by Amanda Roberts

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 15, 2009

When you see that shiny rock on her finger you know, your friend just had one of the most memorable experiences of her life. Now you want to know, where, when, and how her fiance pulled of his romantic proposal. For every tale of extravagant luxury there are twenty others that are mediocre in entertainment value. But what is your guy to do if her doesn't have the money to pull off a grand proposal?

A proposal is really a celebration of the past that you two as a couple share. A proposal basically says "based on the last two weeks/ten months/seven years I know that I want to be with you for the rest of my life," so some of the best proposals are those that incorporate some aspect of the past you two share. For high school sweethearts, this could be a proposal in front of the locker where they made plans for their first date. For couples who spent a few years in a long distance relationship, a proposal on the flight you took so frequently might have sentimental value. It is really all about knowing the other person and figuring out what would stand out to them. Planning things on an anniversary is a good idea as well. The anniversary of your first kiss, first real date, or first time you met each others families are all good times.

Speaking of family, this is another aspect of a fantastic proposal. The first thing we tend to do when we are proposed to (after saying yes of course) is to call up the family and friends we hold closest to us. A stellar proposal is one that you can share with your family and friends, so inviting some of them to the proposal is a great idea. This is the whole reason that proposing at family dinners is so popular! Other options are to secretly have family members arrive at the location of the proposal before you so that they can appear afterward. This is especially impactive when those involved are family members who live far away, to add that special shock value. Incorporating family also gives you a great first message for your relationship, that you are marrying not just a person but into a family that loves you both.

A proposal that highlights the future of the relationship is also a good idea. A proposal that is revealed right after the realization of a long time goal is double the wonder. For example, if you finally purchased your own house than a proposal during the first time the house is really yours could be wondrous. Also, if you or your significant other have been studying for your degree graduation day is a great time to propose.

A proposal is best when it has thought and love behind it. Your past, your present, and your future should be wrapped up in your proposal to be sure that your proposal lingers in your memory.

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