Although tradition dictates that men should get down on one knee and pop the question, women are just as capable of making a marriage proposal. If you know you're ready for marriage and have been in a committed relationship, consider taking matters into your own hands.
To Propose or Not to Propose?
Before you start planning the perfect wedding proposal, stop and think about the reasons you want to get married. Are you really ready for such a big commitment, or are you wrapped up in the daring idea of proposing to the guy in your life?
Why should you propose instead of waiting for him to make the first move? Well, if you and your loved one are in an equal, positive relationship, and you feel that you truly know each other and are sure you want to spend the rest of your life with this person, then proposing is logical. Additionally, if you and your loved one have discussed marriage and have established that this is something the two of you would like in the future, it makes sense to pop the question.
When to Wait
If you have known your partner for only a month or a few weeks, consider holding off on the proposal. This rule applies to men and women considering marriage. You want a proposal to be a special moment for you and your partner, but you don't want to rush it. If you propose to someone, it means you want a lifelong commitment and want to grow old with them. If monogamy is new to you, if you feel swept off your feet by the idea of romantic wedding proposals or if you just don't know much about your loved one, the proposal can wait.
Remember that a wedding proposal is not a Get Out of Jail Free card for a relationship. If the two of you are having issues, getting engaged isn't going to solve anything. In this situation, you would be better off considering relationship counseling instead of rushing to the altar. Additionally, if your loved one has expressed doubt or confusion about marriage, you need to wait. You want to be sure your loved one actually wants to marry you before you propose.
Make a Plan
Once you decide to propose to your significant other, be sure to plan ahead. You don't want to wing one of the most important moments of a relationship. The perfect wedding proposal should be something that the two of you can look back on years from now.
Since you are the one doing the asking, the most romantic wedding proposals should be tailored to your loved one's personality or linked to some aspect of your relationship. If your partner hates public displays of affection, reconsider flying a blimp over the baseball park.
When brainstorming how to propose to your loved one, focus on a common interest, the element of surprise and inside jokes. For example, if your loved one loves hiking, you could create a scavenger hunt along one of your favorite trails and have the culmination be a mountaintop proposal. Just keep in mind that, if your proposal is outside, you should have a contingency plan in case Mother Nature interrupts.
The Ring
If a woman is proposing, the issue of whether or not to buy an engagement ring can be tricky. Think about your partner. Is he picky, or would he be content with a ring made out of a pipe cleaner? If you know what your loved one likes, then go ahead and buy a ring to symbolize the engagement.
However, another option would be to buy engagement rings together; this could be an important step in your relationship and will ensure that you each have a ring you enjoy. Engagement rings are considered feminine, and jewelers might be surprised at your request, so if you both go to pick out a ring after the proposal, you are more likely to find something he likes.
The Proposal
Be aware of timing. If your loved one has had a bad day or someone has recently passed away, think about postponing your proposal. You want this moment to be special: Don't let it be clouded by stress or sadness. Additionally, think about making this proposal private and not in front of family and friends. You don't want your loved one to feel pressure or feel as if he has an audience.
Plus, some of his friends and family members might not feel comfortable with the idea of a woman proposing to a man. His more macho friends might give him a hard time. A private proposal would help reduce these problems.
If you think your partner would find getting down on one knee charming, think about incorporating this into your proposal, but don't think it's a prerequisite. Make sure to look your loved one in the eye, and explain why you think the two of you should grow old together. This is a special moment, so take care with your words, and show your partner that you love them.
 | When thinking up marriage proposal ideas, the location of your proposal is as important as asking your loved one to marry you. The memory of the proposal will last a lifetime and can even be the makings of a great story to pass along to your future offspring. |
 | Creative proposal ideas don't have to be all bells and whistles. |
If you are ready to ask your lady love for her hand in marriage, you might be grappling with another big question: should you ask her father first? |
All right, guys - you did it. You found the love of your life. You've got the ring and you're ready to pop the question, but just getting on one knee and asking her to marry you feels so plain. Your love deserves a marriage proposal you'll both be talking about for the rest of your lives. Make you feel a little worried? |
Don't let the thought of popping the question make you nervous. With awareness of your relationship and loved one, not to mention a healthy dose of creativity, you can create a wedding proposal that will make even the most cynical person smile. |
