How to Propose in a Restaurant

She's the one. She's the love of your life. You are absolutely sure that you want to marry her, and you've decided to propose. Proposing in a restaurant is a fun and great idea. This is perfect if the restaurant was the location of your first date. Other special meanings may be attached to the restaurant. It just may have the perfect romantic ambiance. Perhaps you want to catch her off-guard when she least expects it. Whatever your reason, proposing in a restaurant can be a work of art.

Instructions

1. Make a reservation more than a month in advance at the restaurant that you have chosen as your proposal location. Depending on the exclusive nature of the restaurant, it may be important to make a reservation even before that time. A month's notice is standard and acceptable for most restaurants. Let the hostess know that you plan on proposing that evening. She can likely make a note of that and let the manager know as well.

2. Plan what you are going to say. Although you know that you love her with all your heart, stating that you love her is not going to be enough if you want to create an epic, romantic marriage proposal. Write out all that she means to you. Write it from the heart. Commit it to memory. Write out how you feel about how she looks, acts, feels, thinks and is as a person. Write out what you will be for her as a husband. Write about what you will give her that you know she needs. This is what it takes to create a thoughtful, smart and sincere proposal.

3. Talk to her about what she thinks about your future a bit over a month before the restaurant proposal. This will ensure that the two of you are on the same page, but it will give it enough of a time cushion so that she is no long suspicious that you plan to propose soon.

4. Decide how you want to propose. You may want to hide the ring in a dish, drop it in a champagne glass or have it be sitting there when the butter dish lid is pulled up. There are scores of creative ways to pull this off in a restaurant. Simply choose what you think would most delight her.

5. Call the restaurant the week of your reservation. Talk to the manager. Don't waste your time speaking with other staff who may have no control over the way the restaurant will run on the evening that you will be proposing. A manager can best take care of your needs for the night.

6. Plan to meet your girlfriend at the restaurant. Even if you usually always pick her up for a date, make sure to arrange it so that you have a logical excuse of why she must meet you there. Arrive over half an hour early, even earlier if your girlfriend is usually very early herself. Tell the hostess that evening about your proposal. Ask to speak to the manager once again. This is the time when you go over any special plans and needs you have. You may need assistance with the proposal. If you want the ring placed in a serving dish or otherwise as a part of the meal, you'll need to hand over the ring at this time to make sure all goes as planned. Tip anybody who immediately helps you at this time. Restaurants have different cutting times, and you may not get to tip the kind soul later on.

7. Make sure you are given a romantic spot in the restaurant. If you aren't happy, be prepared to wait for a perfect table or booth. Sine your plan is known to the hostess, she's sure to do what she can to take care of things.

8. Throw your girlfriend off of any suspicions she may have for the evening by conducting unusually boring small talk. Do it in a fun way, but go over every detail of a great game you recently saw. Do something that will make her think that you are in a different sort of place for the evening. Stop if she seems to be getting pretty irritated, but keep on this trail as long as you can...until you are ready to put your plan into motion.

9. Bring out the ring...or have it otherwise presented...around time for dessert. This will be the greatest surprise and be completely unexpected by this point if she had earlier suspicions.

10. Get down on one knee beside your girlfriend's chair. Give your prepared speech, making sure you are speaking honestly and genuinely from your heart. You do not want to sound monotone. This is the most passionate and exciting act you will ever make as a single man. Show her how much you love her in every way.

11. Show her how thrilled you are when she says yes. Express verbally how happy she has made you. Kiss her. Enjoy the bliss. The entire restaurant is likely enthralled and applauding. You've helped many people have a memorable evening.

12. Be generous. Tip each and every person who helped with your proposal. Tip each person generously. Your kindness will also impress your future wife as you bring an end to your wonderful adventure.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't propose without a plan in mind. If you're thinking that just winging it will work out, you're not taking into account all the little things that can transpire--and make you nervous--along the way. Even if you are daddy cool, get a plan in motion before you walk in that restaurant door.