How to Ask a Girl to Marry You

Asking a girl to marry you takes careful romantic planning.

Asking a girl to marry you is one of the most significant and life-altering questions you'll ever ask. After making the decision to propose, planning the perfect proposal is the next step. Since you and your bride-to-be will remember and treasure this memory for years to come, it's important to propose in a way that fully shows your love and devotion. The best proposals aren't necessarily flashy, but acknowledge the special qualities of your romance.

Instructions

1. Buy a ring. Traditionally, you should offer your girlfriend a ring at the time of proposal. To choose the perfect ring, ask her friends and family, observe your girlfriend's current jewelry and fashion sense or use advice and hints she's provided in the past. If you'd rather choose the ring together, use a placeholder ring. Buy a basic and inexpensive ring or a playful toy ring that you'll replace after your girlfriend accepts your proposal.

2. Ask for advice. Talking to your girlfriend's closest friends and family reveals important details about your girlfriend's dream proposal. Ask for inspiration and details that will personalize your proposal. For instance, she may have always wanted a Disneyland proposal or dreamed of a traditional dinner and carriage ride.

3. 

   Nature-lovers may love a romantic outdoor proposal.

   Write down a list of ideas. Set aside private time to brainstorm ideas. Write down your own favorite ideas as well as ideas that suit your girlfriend's personality. Draw on her favorite movies, hobbies and interests as inspiration. Consider logistical details as well. For instance, if your girlfriend is a private person, consider proposing in an intimate environment. If she likes attention and celebration, a public proposal is more suitable.

4. Look at the calendar. It's worth consulting the calendar to choose a meaningful and convenient date. Some women enjoy a proposal on a romantic day, such as Valentine's Day, her birthday or your dating anniversary. Try to propose on a day when you and your girlfriend will feel relaxed, rather than right before a stressful life event such as a job interview.

5. Rehearse. If you want to say more than the standard "Will you marry me?," rehearse your proposal so it sounds natural but fluent. If there are any elaborate details, such as proposing on a JumboTron at a sports event, make all the arrangements several weeks ahead of time and double-check as the time draws closer. If other people are involved in the proposal, rehearse until you all feel confident.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid proposing until you're fairly confident that your girlfriend will say yes. If you've been fighting recently or have only been dating a short time, proposing places too much pressure on both of you. If you don't feel confident of her answer, avoid public proposals that may lead to embarrassment.

• Except for asking advice from her closest friends and family, avoid talking about the proposal with other people. If you tell too many people, someone may accidentally ruin the surprise.

• Think about your girlfriend's desires over your own. For instance, only attempt a prank proposal if you know she has a good sense of humor.

References

• The Frisky; Guy Talk - How To Propose Like A Champ; Phil Dotree; June 25, 2010
• Grooms Online; How to Propose - A Modern Man's Cheat Sheet; Sarah Pease