Proposing on Valentine’s Day? The Do’s and Don’ts for a Great Proposal
Thinking of proposing on Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone. According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, last year six million people planned to pop the question on the most romantic day of the year. Follow these five do’s and don’ts to make sure your proposal is cherished and not cheesy:
DO know what she likes
Presumably, if you’re going to ask a woman to marry you, you’re acquainted with her well enough to know what her favorite things to do are and where she likes to go. However, figuring out how to work those faves into the perfect proposal might not be so easy. Lucky for you, there’s a website for that. Visit HowHeAsked.com to find hundreds of proposal ideas. While you’re there, click on “The Man Blog” for tips on everything from including your dog in the proposal to diamond-buying advice.
DO embrace the holiday
In an attempt to sidestep Valentine’s cliches, it can be tempting to avoid things like hearts, candy and flowers. However, why propose on Valentine’s Day if not to embrace the very elements that make the day so romantic and fun? A perfect way to celebrate with class and style is with a beautiful floral bouquet. Not sure which flowers to send? The Language of Flowers app, 99 cents at iTunes, will make sure you’re getting the right message across.
DO go big
Just make sure to keep in mind your intended’s comfort zone. Some ladies love a massive public display, while others might prefer something more intimate. Either way, “big” doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune or enlisting the help of a small army—though it could. Big simply means something significant for you as a couple, such as proposing after climbing your favorite mountain or proposing at the location where you first met. If it’s meaningful for you both, that’s good enough.
DON’T forget the details
Proposing while skydiving? Great! Except that you actually can’t hear anything while you’re busy plummeting 130 mph toward the earth. Proposing outdoors? Fantastic! But make sure the weather forecast is on your side and you have a solid Plan B in case Mother Nature has any objections. An idea for a proposal might seem great in your head, but make sure you’ve considered all the angles before possibly blowing the greatest moment of your relationship so far.
DON’T propose in bed
Unless you’re absolutely sure this would appeal to your intended, you’re risking serious disappointment. If she’s envisioning a romantic gesture or at the very least, you down on one knee, proposing postcoitus is generally not a good idea. If the lovemaking was mind-blowing she’ll most likely say yes, but she’ll probably be wishing you’d at least bothered to roll out of bed and get dressed before popping the question. Put in the effort and save the lovemaking for after she’s said, “Yes!”
