7 Essential Steps for The Perfect Proposal

As a couple, you pride yourselves on making decisions together, and that’s the exact right approach for almost everything.

The proposal is the exception.

Here are the three things she’s looking for: -

1. That you have a romantic side.
2. That you can make a decision.
3. That you value her.

We’ve been helping guys propose for over 90 years and we’ve written it all down. Here’s our playbook.

• Be sure to tell them in great detail why you love her so much.
• Thank them for the effort they put into raising her and making her the wonderful person she is today.
• Reassure them that your shared future is filled with promise. She is in the best hands; you will always treat her well and protect her from harm.

Hold back on the funny story and to the adrenaline junkies, save the skydive for another day. 

Even more so, avoid putting precious jewellery in food or dropping it into champagne. Nothing is more awkward than fishing a ring out of a narrow flute - the only thing you're guaranteed of is your  fiancée in a sticky mess.

• Make her fairytale come true. Apply yourself to weaving in nostalgic touches that reflect your journey together...
• Return to special places you've visited as a couple.
• Build up to the moment by using items that hold sentimental value for you both.
• Move her to emotion by ordering her favourite flowers, playing 'your' song or reciting a poem she loves.
• Engage a professional photographer to discreetly capture the moment. Later on, you can relive the magic with friends and family.
• Don't forget that a girl needs to look her best for the biggest event of her romantic life. Subtly and without letting the cat out the bag get the help of a trusted girlfriend to orchestrate hair and nails for the big day!
• "And remember to spruce yourself up too!"
  

• Use her full name
• Tell her why you love her and all the reasons she's your soulmate
• Paint a picture of your dreams and shared future together
• Don't forget to use the four big words

In this modern day and age, we've come to expect expendiency in all things...even romance! But, there is a place for time-honoured tradition. The simple act of getting down on one knee is a wonderful homage to a time when romance and gallantry was the order of the day. She will absolutely love it and the moment will forever be cherished by you both. 

One more tip. The proposal is an intimate moment meant just for two. While the presence of family and friends is comforting for you, they're more likely to pressure her into a public display of affection. Take our advice and save the mandated PDA for your wedding day.

If she has a strong opinion about the design of the ring, trust us, she would have made sure you know about it. If she hasn’t, that’s her way of saying she trusts your judgment.

What you absolutely must not do is cut corners. No dodgy online jewellers or backyard specials, and most certainly no compromising on a natural diamond. Dragging her with you to consent to synthetics is cheap and unromantic. In fact, for her it’s a red flag.

One more thing. This is one purchase where splitting the bill is not an option. Rule of thumb – budget around 3 months’ salary if not more. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make.

A natural diamond isn’t just a rock. It’s proof of something rare and unique, that’s been formed over billions of years – the perfect symbol of true love. She might smile politely at a synthetic stand-in but, deep down she knows the difference between something real and something pretending to be.

Guys don't always appreciate the significance of where the ring comes from. When she sees the ring box, it evokes high emotions - excitement, pride, joy, gratitude, love. But most importantly she will immediately know that to you, she is the real deal.

If you’ve proposed with a ring worthy of her - one you can both be proud of - watch her posture improve as she stands tall. The right box allows her to relax and enjoy the moment.