What a Girl Wants
So you've found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Congrats! It is a wonderful feeling until it hits you that you still have to pop the question. Coming up with the perfect way to ask those four words (Will You Marry Me) can be challenging and stressful for any guy. I mean, think about it. You will have to relive and retell this magical moment forever. No pressure right? Not to worry, here are a few tips from a girl's perspective on what we really want when it comes to proposing.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE-TO-BE
First things first. After you have bought her the most dazzling engagement ring it's time to have a talk with your future father in law. Regardless of how your relationship with him may be, be sure to ask for his permission. A father is a girls first love, after all. You have big shoes to fill and it reassures him his daughter is in good hands. Not only will he respect and appreciate you more, she will too! Want to score even more brownie points? Step it up a notch and also ask her mom. She isn't just daddy's little girl.
SURPRISE!
The surprise factor is crucial when proposing. Sure, you may have gone engagement ring shopping together or have had conversations about marriage so she may suspect the time is coming soon. She might have even custom designed her own ring! But it's so important to catch her completely off guard. That's what it's all about. For example, my now fiancé whisked me away to one of my favorite places. I had an inkling of what was to come but didn't know when throughout the entire trip. He got on one knee when I least expected it and I was in total shock.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Choose a spot that has a special meaning to the both of you. It could be the place where you shared your first kiss, where you first met, or where you first said, "I Love You". Be sure to ask yourself these questions: Does she like elaborate displays of affection or would she prefer something more intimate and private? Is she one who would love to have family and friends present to share this moment, or would she enjoy the intimacy between just the two of you? Don't be that guy who proposes in an extravagant fashion at a sports game or jumbotron only to have his lady look terrified and embarrassed because she is not an all-eyes-on-her kind of person. Just remember, not everyone likes to be the center of attention.
SNAP. WATCH. REPEAT.
I can't stress how important this is. Hire a photographer or a friend that knows a thing or two about a camera (and I'm not talking about a phone camera)! This is one of the most important moments in your life so why not get it on film or camera, or both! Once you open the ring box of whatever you decide to put the ring in (PLEASE DO NOT put it in any kind of food product; the last thing a lady wants is a dirty ring, or worse, to choke on one) chances are she will forget all of those sweet words you took the time to memorize for her. Wouldn't it be awesome to press play and watch it over and over again? Unless, that is, if your photographer forgets to press record because she is too emotional and in the moment which is what happened to my fiancé and I. Still, it made for a great story and we have wonderful pictures. It's a must!
SHE SAID YES!
After she accepts be sure to take in the moment. This is the one moment that belongs to the both of you. Make it last as long as possible. It's the calm before the storm. It's the time of tranquility before you begin calling friends and family to tell them the big news. It's the little piece of heaven before everyone bombards you with the question "Have you picked a date yet?". There is no need to rush anything. Take the time to enjoy your engagement. Take it all in, breathe, and enjoy the ride.