How to Pop The Question

Getting engaged is a huge milestone. It means you're about to embark upon the next chapter of your lives together.   You should definitely try to be unique and creative with your proposal, but, above all, it's important to keep the focus on what really matters: the proposal itself. If you can't focus because you're worrying about whether your surprise isn’t going to go work, you are focusing on the wrong thing.  A marriage proposal will (hopefully) only happen once in your lifetime, so you’ll want it to be memorable and perfect.  After you’ve worked up the nerve to ask, you’ll want to have a creative and romantic way to pop the question.

"Will you marry me?" It’s a simple question, but it's a weighty phrase that leaves many men completely tongue-tied. Practice! It might feel silly, but say the words out loud a few times. You may also write down and memorize exactly what you're going to say to make sure you're as smooth and confident as can be. Don't just utter those four little words. Now is the perfect opportunity to tell her why she's the one for you, what marriage means to you and what your hopes for the future are.  Incorporate your personality, favorite things, hobbies, etc. into the proposal. 

Times have changed for sure, but there are somethings that should never go out of style. Definitely drop to one knee.  There is something so charming and romantic about a man on one knee asking the love of his life to marry him. Even if you're not a traditional guy, it will make the proposal more special.  Also, ask her father’s permission. It shows her and your new family respect. This is a must!!
Most importantly is the ring!  There are many opportunities find out what kind of ring she may want.  Window shop for rings when you are walking past a store or you can bring it up in conversation. You can also ask her mother, sister, or best friend, to help choose the ring.  They have more than likely been instructed as to the specific style she likes!  However, some gals are particular about their jewelry and want to be a part of the process, and rightfully so: a ring is a big investment, and she is going to be wearing it the rest of her life!  Sure, you might lose that element of surprise because she's already expecting a particular ring, but if you've spoken about marriage, she knows the proposal is coming sooner or later.  

Even though you've discussed getting married, the proposal should be a surprise. Find a moment when she least expects it.  Here are a few ideas if you are having trouble coming up something.

For the Romantic:
Take your sweetheart to the exact place where you had your first date, or where you first met.  Reminisce a little and then say something like, "We've had an amazing journey together so far, and now I think we're ready to take the next step in that journey.”  If you don’t want to do it in a public place, create a path to the engagement ring in your house.  For example, scatter petals from the front door to the bedroom and use more petals to spell out "Will you marry me?" You could also use candles to trace a path, but be careful. You don't burn the house down! If you don’t want the fire department to be a part of the proposal, maybe just place sweet notes in different spots around the house. In each spot, write something that you love about her and where to find the next note until she finds you down on one knee.

The Jokester:
The holidays are the perfect time to propose. Hang the ring box like an ornament on the tree. When the last present has been opened, say, "Wait, there's still one more present." Another idea is to wrap the ring box inside several bigger boxes; it will completely throw her off.  Place the ring inside a hideous gift like an ugly Christmas sweater or some type of gag gift.  She’ll be so disappointed when she opens it, or laughing so hard, she won’t notice you getting down on one knee!

The Adventurer:
Try a scavenger hunt.  Start off with a simple clue to someplace nearby, and then get more complicated as the scavenger hunt progresses. Have the final location be a place where you can hide, and then pop out and get down on one knee. You can also spell out the marriage proposal in some place they aren't expecting to see it somewhere.  If you like boating or camping, have it spelled out on the dock, river bank, or on a sign at your favorite camping spot.  If its winter, use red food coloring and spray “will you marry me” in the snow so she sees it when she walks out the door.  Also, skywriting is such a cool, unique way to propose. Hire a plane to circle around your neighborhood!

The Shy Guy:
If you’re not the outdoorsy or romantic type, here are a few suggestions.  Use glow-in-the dark stars to write it on the bedroom ceiling, or get up early and slip a fake newspaper page into the real newspaper.  Restaurants are often very popular places to propose. Call beforehand and get their advice on the best way to propose in their restaurant. Perhaps the proposal is written out on a plate or the waiter delivers the ring along with your entrees.  Take her to the beach and tell her that you are going to draw a picture, but not to look yet because you want it to get it right. Write the marriage proposal in the sand.  If you don’t make it to the beach, pack a picnic lunch for the park.  Put the ring in with the dessert (not IN the dessert, you don’t want her to choke on the ring! 

However you decide to do it, make it special and meaningful. This is a story she will tell over and over to all her friends and family and to your future children. You want it be good!

 Good luck!!

For more tips visit Sumpters Jewelry. They can help you get what you are looking for!
www.sumptersjewelry.com

written by: Susan G
edited and designed by: Carolyn M