A wedding proposal may well be the most nerve-wracking, difficult question a couple faces, but it can also be one of the most romantic and rewarding. That simple question – will you marry me – properly asked to that one special person can mean a lifetime of togetherness, love, and commitment for better or worse.

Asking the Perfect Question
The key to the perfect proposal is to be sincere. Whether the question is posed under the stars, on the highway, or simply during a quiet moment together, so long as the intent is clear and the question genuine, it will be the beginning of a tremendous relationship.

Important Parts of Romantic Ways to Get Engaged
Regardless of the specific arrangements, most romantic proposals have certain common elements that should be considered.

1. Lighting: Soft, gentle lighting creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere. This may be starlight, candlelight, a sunrise or sunset, or a fireplace.
2. Privacy: Romance is a concept shared by just two people, and the most romantic proposals are private ones the couple can treasure for a lifetime.
3. Sound: Soft, whispered words are those that can seem loudest to the heart, and a romantic proposal will also be a soft one, both with the words spoken as well as the surrounding noises. Gentle waves or other subtle noises are fine, but louder, more intrusive sounds can disrupt the mood.
4. Touch: Couples share romance when they touch – holding hands, a gentle kiss, a warm snuggle, or even a soft caress on the cheek. The physical connection of a caring touch is a great element of romance.
5. Eye Contact: There is nothing more romantic than looking deeply into one another’s eyes while committing to a life together, and eye contact is crucial for a romantic marriage proposal.
6. Patience: Romance cannot be rushed, and nor should a romantic proposal. The mood must be just right before popping the question, and the bride-to-be should not be rushed in her answer.

All of these elements can be met in many different ways and in many different settings, each of which can be an equally romantic event.

Romantic Ideas for Engagements
Picnics can be romantic. Despite knowing how to be romantic, many prospective grooms are stumped when trying to think of romantic ways to get engaged. Popular options include:

1. A candlelit dinner in an intimate restaurant
2. On a quiet beach at sunset
3. Under the stars in a favorite park
4. A picnic for two in a secluded location
5. At the site of a first date or first kiss
6. In a beautiful flowering garden
7. During a quiet slow dance
8. With a holiday or birthday gift
9. During an intimate vacation getaway to a bed-and-breakfast or other romantic location

Outrageous Proposal Ideas
Some couples prefer outstanding, unexpected proposals. The more elaborate the proposal, the more planning will be necessary to be sure it goes off without difficulties. Always be sure to have a simplified alternative plan, in case the original idea does not work due to technical problems or unexpected circumstances. These proposal ideas are only limited by the couple’s imagination, and may include:

1. Using the scoreboard of a sporting event
2. Hiring a billboard
3. Arranging for numerous accomplices to set up a scheme
4. Choosing unexpected costumes
5. Creating a secret code or game
6. Playing a practical joke with a happy ending

Regardless of the place and time, so long as the conditions for romance are present, any truly loving proposal can be the most romantic moment of a couple’s relationship. Romantic ways to get engaged don’t necessarily have to mean dozens of flowers, an expensive engagement ring, or an elaborate proposal. The moment of a proposal is an intimate event shared by just two people, and making it a romantic one ensures it will be treasured for many anniversaries.

Proposal Ideas

Make Her Your Leading Lady
Arrange for a local movie theatre to play a dvd of you before the feature, telling her how much she means to you and asking if she’ll marry you. In front of hundreds of adoring fans, present her with the diamond.

The Fortune of a Lifetime
Steam a fortune cookie until it’s malleable. Open the cookie, place the ring inside with a note telling her how she’ll be loved by you forever.

Time Capsule of Love
Make a box of “sort-of-real” mementos of all your best dates. For example, a swizzle stick, a movie stub, etc. At the bottom of the box place the engagement ring.

Summer Lovin’
Take her for a long walk on the beach. With the help of a good friend, have a special area set up with flowers, champagne, a few pieces from a small orchestra and a proposal written in the sand. You can tuck the ring into your swim trunks to keep it a surprise (just don’t go for a dip before you pop the question).

A Real Page Turner
Scan the cover of a romance novel into your computer and superimpose your pictures. Cut out a hole in the book and put the diamond ring in it.

Cosmic Commute
Buy some ad space on signs on her route to work and on each one ask her if she’ll marry you. Be waiting for her in her parking space where she works with flowers, a ring and a good excuse for her to call in sick that day.

Masterpiece of Romance
Ask a local museum if they would put the ring on display with a display card reading that this was the very ring used by you on that particular day to ask her to be your bride.

A Buried Treasure
Take her snorkeling and discover the ring while the two of you are looking at the coral.

It’s All in the Cards
Bring her to get her tarot cards read. And ask the reader to include seeing a diamond ring in the cards. That would be your cue to present her with the ring.