Planning the Proposal

There are a few times in life when you'll settle for nothing less than perfect. Proposing to the love of your life is one of them. We've done the homework to give you advice and tips on some of the most perfect proposals – ideas that will make them weak in the knees as they say "Yes!", and brag about it to their friends and family for years afterwards.

The thought of getting engaged stirs up lots of emotions. From the time you decide that "she's the one" to the moment you pop the question and put the diamond ring on her finger, you may experience sleepless nights, visit several websites looking for advice, and meet with your friends for moral support.

Now let's start alleviating your fears with some reliable answers to the most frequently asked proposal and engagement ring questions.

Suggestions on how to propose

• Remember that everyone is going to want to know how you popped the question, so make it special and memorable.

• Try to incorporate your personalities into your proposal. Does she enjoy the outdoors? Plan a proposal at the beach or a romantic park. Is she a movie buff? Film your proposal and have them play it just for the two of you in the theatre.

• If you both love to ski, plan a weekend trip to your favorite resort. Take the chairlift to the black diamond run, and wow her with a diamond engagement ring before you ski down the slope as an engaged couple.

• Rent a convertible, drive to the place you first met, then get the picnic lunch and flowers out of the trunk and present to her the ring she's been dreaming about.

   

• Send her a rose for every month you've been together, then surprise her at work with a limo. When the driver opens the door for her, you'll exit, get on one knee, and propose with her friends at work cheering you on!

• Rent a costume and propose as her Knight in Shining Armor or her Prince Charming

What should I do to prepare for the proposal, and how should I propose?

Remember this moment is about her and not about you.

Think of some dates that are meaningful to her.

The anniversary of your first date is a great place to start. If she loves the big holidays, consider proposing on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, on New Year's Eve or even on Valentine's Day. And select a day that is stress-free, perhaps a weekend day or a vacation day. The first anniversary of her cat's death isn't a good one.

Consider the Type of Woman she is.

If she cries at sappy movies, she is most likely a hopeless romantic. And, if she is, your proposal should take this into account even if your brain cringes at the thought. If she prefers intimacy, think one-on-one, and this doesn't include two seats together at the ballgame. But if she adores the spotlight, you may want to try the stadium. Then again, if she doesn't like sports, maybe not. For the woman who likes bold statements, go bold. Hot air balloons, on an African safari, an ad on TV. For the traditional woman, your proposal should be too. Use what you know about her and your proposal will truly win her heart.

Stay Focused

Don't make your plan too complicated.

While creativity is a plus, stay focused on what's really important - the proposal itself. If you're consumed with worry about whether or not the sailboat will get to the luau in time, you're thinking too hard about the wrong thing.

And remember, your proposal can never be too romantic. Your friends will only make fun of you until it's their turn.

Be In the Moment and Speak from the Heart.

What you say is the most important part of the proposal. And to get this right, you need to speak from the heart, expressing yourself with love, honesty and sincerity. And if you know your heart tends to stutter, get shy or put its foot in its mouth, plan what you say in advance. You can never be too romantic, corny or cheesy. Start off by letting her know how much she means to you. Express your love and your wishful desire to spend the rest of your life with her. And once you get to the "Will you marry me?" part, it's her turn to speak. As far as actions go, look into her eyes, take her hand, and get down on one knee.