So you want to “Pop the question” to the love of your life? And…you are searching online to find advice…well, you have come to the right place! Up until this point, the most important day in your life might have been when you walked across the stage at your college graduation, or maybe when you defeated the PS3 game, Halo, or maybe even when you became the proud owner of a 69’ Mustang. Well none of that will compare to what you are about to do. That being said, here are the ultimate guidelines for the “Do’s” to proposing!
Be Certain
The ONLY answer you should or want to here is “YES”….This is not an instance when you don’t want to be unsure of the answer you are expecting to receive. This could turn out to be upsetting and humiliating for both of you and that is no way to end the evening or continue the relationship. Avoid the awkward situation by wading the waters and casually discussing the future of your relationship. (But…don’t wait until just before you want to propose!)
The Element of Surprise
She should in no way be expecting or anticipating this! This is part of the game right! You want to sweep her off her feet and take her by surprise. SO…keep it quite! No one needs to know what or when you will do it. Don’t facebook or twitter it, tell family and friends, or leave receipts laying around. If she gets suspicious, throw her off or even lie (this is the only time I condone this!)
Talk With Her Parents
While it is not necessary this day in age, to ask for permission, it is always a good idea to talk with her parents about your intentions. Asking for their blessing is not only nice to have, it is form of respect.
Be Unique
You don't want to be a copy cat! You want this to be a moment that you both remember forever! The more thought you put into it, the more it will mean to her. After all this is one of the stories that you will be asked and tell more than any other in your lifetime together! Make it count. if you are stuck and just don't know what to do, that is OK because some wedding planners offer services now, where they will help you plan this momentous occasion with you!
Make it Personal
When you think of how to ask your girlfriend make them feel like the whole affair was designed around them! Have her favorite flowers, food or wine with you, invite her family to join you as it is happening, bring her to a spot that means the most to the both of you, cook her special meal…you get the picture! And most importantly add more to the “Will you marry me?” Start the proposal off by telling her why you want to marry her or what you love most about her and then ask the ever so important question.
Practice.Practice.Practice.
More than likely you are going to be so nervous! You need to think about what you want to say, write it down, practice in front of a mirror, use a tape recorder, say it to a friend…whatever you can do to make you feel more confident in asking. These words should flow right out of your mouth without hesitation! Practice does make perfect!
Get on your Knee
Every little girl has dreamt about this day. She has seen it in movies, read about it in books and heard many stories all of which include, YOU getting down on one knee and proposing to her. While this might seem corny or even petty to you, this is something that means the world to her!
Ask the Question
Getting on your knee and showing her a ring doesn’t imply that you want to marry her and it shouldn’t be a given when you do so. You need to ask her “THE” question. These words are indicating you are ready to take the next step in your relationship and you want her to be your wife. She shouldn’t have to assume anything and hearing it from you are words that will linger in her head and heart for the rest of her life.
Pictures are a Must
You want to be sure you have memories of this amazing moment in your life! Aside from your wedding and children’s birth, this will be a one of the most important memories that you will share with friends and family for years! Take it from me, I have personal experience with this one! When my husband asked me to marry him, he didn't think to have a camera or anyone take pictures afterwards. The only thing we could get our hands on was this little Polaroid camera that the restaurant had and the picture was so blurry and small it didn’t even matter. I was so upset that the restaurant let me take the plate home so i could photograph it but we still had no picture of us! Arrange to bring your camera and hand it someone to take a picture, have friends and family join you right after, or have a professional photographer there to capture it all! Whatever you do, get pictures!
Tune in tomorrow for the every so important “Don’ts” to popping the question!
![]()
del.icio.us Tags: popping the question,marriage proposal,taking the plunge,marry me,engagement,engagement ring,how to propose
BuzzNet Tags: engagement,marry me,proposal,popping the question,marriage proposal,how to propose,taking the plunge,engagement ring

 iWedding Deluxe: (Just Released! $7.99) plan every little detail about your wedding with iWedding. Track  your  RSVPs with guest lists, meal choices, seating arrangements and contact information. Let the budget analysis keep you on budget. Integrate your contacts with your address book. Keep a record of all payments, total costs, and information for all of your vendors. They even have pre-installed to-do lists that you can customize or delete if you don't need them.
Organizer: (free) There are a great many versions of this type of app to pick from. The task management tool for iPhone enables you to stay on track with appointments and “To Do" lists to help you become more organized. You can set your phone to notify you when an item is due for payment, an appointment time, or an every so important decision needs to be made.  

Gotta Etsy :(.99)You are going to love this app!  Etsy is the on-line source for all things handmade – and there are a ton of different wedding related items from custom letterpress invitations and save the date cards, to ring pillows, table numbers, favors, cute packaging, veils, and much more.  If you cant find what you are looking for..post a alchemy request and spell out exactly what you want or are looking for and watch the proposals and quotes flow in!


Sunrise Sunset: (.99) Want to know the best time for pictures? Maybe you want your ceremony to happen while the sun is setting? Or you just want to know when the sunrise and sunset times are…well this easy to use application will display the sunrise, sunset, dawn, solar noon, and dusk using your built in GPS for the location where you are currently or enter your own custom location.
Amazon Mobile: (free) As everyone knows, Amazon  is the most comprehensive on-line shopping site on the internet. Create a wish list and share it with friends and family. Use it just like a bridal registry. Guests can even order gifts right from your wish list, and send them to you with a gift card.



Maps: (free-comes on your iPhone) – There are some powerful features to the built in map program – When you are visiting a venue, use the drop a pin feature to note the location then add it to your contacts. You can get directions from your hotel to the venue, and reception and send them to friends so they don’t get lost, too. You can even check traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck. My favorite and the most progressive and accurate is GOOGLE Maps. (Also available on Blackberry)
Banking Apps: (free) Most all large banks have mobile applications (Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, USAA, and even Paypal) will help you keep track of your finances and stay on budget. Check your balances to make sure you have the funds in your account and check when checks/deposits have cleared. (Also available for Blackberry)



 If you love to shop online or just don't have time to face the crowds and lines, then you need to check out EBATES. You are going to LOVE THIS! It is free to sign up and costs NOTHING but each time you make a purchase from one of the 1200+ stores listed on their site, you get money back! (up to 25% back on some stores!)  I have received about $300 dollars back in the last two years from my shop online ventures. From big names like Macys, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Saks Fifth Ave,  Sears, DSW, Walmart, Best Buy, Gap, Ebay, Nordstrom's, Banana Republic to MANY more food, travel and gift stores,  you are sure to complete your wedding present or holiday shopping in a breeze. You can add your list of favorite stores to notify you when they are doing double cash back rewards and hot new coupons to make sure you don't miss the best deal!