How to Make a Clever Marriage Proposal

Guys, when it comes to the marriage proposal thing, I feel your pain. I asked my husband to marry me and it was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. Even though I was nervous, it was a good nervous if you know what I mean -- this-is-the-beginning-of-something-big kind of nervous. The one thing I wished I had was some sort of prop (other than the ring), something to help me get the words out. So in hopes of helping my fellow proposers and inspiring the girls to do the asking, here are some ideas to help settle your nerves.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Memories
• Creativity
• Ring
• Time

1. Review your mental home movie for information that would help set the tone. The location where you met or where you went on your first date, special music, any inside jokes you can play off of, etc. We're looking for something that is just between the two of you, something intimate and personal.

2. If you can sneak out of town, place an ad in the local newspaper, order breakfast up to the room, and read the paper together, when she finds it (or when you help her find it) pull out the ring and do the asking. Keep the newspaper and mementos from the hotel as part of you wedding heirlooms.

3. Cook a romantic dinner at home and plan some slow dancing after dessert. For late night entertainment, screen a slide show you've put together that includes favorite photos of the two of you. The last few are of you holding up a series of signs that tell her how crazy you are about her, the last one has the proposal written on it. Keep the slide show and screen it again at the engagement party.

4. Does she wear anything of yours? Such as a sweatshirt, boxers, t-shirt, etc.? If so have it embroidered with her name and the proposal. Wait for her to discover it, and it will be a surprise for both of you!

5. Wrap up a box of travel brochures and posters. Put a card inside the box amongst all the travel swag that reads "Where would you like to go on our honeymoon?" Then ask her on a fun date: miniature golf, a movie and arcade games, bowling, a beach walk and clam bake dinner, a drive with a picnic, concert, and so on. At the end of the evening give her the gift!

6. Make it sweet. Ask her out for dessert and find a place that makes a killer sundae. Enlist the help of the management and place a ruby engagement ring on top of the sundae (the cherry on top). When it's placed in front of her and she notices the ruby, it's time to pop the question! If you are nervous about the ring being out of your sight then make the sundaes at your place.

7. Log on to Shutterfly (see below) and make a photo book. Tell the story of you and your sweetie with photos and text. The last photo should be of you, the caption is the proposal.

8. Draw her a luxurious bath complete with bubbles, oil, scented candles...the works. Float a message in a bottle with the proposal on it.