by David Braybrooke

Created on: March 29, 2007   Last Updated: September 18, 2010

Guys, when proposing be confident and choose your time with care; be natural with what you say and practice a warm delivery. You have to be sincere and heartfelt with your words and you need to be especially sensitive to the feelings of your loved one. Don't be too extreme with your method of delivery and keep the shock value to a minimum, unless you are completely sure your prospective spouse would actually enjoy this.   Other wedding proposal tips include:

~  Do everything you can to make the occasion a truly memorable one; plan your moment well and choose a setting that is special to you both: the beach provides a romantic atmosphere, a favorite restaurant will heighten the occasion, enjoying a mutually favorite activity can set the scene well.  Spare no expense in your attempt to make the proposal special and memorable but don't get yourself in to debt by trying too hard either.  Alternatively, if your loved one is the type who prefers simple gestures then respect this option; no need to embarrass by being too ostentatious.

~   Look smart and be well-groomed.  Wearing a dry-cleaned, well-tailored suit is a good way to impress; and polish those shoes  Depending on the setting of the proposal will determine what you will actually choose to wear but at least be clean and tidy - small details count.  Look lovingly into your partner's eyes when proposing; eye contact is an indication of one's sincerity.  Being light-hearted and romantic in your delivery often works but be subtle with any humour used.  

~   Have a 'Plan B' in case you get a negative response; try hard not to take rejection to heart and never hurry away in embarrassment if you get a 'No'.  If you build yourself up too hard when it comes to proposing you may indeed be emotionally undone if the answer is a negative one.  Be balanced in your thinking and be confident and centred within yourself before the actual proposal.  And remember, if the time just does not feel right when you actually do get down to proposing then consider putting it off for awhile.  Timing is everything!

Getting married is an important life occasion.  Make sure that the one you are proposing to is truly the one that you want to wed; take your time preparing and although certain engagement traditions, like asking for a father's permission, are no longer in vogue always take care to consider others' values and sensibilities.  Be respectful and you should be hearing wedding bells before too long.

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