Asking for a woman’s hand in marriage is one of the most important things a man will do in his life. Therefore, a good deal of consideration should be put into the timing and setting of this event. You are certain that she is the one, and have gone ahead with asking for her father’s blessing of your proposal, solidifying her family’s approval of the union. Now that has been done, and you are ready to propose marriage to your future wife.
There are a few things you must keep in mind when contemplating the way that you will propose marriage to your lady. First, this is a memorable moment, which will be told and retold over the years to your friends, family, children, and grandchildren. Make it a story worth telling. Secondly, every woman is different; make your proposal specific to her taste and personality. Some women would love nothing more than to have all their friends and family be witness to the event, while others would much prefer a private and intimate moment with you alone. First and foremost, make sure the way in which you ask makes her comfortable.
Finally, Like many romantic displays, a marriage proposal that seems cliché to one woman is a dream come true for another. This must be left to your personal discretion. However, kneeling in front of your lady with a ring and a rose, whatever the setting may be, is timeless. The following are some tried and true methods for a man proposing marriage to his love.
The First Meeting Place Proposal
Show your lady that you remember and appreciate the little details of your relationship. Taking her to the place where you first met will let her know how grateful you are to have found her. That special location has proven a solid foundation for the first half of your relationship and is an especially symbolic and appropriate location to ask her to spend the rest of her life with you.
The Parisian Proposal
If you have the time and means, ask her the most important question of her life in the most romantic city in the world: Paris. Avoid locations where tourists dwell; rather, choose a place that is quiet and quaint, as that is the true beauty of the city. A dimly lit café or restaurant, or a remote spot on the banks of the Seine is a perfect setting for a romantic proposal.
The Natural Proposal
If your wife-to-be loves the outdoors, employ the help of some of God’s natural creation. Hiding the ring somewhere for her to find on a hike you both enjoy can make for an exciting and meaningful discovery along the trail. Also, asking her to be your wife underneath a waterfall or at the top of a cliff will provide an awe-inspiring view and add a dramatic effect to the moment.
The Valentine’s Day Proposal
However you may choose to propose, February 14th is a great day to do it. While she will expect a certain amount of romance already, your proposal of marriage will far exceed her expectations for the day. It will make for the best Valentine’s Day your future fiancé will ever have and ensure it as a memorable date for you both in years to come.
The Spell-It-Out Proposal
Write it out for her, but make it grand. There is no better way to get her attention than to write your marriage proposal across the sky. Hire a plane to spell it in smoke, or carry behind it a banner with your offer. She will be both entertained and impressed that you have announced your love for all to see. If you don’t have the means, or you want to make it more personal, write it in the sand while at the beach.
The Weekend Getaway Proposal
Disguise your proposal behind another occasion, such as a vacation or her birthday. Take a trip to the country and get out of town for the weekend. You will be able to enjoy your time alone together, and she will remain unsuspecting. After a great weekend together, asking her if she would like to spend the rest of her life with you will be the grand finale.
The High Seas Proposal
There is nothing like the serenity and solitude of being on a boat surrounded by a vast body of water. Charter a boat with just the two of you, or plan a cruise to a tropical location. This will provide an intimate setting where you can express undying love for your lovely lady. If you want seclusion during your proposal, this is the place to do it. A sailboat is the most romantic option, but make sure you know what you are doing, as popping the question on a U.S. Coast Guard rescue dinghy lacks the desired effect.
The Elemental Proposal
Use the weather to your advantage. Take your special someone to the mountains and propose to her in the snow. If you can execute the timing to perfection, surprise her with the question just as the snow begins to fall. A walk through the city streets at night in the rain is equally beautiful. For added dramatic effect, disregard personal comfort and kneel in the water. She will see that you are concerned with nothing but her at that moment.
The Spontaneous Proposal
Once you know that she is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, let her know right then and there. Tell her that you cannot wait another minute to know if she shares the same feeling for you. She will be struck by your passion for her and your certainty that she is the only one for you. This is a perfect option for the adventurous romantic, so make sure your lady is not a traditionalist.
The Overnight Proposal
If you are more of the silent type, slip the ring on your love’s finger while she is sleeping. You don’t have to say a word. She will wake up to the best surprise of her life sitting on her hand. Be sure to be near when she shrieks with glee upon noticing her new jewelry in the morning.
Listen to our podcast on saving your marriage before it starts:
Submitted by: Ryan in Honolulu, HI, USA
