How to Propose! When and How to Pop the Question: Let’s Get Married, Baby

Will you marry me?

Hey Rockstars,

When I got married the first (and only) time (so far!), my then fiancee popped the question at a surprise Valentine’s Day party. It was a pretty cool shin-dig but I was being a major brat. I didn’t understand why his mom was making MY personal party a co-birthday celebration for his dad and inviting my parents. I was furious! Then I realized that the whole soiree was a V-Day engagement party for me, me me. It was sweet and fab.

Are you planning on proposing to someone or being proposed to? Print this and hide it in the pocket of someone you love…

It takes some nerve to pop the question and propose marriage to the woman you love. But how do you know when you are ready to take things to this level? What’s more, how can you actually do it when the time comes?

Are you ready?

The first step is to ensure you really are ready for this. Wanting to settle down together and have kids is a big indicator, especially if you think of it often. You should also consider how you feel when the two of you are apart. This could be during the average day at work or even if there is some reason to be apart for longer. If you find yourself counting the minutes until you can see her again, this is a strong sign that the two of you make a good couple.

Remember though, marriage isn’t the same as dating, all relationships have to start somewhere of course, but try not to mistake the honeymoon phase of your relationship for long term compatability. If you still get butterflies every time you see each other after a year or more, then perhaps this is the real deal.

When you meet ‘the one’ you will also realize that this feels completely different from any other relationship you’ve had. If this feeling stays and doesn’t go away, you’re likely to start thinking about how to pop the question rather than just when. So what could you do to make it special?

How to do it

Going down on bended knee in front of your girlfriend is the traditional way to do it, and it will still make her cry with joy (hopefully!). But you can be more creative too, and since she will remember the time you proposed for the rest of her life, it makes sense to make the most of it.

For example you could book a nice meal out at a fine restaurant. But don’t just propose over dessert. Visit the restaurant beforehand and ask if the chef could make a special dessert with the engagement ring presented on top of it. Imagine a dessert topped with ice cream with the ring nestling on top for example.

Another way to propose is to write ‘will you marry me?’ somewhere in some way. For example take her for a long walk along the beach and write the message in the sand. You could propose on her birthday and use a similar idea too. Make a cake (or have one made) with your proposal written in writing icing on top.

As you can see there are lots of ways you can pop the all important question. But the timing is incredibly important too, so put some thought into it before you give her the surprise of her life.