loosely tie the ring around it’s neck. Surprise your love with the irresistible cuteness of a furry kitten or pup. How could you say no to that face?

Be sure to add how your planning to propose, or how you proposed in the comments section! Rate them with a thumbs up or thumbs down!