Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

As Valentine's Day approaches, the love and romance all around us can make this the perfect season to propose to the woman you love. A marriage proposal can be the most romantic and memorable day in a woman's life up to that point. Asking her to make a lifetime commitment to you shows your love and respect for her, and that she is the most important person in your life. Although she will love you no matter how awkwardly you propose, with a little imagination and planning, your marriage proposal will be a romantic occasion that she will remember for a lifetime!

The first tip to proposing is to be sure of the answer before you ask! Couples who have been together for any length of time most certainly have touched upon the subject of marriage, and know each other's views and desires. Especially if you intend to propose publicly you want to know the answer is going to be yes! If you have any doubts at all about her answer (there is more than one option, you know) be sure your proposal is a private one.

Not really sure if she's ready to marry you? You could ask her sister or close friend, but they must be trustworthy and sworn to secrecy. You don't want anyone letting the cat out of the bag and spoiling your romantic proposal!

Once you are certain of her answer, you have to think about the engagement ring. Some women have their heart set on a particular style. Would she prefer a lovely solitaire or a cluster of jewels? Does she even want the traditional diamonds, or does she want sapphires or emeralds instead?

Other women may find that choosing their own ring is unromantic and may prefer to be surprised. If you're unsure of your own ability to choose a ring to please her, consider taking her sworn-to-secrecy sister (assuming she has good taste) along to help you decide.

Is there an heirloom ring that your family expects to be passed on to your future wife? If so, is it a style that she will love, or is it too old-fashioned for her taste? Will it need to be restored to its original beauty, repaired, or resized?

Consider all your options concerning the engagement ring before the proposal. If you know she wants to be surprised, have the ring ready; otherwise make a date with her (in the very near future, so she doesn't wonder if you are truly committed to her, or a cheapskate) to shop for a ring after she has accepted your proposal. Once the ring issue has been resolved, it's time to move on to the next step in your marriage proposal.

Although courtship and marriage rituals have evolved throughout the ages, there is one tradition that will endear you to the parents of your future wife. Asking her father for his daughter's hand in marriage shows the love, honor, and respect you have for your beloved and her family. Few fathers will turn down a suitor whom he knows will make his daughter happy and provide for her welfare. This sounds quite old-fashioned, since many women have careers now and are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, but asking permission to propose will certainly show her family that you value the role they will play in your future life as a married couple.

You might want to practice the words you want to say, so you don't become so nervous that you end up tongue-tied at the crucial moment. Not good with words? Find a book of love poems and borrow a few lines for the occasion.

Add personal touches that show her you notice what she cares about! If your girlfriend is a beach-lover, propose on her favorite beach by writing your proposal in the sand, or with seashells or rocks. For sports-loving ladies, nothing would thrill her more than to have your proposal displayed on the board at half-time. If your girlfriend loves word games, design a crossword puzzle or word search that contains your proposal. Bring her a new puppy (with her knowledge, no surprises) with the ring tied on a ribbon around his neck.

After she says yes to your wonderful proposal, be ready to celebrate. Let her know she has made you the happiest man alive. Treat her to a dinner at a romantic restaurant, or just cuddle in front of the fire with a bottle of champagne.

Here are some more ideas for a creative, romantic marriage proposal:

Arrange for a favorite Chinese restaurant to present her with a custom-made fortune cookie containing your proposal at the end of the meal.

When the family has been let in on the secret, plan a surprise engagement party disguised as a regular family dinner. Get down on one knee and propose in front of the whole clan so they may all share in your delight when your sweetie says yes!

Paint your proposal on top of your house and arrange for a private pilot to take you on a flight over your neighborhood.

When she is expected home, leave a trail of rose petals from the front door to the dining room. Prepare the dining room with a bottle of chlled champagne, fine china, elegant hors d'oeuvres, and candlelight. Be waiting on bended knee with the ring box in your hand.

Propose in a location that holds special memories for both of you, such as the place where you went on your first date, or first expressed your love for each other.

If she takes the same route home every day, rent a billboard to express your love for her. A less expensive alternative would be to make your own banners and post them in strategic places.

Take her dancing at your favorite nightclub and ask the band to play "your song." Get down on one knee and propose as the song ends.

At the end of dinner in a romantic restaurant, ask the waiter to display the ring along with the desserts when the dessert cart is brought to your table.

One type of proposal to avoid is placing the ring in her food! Many foods will dull or stain the stones or metal, requiring it to be cleaned immediately. And if she happens to bite down on or swallow the ring, the romance may be spoiled by a trip to the dentist or emergency room!

Asking your girlfriend to marry you is taking your relationship to a new level, and can be the most exciting, thrilling, and even frightening thing you have ever done! Creating a personal, romantic proposal of marriage will show her how she important she is to the rest of your life, and that the experience is meaningful for you, too!