Very few events require as much thought, preparation, and determination as marriage. The proposal sets the stage for the happiness and promise to come.
First, know the answer. You would be surprised to know the amount of men who don’t even bother discussing marriage with their girlfriends. Popping the question shouldn’t be your first discussion of marriage.
The Ring
Consider doing some window-shopping prior to the ring purchase. If you want the ring to be a true surprise, consult her friends and family, or her family jeweler, to get a feel for her likes and dislikes. After all, she’ll be wearing this for the rest of her life… or at least until you trade-up.
Peace-of-Mind
Do your homework before buying the engagement ring. Most importantly, do business with a jeweler you trust. Don’t have a jeweler? Locate a member of the American Gem Society near you. American Gem Society jewelers make up less than 5% of jewelers in the United States and Canada. Why so few? Because the qualifications for membership are stringent. Shopping with an American Gem Society jeweler means you can shop with confidence. And, make sure you insure the ring. Before you go planning an extravagant marriage proposal, one of the first things that you should do is insure the ring with an appropriate insurance policy. The ring can be added for an additional cost under your homeowners or tenants insurance policy.
Ask Permission, Not Forgiveness
There is an old Roman custom known as "joining of the hands," where the groom would give the bride's father a coin that symbolized the purchase of the bride. The bride would then pass from her father's hand to the grooms'. Although this rarely exists today, it is common respect to ask the bride’s father for approval before whisking his daughter away.
Be Creative
Take this opportunity to shine. Your proposal should be a reflection of you and your bride-to-be. The following are a few proposal suggestions:
Location, Location, Location
Propose via video or in person from an extreme location – atop a mountain, while skydiving, or on the shores of a romantic and faraway beach.
Public Displays of Affection
Think about the JumboTron at a professional sporting event, a plane trailing your proposal, an intercom on a commercial airplane, a billboard on her route home from work... the more witnesses, the merrier the moment.
Traditional
In an intimate setting, preferably one with family and friends waiting nearby, drop to one knee and let your heart do the talking.
Spread the News
Tell everyone you know about your engagement. Have a plan to communicate the news quickly and consider sending an engagement announcement.
Celebrate
Toast your engagement with a night on the town, a glass of bubbly, or a celebration with friends and family.
*Courtesy of The American Gem Society