

Marriage Proposal Pal

The Art Of Planning The Perfect Marriage Proposal

Grace Pamer

Published by Grace Pamer on Smashwords

Copyright 2013

Formatted by eBooksMade4You

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you wish to share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the authors' work.

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Books written by Grace Pamer can be obtained either through the author's official website:

www.romanceneverdies.com

or through select, online book retailers.

Cover photo courtesy of Adam Ashenfelter and his fiancée Aubrie Gail Nelson

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 The How To Propose Section

Chapter 2 The USA Marriage Proposal Destinations Chapter

Chapter 3 The European Marriage Proposal Destinations Chapter

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Introduction

Of all the things you will ever ask in his lifetime, the one question you don't want to screw up is asking the woman you love if she will marry you. Whether you're at the early stages of a relationship or considering getting down on one knee in the near future, this ebook could be your saving grace in planning the perfect marriage proposal to win your lady's heart.

On the following pages you will find everything you could ever want to know about carrying out a marriage proposal, from popping the question on a boat to asking her the big question while falling through the air in a sky dive. Via my blog RomanceNeverDies.com, I understand that planning a proposal can be a daunting task, and I want to make it that bit easier for you so that the only part you have to play is picking the proposal that appeals to you and biting the bullet when you get down on that one knee.

With all the YouTube marriage proposal sensations crowding all your news feeds and timelines, it's hard not to be intimidated by what's out there, and the kind of expectations your girlfriend may have created from such extravagant proposals! But whether you've decided to follow in the footsteps of these grand planners, or to keep your proposal on the down-low, we've got a whole bank of ideas to suit all your proposal needs.

First of all I would like to say congratulations! You've made the first big step towards achieving your perfect proposal by downloading this very nifty ebook. Asking someone to marry you is a life-changing decision, and one that is not to be taken lightly, so a decent amount of planning and effort is required to really make an impression. But with all the seriousness that comes with carrying out a marriage proposal, there's also a lot of enjoyment to be had in planning it all, so be sure to have fun with this ebook as well as using it as your trusty guide to ever-lasting happiness!

I understand that putting yourself out there (potentially in front of a lot of people!) while pouring your heart out to the woman you love is probably one of the scariest things you'll ever do, and no guy wants to be the one who gets it spectacularly wrong. That is why I'm determined to provide you with all the marriage proposal information you could possibly want. With the help of this ebook and my Marriage Proposal Pal app which you can find at www.romanceneverdies.com/your-marriage-proposal-pal/, not only will you be able to deliver a fantastic marriage proposal to your fiancée-to-be, but you'll have the confidence to do it smoothly. Good luck!

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Chapter 1

The How To Propose Section

How To Pull Off A Successful On Stage Proposal

Proposals made in public places are increasingly popular these days if the amount of viral hits on Youtube.com is anything to be believed. Being a star of sorts for a few minutes, or even days, seems to be a real motivator for some people. Take caution however for there are plenty of pitfalls with planning a proposal like this and it is not for every girl. In fact it could be the source of huge embarrassment so tread carefully.

With that warning out the way and you clearly sure that your girlfriend is not going to mind being the focus of attention, one of the most public spots you could choose to ask your fiancée to marry you is on a stage, in front of hundreds if not thousands of people. Both you and she will be the centre of attention for a very short time, but it should be enough to get the job done. So check out these tips for a successful on stage proposal if you have the stomach for such a plan of action and, more importantly, you know that she does (seriously I can't stress this enough).

Planning Your On Stage Proposal 101

1. Pick The Event

If you're going to propose on stage, obviously the first thing to do is to choose the event that will provide the best situation for your own mini-event. Concerts are a natural choice, since many people share a love of music and have a favourite band that they like to see in a live setting. You could even provide the music performance yourself by singing.

2. Pick The Venue

A regional group that has a following in a smaller area might be a better choice than, say, the Rolling Stones. And with bands having their own Facebook pages and contact being easier to accomplish, you can probably make your request directly. Other possible stage events to consider are plays or presentations, half-time shows at sports events, and between show times at county fairs.

3. Keep It A Secret Until The Last Second

One problem with the on stage proposal is getting her out there without letting her know what you're planning. Especially if she's the shy type, you may have to get very creative to coax her up on stage, and some subterfuge might be necessary in any case. If you can get the band or someone with microphone access to go along with the ruse, you could be announced as winners of a contest or raffle, or your license number could be announced and the owner asked to come up for a special giveaway of some kind.

4. Plan Your Proposal Properly

However you decide to go about it make sure you plan carefully. You'll need to get tickets to the staged event, if needed, in advance and to firm up a time for your proposal. You'll only have a minute or two, and of course that's all you'll need, but you'll have to have a strategy to be notified of the right time to go up on stage... so plan those toilet breaks carefully is all I'm saying!

Once you're on the stage, you'll want the person with the microphone to set up your proposal, or you could take control yourself and say some meaningful words like the guy in the following video does by reciting a poem on stage. You'll need the ring at the ready, and when you are at centre stage and the crowd is roaring, you'll need to go down on one knee in the traditional manner and pop the question.

If you have the kahuna's then this is a marriage proposal that no one will ever forget! Plan it well, plan it in advance and absolutely be sure that your partner will be comfortable with the public nature of this proposal as it is not for everyone.

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How to Put a Flash Mob Marriage Proposal Together

If you are not familiar with the concept of a flash mob, and thus I assume been living in a shoe box in a Potassium mine in Mongolia for the past decade, then first let me explain. It occurs when a large group of people assemble in a public place and perform for a short time and then disperse. These flash mobs are usually organised on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and are carried out for entertainment value, artistic expression and for charity purposes. Recently, the number of flash mobs taking place around the world has increased and people have been using them as a great way to propose to their loved one. So just how do you go about planning a flash mob marriage proposal and does it suit everyone? Let's take a look at what you need to consider.

Flash Mob Marriage Proposal 101

1. It's all in the planning

In order to plan a successful flash mob for a proposal you need to be super organised, imaginative and discreet. You obviously do not want your other half to find out but you will need them to be at the location at the right time when the flash mob takes place. You should contact everyone that you want to be there by twitter (best to use a fake account) or Facebook and give out specific instructions such as what time to meet and details of the meeting place.

Maybe you have decided to make your flash mob a themed occasion. If that is the case you will need to organise the relevant costumes. You will also need to make sure everyone has been sent the moves to learn in advance. Do not invite people who cannot keep a secret or people who are easily embarrassed as that will spoil the event.

2. Do it in a unique setting

Nothing will shock your partner more than a flash mob in a unique setting. The more romantic the location the better. Take for example Pete from the Peak District in Northern England who arranged a flash mob to coalesce as he and his girlfriend entered Central Park in New York City whilst on holiday (check it out on You Tube if in doubt)!

First he had taken his girlfriend to New York as a surprise Christmas present and, whilst there, arranged a full flash mob to work their magic so that he could propose in the most unforgettable way ever. Can you picture your partner's reaction if she was in the same boat? If you think it will be positive then this could be the perfect proposal idea for you.

3. Ask yourself this first though; is my partner shy?

Of course if your girlfriend or fiancée is the shy and retiring type you probably should not plan a flash mob proposal as this has the potential to embarrass her in a big way. If, on the other hand, she is the type who is game for a laugh then a flash mob proposal is the ideal way to make a statement. You will be telling her exactly how much you love her in a very public setting in front of hundreds of people. This takes a lot of nerve and only men who are comfortable with their emotions should probably undertake this!

Flash mobs are often used in order to raise money for charity so you could perhaps ask everyone who is taking part to make a donation of say five dollars and ask your girlfriend which charity she would like to donate this money to. This would make the proposal extra special as you are doing a good deed as well as declaring your love to someone.

Really the world is your oyster regarding which type of flash mob style to put together. You could do a Zumba style, a pillow fight, line dancing or simply a freeze. A flash mob dance in the style of the 1970s or 1980s is also a fun idea (think of all the shoulder pads and platform shoes!).

4. Check out Flash Mob America and Flash Mob UK

If you're in the USA or thinking of heading there for your proposal then check out an organisation called Flash Mob America which organises these events online. They could be a great starting point for working out how to plan the flash mob event with you. Alternatively check out the UK version at Flash Mob UK if planning the event in the UK.

In my humble opinion it is much better to propose in this offbeat way than just taking someone out for a meal at McDonalds (seriously I read about such a proposal the other day). It will probably be caught on hundreds of cell phone cameras and may even make it on to the local news! It is a moment neither of you will ever forget and could be the perfect launch pad for your future life together. Good luck and get planning!

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How to Plan the Perfect Fancy Dress Costume Marriage Proposal in Disguise

Fiancés have proposed under the ocean, on mountaintops, while falling through the air, and while doing just about any activity you can think of but not too many have tried this full costume marriage proposal idea. It really has the power to shock and impress as your fiancée will have no idea who you are or what's happening until you get down on one knee and say the magic words. The great thing about it is that it can be done in relative privacy if need be. So let's take a look at what you need to do in order to pull it off.

There are probably just as many ways to actually carry out your proposal as there are potential marriage partners, but to really stand out you'll have to come up with something kind of wild. Not necessarily dangerous, but wacky and memorable all the same.

Costume Marriage Proposal 101

1. Choose the time and place

In order to be completely disguised, you'll need to have a full costume that covers your face or makes you unrecognizable. Because there are a limited number of full-costume characters that you could employ for your disguised proposal. As such you'll need to pick the time and place for your scheme very carefully.

You want to be sure that your character is appropriate so it doesn't stand out for the wrong reason – like a clown in full make-up on July 4th. Holidays like Halloween, Easter or Christmas make the most sense for easy costumes and crowds of people. You can be Santa, an elf, the Easter bunny, Chewbacca, a Disney character or whatever else tickles your fancy.

Important holidays are also easier in accomplishing a major task in your plan, namely, getting your fiancée to a set place at a set time with the help of your friends. But there are other ways to accomplish your goal – maybe both of you are into Star Wars, Star Trek, ComicCon, or some similar group that holds a convention that you can attend, and get her to attend as well. Imagine being Darth Vader and surprising her with a ring!

2. Plan the caper with your cohorts

You'll need some accomplices that are willing to play along with the whole process. The biggest problem will be getting your fiancée to the place where you will be in disguise, without you, and without becoming suspicious. Her best friend or a group of friends would probably be the most effective at this charade.

They will have to make the invitation, get her to venue at the right time, and make sure that there are no hitches or distractions along the way. There should also be a videographer who can record the entire drama for posterity, so be sure to go over the recording plan carefully with that person.

3. Get your act together

The most important thing is to know where to get the right costume, and to make sure it's available on the day you need it. Costume rentals are available in most cities, and you can usually reserve the costume in advance. Of course, make sure it looks right, and fits before you make the commitment. After all, you've only got one chance to get it right – until the next holiday, of course.

While you are choosing a costume, think about where the ring will be hidden too. An Easter egg, a Christmas gift, a Star trek phaser – anything matching the overall theme will do, but plan ahead so there are no problems with the ring.

4. Carry out the craziness

When the big day comes, make sure you and your cohorts have the plan down to a tee and that it is well rehearsed. Make sure your costume is ready and the ring and its container are present and accounted for. However you are going to manage to get your fiancé to the planned venue without you, be sure to have contingency plans worked in advance just in case something goes wrong along the way. Maybe a backup venue if it's raining or alternative costume if something goes wrong at costume hire shop. Then you're ready.

Have a friend drive you to the meeting place, or drive yourself but don't wear the head part of the costume – you don't want to be delayed by the police. Once you get there, have fun with your alter ego until you meet up with the group. Flirt a little, but don't give yourself away by talking. When the time is right and the video camera is rolling, get down on one knee, pull out the ring, and then utter the magic words. It's a moment neither of you will ever forget, and she'll love you for it – forever.

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How to Plan a Successful Billboard Marriage Proposal

Planning a marriage proposal is a source of anxiety to men the world over. In our culture the act of requesting a woman's hand in marriage is fraught with danger, not the least of which is the possibility that the answer to the all-important question may be NO. But let's assume that in real life, as opposed to the movies, you generally don't ask the question if you don't already know the answer. If you do and it's going to be yes then a billboard marriage proposal could be the ideal solution for you.

The great thing about a billboard proposal is that it is memorable and will not be considered plain and ordinary. It allows your romantic creativity to come out and play and perfectly demonstrates just how much you love her!

Billboard Marriage Proposal 101

1. Set the Stage

The most important step is deciding where the message will be posted. There are several options, including advertising billboards, magnetic signs, rock cuts along the road, or even menu or display boards at roadside restaurants or stands. Your particular situation will have to be considered. Since the ultimate goal is for your lover to see your message, the most important criteria is putting it somewhere easily visible.

2. Behind the Scenes

Once you've decided where the question will be displayed, you'll have to prepare for the big day – or night, as the case may be. You'll want an engagement ring and to think about how you will ask the question – the exact words – and be sure that your message will fit on your chosen medium. A billboard has lots of space, but a rock wall may be limited – so plan accordingly.

3. Have an accomplice

You have to get your lover to the place where the question is emblazoned for all – and her – to see, so you may need some help depending again on your plan. Have a friend call you both to come over right away on some pretence, or just make up some reason to go for a drive. If possible have a friend video-tape the whole scene from a hiding place as this will be a great touch and appreciated by both of you in years to come.

4. Popping the question

Once you have the message in place, you'll have to take the plunge, or in this case the drive, to get there. You'll want to make sure the message is readable, so daylight might be best, but night time is more romantic. Use your headlights or bring a powerful flashlight along if you plan to do it at night. Get her to the place and make sure the message is seen, and do the deed.

5. Wrapping it up

Once you've laid the foundation, the rest is easy – hopefully. She'll see your personalized, hand-crafted request for marriage on the billboard or rock wall or magnetic sign – and she'll say yes, of course I'll marry you. You'll put the ring on her finger, and you'll both live in romantic bliss, happily ever after – again hopefully.

Asking the woman that you love to marry you doesn't have to be an anxiety-filled process. With your creativity and a little planning, it can be a memory that lasts a lifetime. And the roadside message method has the added quality of being a public declaration of your love – which will make the event that much more memorable.

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How to Pull Off a Scuba Diving Marriage Proposal

A marriage proposal is an important step in the life of a couple. It is the ultimate romantic statement, an expression of the fact that you want to spend the rest of your life with your partner and something that will become a shared and treasured memory for both of you for years to come. So you may want to consider a fairly imaginative idea to make sure it has the necessary "wow" factor to make your partner weak at the knees. So what better than a scuba diving marriage proposal, a unique proposal idea if ever there was one!

Scuba Diving Marriage Proposal 101

1. Setting the stage

Obviously, the very first requirement is that you both know how to scuba dive. It won't do for the first timer, either, if you think you can plan a beginner lesson and throw in a marriage proposal. Both of you need to be comfortable under the water and to know how to operate the gear. The alternative is to stage a scuba proposal at an aquarium, something which is covered later on.

If you're confident that you are both decent enough divers, you need to plan a trip preferably to somewhere with warm waters (you might struggle to put a ring on a finger if your partner is wearing a cold water wet suit with gloves!). The Mediterranean, Gulf Coast of the US and Australia all have great dive locations so, depending on your budget, you should research your options online at length to figure the best setting for your circumstances. If in doubt check out scubadiving.com which publishes a reader's choice list of the best locations around the world every year.

2. Behind the Scenes

All the usual preparations have to happen, such as getting the engagement ring and knowing the right words for your request. Once you've done this, you'll have to figure out how to get the ring down with you, and how to put it on her finger. You can use a shell to carry it in, or a jewellery box with a piece of tacky adhesive in it to hold the ring. Whatever you do, do not lose the ring at the bottom of the ocean!

3. Have an accomplice

It may be important to have another diver along to take a video if you want a record of the event, and to assist with any hand-offs. You could hire an extra scuba instructor or ask another diver you know to tag along, but just make sure you have a good reason for him or her to be there. You want to keep the element of surprise as long as you can.

4. Popping the question

You will also have to have an underwater writing slate, the writing board that divers typically use to communicate, along with you – another area where an accomplice comes in handy. This is how you'll actually make the request, by writing your proposal on the board. Don't be too flowery or lengthy, since the space and legibility are limited. Just make sure it is personal and says what it needs to say. Sometimes simplicity wins out so "Will you marry me?" might suffice given the element of surprise you will be bringing to the dive.

5. Wrapping it up

Practice the process with your accomplice so that you know how everything will work, and so you have contingency plans. What happens if there is an equipment glitch, or if, heaven forbid, you drop the ring before you can get it on her hand? Having a back-up and emergency plan in place will put your mind at ease.

Being creative with your proposal will make it an unforgettable moment for both of you. A lifetime memory will be the result of a little bit of planning, and a lot of love.

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How to Pull Off a Musical Marriage Proposal for the Non-Musically Talented

A marriage proposal is one of the most important events in the lifetime of a couple. It can also be the source of a great deal of anxiety, for the proposer at least. There is the worry about the answer, the concern about the engagement ring choice and nowadays the added pressure of pulling off an unforgettable proposal idea. Well fear not dear reader for help is at hand and if you want a sure fire solution look no further than a musical marriage proposal; a winner every time.

Musical Marriage Proposal 101

1. It's Perfect For Both Musicians & Non-musicians Alike

As a culture we treasure the proposal as a dramatic moment in life – the dropping down on one knee, the earnest words, the silence waiting for the positive reply and the celebration that usually follows. Using music to frame the proposal event, or even to make the proposal itself, is a great way to go about it, especially for a person who can't sing or play himself.

If you happen to be gifted with the talent and skill to play and sing a self-composed song as a proposal to your lover, more power to you, and you already know how to proceed. But if, like most of us, you can't carry a tune in a bag and you don't know one end of a guitar from the other, you'll need help pulling this method off.

2. Start With The Music Selection

The most important thing to do to beginning with is to think carefully about the music. You may have a song in mind that started you on this road in the first place like your lover's favourite tune, the song that defines you as a couple, or piece of dramatic music that you know will pull on the heart strings (SebastienTellier's long play version of La Ritournelle springs to mind).

You might also think about songs that actually carry a marriage proposal as part of the lyric in some way, and use it as a starter for your verbal proposal. If you search Google on songs for proposing marriage, you'll get a good-sized list of possibilities to choose from – something that strikes a personal chord is bound to show up.

3. Decide on the Musical Method

Here's where your creativity and experience come in and make this a wonderful proposal method. Once you've decided on the music you will employ to set the stage for the proposal, think about how to do it. If the two of you have a favourite local band, duo or solo musician that you enjoy hearing together, consider asking for a favour. Musicians as a rule love to have a little break from the routine, and might be willing to play a part in your drama by providing the music in a live setting or somewhere more private. Think about a venue that means a lot to the two of you, like a particular spot at the beach, in the park, your back garden or wherever means the most to you, and arrange for the musicians to be there at a set time.

Another option is a karaoke situation in which you find an accomplice who can sing the song along with a pre-recorded track at your favourite karaoke nightspot. Then you can take to the stage and pop the question – after setting all of this up with the person MC'ing the karaoke, of course. And DJs at clubs are similarly usually amenable to playing a role by playing the song you have requested and giving you a helping hand in the proposal.

Alternatively you could try and replicate one of the world's most famous viral musical marriage proposals going. For help setting up that style you may need to arrange a flash mob so it would be worth checking out our flash mob marriage proposal guide as well.

4. Pop the Question Musically

Once you have the music, the venue, and the method of making the music planned, you are pretty much home free. Of course you'll have to be prepared with a speech, and a ring, and some accomplices to make sure that the whole thing goes according to plan, but those are the easy parts. Your lover will be thrilled and impressed that you were able to make your proposal such a memorable and loving occasion, and you'll both have a memory to cherish for the rest of your lives.

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How to Pull Off a Successful Fairy Lights Proposal

Proposing marriage to your partner is one of the most romantic and yet also difficult things a man has to face. The moment when you pop the question to your lover should be carefully orchestrated and planned for maximum effect – after all, it's the moment when you both make that lasting commitment to each other that will reverberate through and affect the rest of your life together.

It's also a moment that will be remembered forever by the two of you, so why not make it as spectacular as possible? There are many ways to plan and carry out a proposal, but if you're going for dramatic, romantic, memorable, and impressive all in one package, few methods compare to the fairy lights proposal method.

Fairy Lights Proposal 101

1. What Is A Fairy Lights Proposal?

Fairy lights are tiny LEDs that are strung on a very fine wire, powered by a small battery pack. You can get them in varying lengths and colours, and they are quite beautiful in a twinkly, fairyland sort of way. Because they don't need to be plugged in like Christmas lights do, they are very portable, and because the wire they are mounted to is pliable, they can be formed and made into all kinds of shapes and configurations.

2. Where Do I Put Them?

The setting for the fairy light proposal is very important, because you want the lights to be visible and striking. As such you don't want a brightly lit environment, or for that matter a crowded or often-used place. A dark area of a park or forest preserve is good, as long as it's easy to get to. Of course, you can also use an indoor setting if you want to although the impact will not be quite the same.

What you are trying to do is create a little wonderland, a magical place to deliver your message. If you apply a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you'll find just the right spot.

A second consideration is how you should mount the string of lights or whether they be mounted at all? The answer depends on how you're going to use the lights. Are they going to in trees, all over the floor or somewhere else?

3. How Do I Use Them?

The great thing about fairy lights is that they can be shaped into letters. Think about the possibilities – you can actually spell out your proposal in lights. Certainly it should be short – "Will You Marry Me?" works, and gets your message across.

Alternatively, you can use the lights to create a little space like a cave or grotto, and put a blanket on the ground so you can both settle into the environment before popping the question.

Whether you form letters or swirls, you can just put them on the ground, or use a length of garden border made from wire or wood. If utilising a larger area something like chicken wire and tent stakes will work.

4. How Much Help Do I Need?

You'll need an assistant in your plan to help you set up your display, and to be a part of the action when it happens. If you choose to set up your fairy light proposal in a public place like a park or forest preserve, you'll need someone to stay with the setup and protect it while you go to get your lover. As you approach, your assistant can turn on the lights so that they magically appear at just the right time.

5. How Impressed Will She Be?

If you have planned the whole proposal and have a ring in hand, it can't help but be a memorable night. Be sure that your helper can videotape the proceedings – it may have to be close-up if your fairy light space is very dark. Then you will both have a record of a romantic night to remember, and to treasure forever.

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How To Pull Off A Successful Scrabble Marriage Proposal

Okay, so the time has come to think about making an honest woman of your girlfriend (not that we're implying she's not honest...it's just a saying). Do you stick with traditional and go down on one knee in a dimly lit restaurant, or should you try and think of something slightly more exciting and original? If you guys are the book worm types and love the written form then the scrabble marriage proposal could be for you. Here are some tips to get you started.

The Perfect Scrabble Marriage Proposal 101

1. Create a Distraction

Presuming she has agreed to have a game of scrabble, it's up to you to ensure that you have the correct letters on your tray, so you need to peep inside the bag beforehand to take out the necessary tiles. You could ask her to go and make you a drink or pretend that you heard the telephone ringing, and ask her to answer it. This will free up a precious few minutes to procure the letters.

Although you're obviously planning to propose, you need to make it a surprise so try and keep everything as normal as possible to prevent your girlfriend becoming suspicious. As she re-enters the room, make it look like you're creating a score sheet so that she won't think anything is odd.

2. Decide How You Will Display The Letters

You have two choices really. You can spell out 'marry me' on your tray and then tell her that you have some crazy letters. She will probably ask to see them at this point and at first you should tease her by refusing, but you should eventually show her the tray with the message on and wait for her reaction.

The second option is to actually spell out the words on the games board itself. For this to work you should try and organize it so that you have the first turn. You can then make sure that you create a word which includes one of the letters from the proposal, for example, you could make the word 'heart' so that you have the letter 'a' to work with to use in the word 'marry'.

If this seems too complicated then you may have to spell out your proposal and leave the board somewhere within the house that she will definitely see it such as the kitchen counter or the bedroom. If you decide to use this method then you will have to loiter so that you can see her full reaction when she spots the proposal.

3. It's in the Bag

A really cute and romantic way to propose would be to spell the letters out on the board when she is out of the room (perhaps wait until she pops to powder her nose so to speak) and place the engagement ring inside the letter bag. Imagine her face when she places her fingers in the bag to pick out some tiles and finds a fabulous sparkler instead?

This will be a proposal that she will remember forever and it will certainly encourage her to want to play a lot of scrabble in the future as it will always remind her of how romantic you are.

4. Arrange a Games Marathon

This would involve a little planning as you could do it for charity and invite several friends and family members along. It could take place somewhere public or inside your home. You could ask people to sponsor you to play a variety of games for as many hours as possible.

She will never imagine that you are planning to propose but you could warn everyone else so that they can be there to share in your celebration. You should try and play your scrabble tournament somewhere in the middle so that your girlfriend is not too tired to appreciate the sentiment. Once she has accepted your hand in marriage, you can pop open the champagne and have an intimate party with those closest to you.

Pulling off the perfect scrabble marriage proposal will require a little planning but it will be worth it to produce such a fun method of proposing. If you're both the type who enjoy board games and puzzles, then this type of marriage proposal will definitely be fitting.

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How To Pull Off A Successful Log Flume Proposal

People often say that life is a rollercoaster, and it certainly could be if you decide to propose to your girlfriend at a theme park, in particular on the log flume! The excitement from the ride, combined with the thrill of your proposal, will make this an event to remember for sure. If this idea appeals to you, be sure to check out these tips on how to pull it off.

Log Flume Proposal 101

1. Create a Spark

A great idea for a Log Flume proposal is to visit the park when it's dark and arrange for a small firework display after she has accepted your proposal. Again this may require permission but since it will attract publicity for the park, it's highly unlikely that you will be refused.

Offer to get the local newspapers to cover the story and this will keep the park owners sweet. There's something quite magical about theme parks and this magic will be even better with a few statement fireworks lighting up the moonlit sky.

2. Arrange a Fanfare

To make the occasion extra special you could email or talk with the amusement park officials in advance in order to let them in on your plans. Ask if it would be possible for you to have a band such as a string quartet play some romantic music while you pop the question and enquire whether you would be legally allowed to have a glass of champagne. You may be offered the chance to have a little sip in the offices if alcohol is not allowed in the actual park, or you could celebrate with some sparkling non-alcoholic wine.

3. Rope in Three Pals

Whenever people go on the Log Flume, it's common for their photograph to be taken as they go down on the ride, so why not incorporate this into your proposal?

Most Log Flumes are designed to seat five people so you will need three friends to hold the banners with 'will', 'you', 'marry' words on them and you can then hold the 'me'. It goes without saying that you must swear these people to secrecy. Once you have been around the park and gone on all of the rides you can then announce that it's time to go and collect your group photograph.

When she gets the photograph in her hands and sees the proposal she will be absolutely flabbergasted, and it's at this point that you should automatically drop down to one knee and present her with the ring. She will certainly feel like she is on an emotional rollercoaster!

4. Propose Twice

Once you have set everything up for the log flume proposal, you could keep hold of the letters and re-propose on another ride such as a rollercoaster so that your girlfriend will have two separate displays of love and devotion that will leave her breathless. This will make your proposal a special 'theme park' themed proposal. There's no better way to pop the question if you're both adrenalin junkies. It's even been known for people to tie the knot on scary rides, so proposing seems like the obvious step.

If your girlfriend loves her proposal then you could carry this theme right across to your wedding day and honeymoon. You could name courses on your wedding breakfast menu after certain rides such as 'Rollercoaster Risotto' or 'Loop de Soup' for starter. This would remind the pair of you of your journey and would allow your guests to share your joy. This will make your proposal and wedding day into occasions that will be forever imprinted on people's brains due to the fact that they were so unusual yet immensely enjoyable.

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How To Pull Off A Romantic Beach Marriage Proposal

A romantic beach marriage proposal in the moonlight is one of those proposal ideas you just can't go wrong with. Imagine it's a starry night on a secluded beach of beautiful white sand. The waves are crashing in the background making a soundtrack for romance (no need for Barry White with nature lending a helping hand). The brilliant, full moon is shining down on the scene, creating a silvery glow that transforms the ocean, the beach, and your lover's face. As she bends towards you for a kiss, you decide to pop the question...

But wait, there might be a better way, something a little more memorable, even spectacular. After all, you're on a sandy beach, a place that people have scribbled and written on since the birth of man. What if your message was not a spoken but a written one?

Romantic Beach Proposal 101

1. Write It In The Sand

If you start getting creative with this idea, there are a multitude of ways to get the job done and pull it off successfully. The basic setting is the most important, obviously – you'll need a beach, a moon, and maybe a tide. The tide is handy for the final act in the drama, washing away the message. It's a beautiful romantic touch, but not absolutely necessary. If you have a beach and a moonlit night, you can work wonders. Oh, and you'll need a few friends – or a couple dozen.

2. Choosing Your Message

After looking at the calendar to figure out when the next full moon will be, as well as checking the weather for a nearly cloudless evening, it's time to choose your message. You probably should go for the simple but effective "marry me" since you're going to be spelling it out, but you can be more creative if you want – "I love you. Will you be my bride?" works just as well.

Who knows, maybe your lady will get so excited she'll accidentally kick the ring right out of your hand as seen in one famous online video that went viral!

3. How To Do It Right

Now comes the fun part – how to write the proposal in the sand. You may be thinking, well, with a stick of course, and that would work just fine as long as you make the letters big enough to read. But you could easily spell out your message with votive candles in red glass candle holders – a spectacular sight on a romantic beach under starry skies.

Your let's get married communique could also be spelled out with sea shells on the beach, but again, you'll have to have a lot of shells on hand to be able to make the letters as large as you can.

4. Getting Friends Involved

For all of these ideas, you'll need some friends who can help you with the set-up, write the message using your chosen method, and guard the area until you arrive with your surprised fiancé and lead her to the spot where she can see the writing on the beach.

But my favourite method involves quite a few more helpers, and is guaranteed to be impressive and memorable: write your message with people. A person and a beach towel can be used to form part of a letter. Just plan it out on paper, and have a friend who can organize the whole show. Make it a beach party afterwards, and it will be an even bigger success.

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How To Pull Off A Romantic Graduation Marriage Proposal

Graduating from college, military school, or any institution of higher learning is a time of celebration and change for those who are lucky enough to experience it. The heady siren call of a bountiful and exciting future beckons, and the act of walking across the stage to receive that all-important diploma takes on a ritualistic aura.

It becomes a moment when everything is transformed, and the people witnessing the event understand that they are seeing a once in a lifetime moment. As such, it's a great time to propose marriage to a fiancé, someone who has been working so hard to finish school and waiting for that right time to look ahead to a marriage and a life of love and family (assuming she's not uncomfortable with gran public gestures of love that is!). Here's how to pull off a romantic graduation marriage proposal if you think this is a great idea for you and your partner.

This kind of proposal is going to be one of those on the knees, pop the question types, where time is of the essence. As such timing is a big part of getting it right, as is a plan that takes into account the venue (where the ceremony is taking place) and the access plan – how you'll get to the stage. And that's another important aspect of a graduation marriage proposal to be aware of before you commit to it – it's not for the shy and reticent type.

Graduation Marriage Proposal 101

1. Scout It Out

You'll have to do a scouting run in the venue where the graduation will happen. Hopefully it's a publicly accessible place like an auditorium, gymnasium or field where you can have a look around and prepare your plan of attack. You will also want to try to see the stage set-up if it's a temporary placement so you can calculate your steps. Try to find someone who knows the ceremony well in advance and who can tell you where the various phases will happen – the mounting the stairs up to the stage, the crossing to the podium, the handshake and diploma passing, the acknowledgement of the crowd, and the path to the stairs going down. You'll want to get an idea of how long this will take so that you will know when to leave your seat and get to the stage in time.

2. Develop a Strategy

Now that you know where your fiancé will be during the all-important crossing of the stage, and where you will be during the ceremony, you can plan your advance. Remember that you will be doing this in front of a fairly large number of people, if it's a typical graduation event. So you'll need to afford yourself some mental preparation time for what you are about to do. You will have to leave your seat with time enough to run to the stage. You won't want to arrive at the left of the stage too soon, but you will need to be in position to go at the right moment. It's also important not to take away any attention from the primary purpose of the ritual – the handing off of the diploma – so again, timing is extremely important.

3. Don't Lose Your Nerve

When the big day comes, be sure you have the ring, and that you have prepared and practiced what you will say. Remember that you will have a very short time to run to the stage, mount it in front of your fiancé, drop to one knee, pop the question, get a response, get a hug, and take off. The important thing is that you have trained and made yourself mentally ready for this very important moment.

All that's left is to do it – don't lose your nerve now!

4. Bring Your Friends

You will feel better if you have a group of friends who can cheer you on when you propose. They will help take some of the crowd's attention away from your movements and will encourage participation. It's also very important to have a videographer who can get the whole thing recorded for posterity. If you can find someone who's willing to follow you up to the stage for an intimate camera angle, so much the better. It will also be a great time after the event to have a party – and celebrate the graduation and the proposal at the same time.

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How To Pull Off A Marching Band Proposal

When it comes to marriage proposals, people have become very creative in recent years. Marriage proposals are being performed under water, while skydiving, running with the bulls at Pamplona, and on the highest mountains. The majority of proposals take place, of course, under more ordinary circumstances with most guys opting for a quiet romantic setting for the occasion. There are, however, those showboat types that love the grand gesture – and there's nothing wrong with that if it fits both personalities. One of the most extroverted types of proposal ideas is a very public, very noisy one namely, a marching band proposal, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Marching Band Proposal 101

1. You'll Need A Band

The very first and most obviously important requirement for this method to work is having a marching band to hand. The best case is, naturally, if you are in such a band yourself. The second best would be if a close friend of yours plays tuba or something, and you can wrangle an introduction to the bandleader. Chances are the leader will have heard of this kind of thing before, or at least will enjoy the idea, and will go along with it. You will have to have a plan, because timing is all-important, and you'll have to convince them that you won't get cold feet at the last moment.

2. You've Got To Have Friends Involved

In this situation it would be a good thing to have more than one friend in the band, but you're going to need them as assistants in other ways too. If you are in the band, you will be leaving the staging area while the band is playing to go to your fiancée, so you'll want a friend to have her in the right place at the right time for your proposal. If you're not in the band, you will have to have an arrangement with the leader as far as when the song of choice will be played and how the crowd will know what's happening – a public announcement or a large poster will do. And you'll need a designated video camera person to get the whole thing recorded for posterity.

3. Pick A Song

Not just any song will do, because we're talking about a big band here. One popular choice is the classic "Hey Baby," but there are other possibilities. If you're having trouble coming up with something, talk to the bandleader or ask your band friends about an appropriate tune. The song you've chosen will be played while you make your proposal, so you don't want Stars and Stripes Forever, or Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog either. But it won't be a slow, quiet romantic melody – it's going to be loud and crowd-pleasing.

4. Play It Out

Once you have the venue (maybe a gymnasium, at a sporting event, or even at a parade), and the band is going to play your song, coordination and timing become very important. When the song is played, and an announcement of the special occasion happens, or a sign is held up or displayed (maybe you can get her name up on the scoreboard if you're at a game), you have to make your way to the designated place (or you may already be there if you're a spectator). Then you take out the ring and pop the question. If you're lucky, a throng of people will witness her positive response and cheer enthusiastically while the whole thing happens. And you'll get to watch it on video for ever after.

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How To Pull Off A Romantic Rooftop Proposal

Rooftops are inherently romantic – at least it seems that way according to Hollywood and pop music. We're not talking about the roofs of plain old houses here – there's nothing romantic about sliding off into the bushes. Rather, it's the flat, open air rooftops of city buildings that always seem to be the chosen cinematic spot for surprise romantic dinners, dates and yes – proposals of marriage.

A full moon or a starlit sky will of course be part of the appeal, even if light pollution means you can't see many stars, but it's the feeling of being up above all the ordinary, mundane business of the street-level world that makes a rooftop such a special place. All you have to do to get inspired to pull off a rooftop proposal is to listen to the classic song Up On the Roof in any of the many versions that exist out there, and follow these tips.

Rooftop Marriage Proposal 101

1. Pick A Place

With an event such as this, the location is all-important. The possibilities are truly endless, unless you live out in the forest off the grid. The best thing to do is to take advantage of your own local knowledge and of friends who may have ideas about where to do the deed. It might also be a simple matter if your fiancé works in a building with an accessible rooftop, but you will have to do some scouting at any rate. Can everyone be on the roof safely, and legally? You don't want any accidents, and you probably don't want to be interrupted by the police.

2. Plan the Ruse

After establishing the locale of the proposal, you're going to have to get her up there somehow. Some sort of rooftop ruse will have to be created to make sure that your lover is there and that you can pop the question in a timely manner. You might get an insider friend to ask for a photo shoot, or a celebration of some kind. Alternatively, you could set up a romantic date if the area is very accessible and you can use it for a longer time – it would be great to do it at night when the stars are out.

3. Get Help

You are going to need friends at all stages of this effort, so start asking them for help and suggestions early on. You may need assistance getting you and your fiancé up there on the rooftop, or you may need their help in carrying out the ruse or date that you have planned. You will certainly want a master of ceremonies person, someone who knows the plan and can direct the event so that everything goes smoothly. And of course you will want a videographer on hand, someone to record the entire beautiful event.

4. Up On The Roof

Since you got some inspiration from the song about the magic of a rooftop, why not use it in your proposal? Have a friend with a boom box and a few other well-chosen romantic songs for the occasion. There are only a few songs about rooftops other than the most famous, but as long as the music fits the mood, it will help make your rooftop proposal a big success.

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How To Pull Off A Successful Marriage Proposal at an Iconic Location

Making a proposal of marriage is an inherently risky thing to do – there's always the off chance that she'll say no. But some good advice to anyone who worries about that possibility is to be like an attorney – never ask a question you don't know the answer to. It's also true that if you want to make a successful marriage proposal memorable, romantic, and affirmative, then you should make it a splash, a spectacle and do it big. So the question really is how to propose? There are many ways to pop the question, but one of my all-time favourites is the iconic location proposal.

Successful Marriage Proposal at an Iconic Location 101

1. Pick a Location

As the name suggests, the most important aspect of this type of proposal is choosing where to do it. An iconic location is a place that has meaning to a large number of people, is well-known through pop cultural, has qualities that make it an attractive place for a variety of reasons, and is accessible to the average person. That rules out the top of Mt. Everest for most of us, but what's more important is that the location is invested with meaning and is held in high esteem by you and your fiancée. It doesn't count that you love the old hockey rink in your hometown and that it means a lot to you – it has to be iconic for both of you. Obviously, getting to a suitable place is going to be an expense, but you may be able to find a location that's relatively close.

2. Stay In The Great Outdoors

There is no shortage of places to go in this category, but there are a few that resonate with many people. The Grand Canyon is a clear favourite, and very appropriate for those who love natural beauty and a setting full of grandeur. Glacier National Park in northwest Montana is another great place to go in the summer and the scenery fits the very definition of an iconic location. It's THE place if you want hiking and real wilderness. Mt. Rushmore is a place that everyone should see at least once, and it may have special meaning for the two of you – it combines the national park with the historical.

3. Up On The Roof – Or At Least The Top Floor

The combination of the romantic rooftop proposal and the iconic location is a real winner. For example, the Empire State Building in New York City is famous from movies, and has definite romantic implications. What everyone still calls the Sears Tower in Chicago is not only way up there, but now has a glass floored area where a proposal would be unforgettable – as long as you're OK with heights. The famous Trans-America building in San Francisco, and the Space Needle in Seattle are just a couple of other examples of sky-high iconic places for a proposal or how about the recently opened Shard in London?

4. Stay Indoors

If you and your fiancée are the shopaholic type and you want to work in a visit to a famous mall, the Mall of America in Minnesota or the Galleria in Houston would certainly be appropriate – not your ordinary everyday malls, but well-known centres. For art lovers there are many famous museums to choose from, among them the National Gallery in Washington DC, the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, and the Art Institute of Chicago – there's one near you, no doubt. For museum lovers, iconic locations such as the Smithsonian, or the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago are excellent choices.

5. For City Slickers Only

There of course many urban sites that are famous, and may have a special connection for you and your lover. Times Square and Central Park in NYC are absolutely on the list of possibilities, and a taking a Chicago river cruise would a wonderful public, urban and well-known way to pop the question. On the west coast Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown in San Francisco are favourites, and in LA Hollywood and the famous sign in the background would be great choices.

6. Make It A Really Big Show

Many of us have special sentimental attachments to really big places like sports or concert venues. We may have had first dates there or enjoyed a live show with someone special. A favourite arena, stadium or other venue such as Madison Square Garden, Soldier Field, the Superdome, and many others would make the grade for an iconic spot. So, you can make your big play in a big showy way!

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How To Pull Off A Successful Holiday Proposal

Everyone loves holidays and the festivities that go along with them, which of course makes them a great time for a proposal of marriage. Working people can usually stretch their vacation time over holidays, which always comes in handy. And then there's the unique character and flavour of each holiday, something you can certainly use to your advantage. The built-in fact that a holiday is a special time just adds the icing to the cake, because your proposal is bound to make it a special day like no other, and a day to remember. Here are some tips on how to pull off a memorable holiday proposal.

Holiday Proposal 101

1. Choose The Ideal Holiday Date

The most important part of this plan is clearly picking the right holiday. Timing is everything, and you may be constrained by your own schedule and other factors to a certain time period. In that case you won't have a lot of choices – there are only so many holidays, after all. Valentine's Day would be an obvious and perfectly acceptable choice since it is the romantic holiday. But there may be good reasons to choose a different one. For example, if you had a great early date at Easter or Halloween, you might want to plan the proposal around one of those days. If there was a memorable Christmas or New Year's occasion in your history together, you can make that work as well.

Just be sure that other connotations of the holiday you pick don't get in the way of your plan, and that it feels like the appropriate time for both of you.

2. Choose The Holiday Proposal Location Carefully

After you've chosen a holiday date for the big question, you need to think about where it will happen. For lovers on Valentine's Day, Paris has always been a traditional locale. But there are many others, to choose from, and your own knowledge of your partner and your budget limitations, may come into play. There's nothing wrong with going local, for instance, if you have a connection to a place that works great with the holiday.

3. Choose The Setting

The setting is the location the proposal will happen. If you decide that Easter will be the holiday because you met in a bar on Easter Sunday, and you have chosen to fly to Rome and really make a big impression, then you'd want to go to an appropriate spot for the actual proposal. In Niagara Falls for a Valentine's Day event, you would want to find a chapel or other venue for the proposal. Or you may have a concert or play in mind – in any case, your meticulous plan should include where you will go to pop the question.

4. Make It Happen

If you and your fiancée will be jetting off alone to your chosen destination, you'll have to enlist assistance from likely folks at the venue. You will definitely want someone to record the entire process, and you may need help with timing and announcing at a public event. If you are staying local you can get friends involved – usually a good thing to do. With your holiday proposal plan in place, the ring in your suitcase (don't forget it!), and the words you will use to ask for her hand in marriage, you'll be ready to make a lasting impression.

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How To Carry Out a Great Birthday Proposal

Making a marriage proposal on your fiancée's birthday seems like a great idea. It's already a day that most people look forward to, it's a private holiday, and it's a day that will be remembered. When you add the proposal to the birth anniversary, it becomes a super day. And if your spouse-to-be has some aversion to celebrating a birthday, a proposal could make it a better time than it might have been without it. The only drawback to be aware of is that for some party animals a birthday is such a big deal that adding a proposal may seem like either stealing its thunder, or may turn out to feel like an afterthought. So, if you have thought it through and the idea seems to fit your particular situation, here are some tips on how to pull off the perfect birthday proposal.

Birthday Proposal 101

1. To Surprise Or Not Surprise, That Is The Question?

The first thing to consider is whether to make the birthday into a surprise party. If you decide to go down this route, you'll have a lot of work to do, since you'll be responsible for planning the surprise party and the nested surprise hidden within it. If you're up for it, such an event will be a real hit combining two celebrations in one.

2. Bring The Family

If you decide to plan a surprise party and proposal, you're going to need help. Enlisting family and friends is the best way to go about it, because they'll have great ideas on how to proceed based on past experience. After all, you don't want to repeat the surprise party everyone threw the year before you met. On the other hand, if you're not doing a surprise birthday but only a surprise proposal, their help will be invaluable as well. The more heads you can get together for a brainstorm the better.

3. Pick A Place To Go

Whether the event will be a complete surprise or not, you're going to want a location that fits your plans. Consider how many attendees there might possibly be, what kind of food and drink you want to make available, any entertainment, and so on. Integrating a proposal into a birthday party in a big way might be easier if there is a band and a nice-sized crowd to make the event really memorable. So, plan the venue accordingly and you can't go wrong.

4. Plan The Proposal

If you have involved others from the start and they have been and continue to be helpful, the birthday part of the day will probably be taken care of. Put your own personal stamp on the proposal portion of the event so that your lover knows how much it means to you whether by including a ring on a cake, making a speech in front of everyone or giving her a present containing the ring to open.

If you have music, either from a band, a DJ, or just an ipod dock, plan a song to introduce the proposal. Make sure that you have chosen a spot to take your partner to for popping the question, and have a brief but heartfelt proposal speech planned. Naturally, arrange to have someone recording the whole thing on video, and you'll be able to relive the moment for years to come.

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How To Propose With Family And Friends Involved

The day you propose marriage to your sweetheart should be a beautiful and memorable day you will both treasure forever. It might also be a day that you, as the proposer, look forward to and anticipate with mixed emotions. After all, you will be asking your partner to marry you possibly in a public setting and, whilst no doubt absolutely positive she will say yes, there's still that anxiety that goes along with the whole idea. As such having friends and family involved can certainly take some of the tension out of the occasion. So here's our guide on how to propose with family and friends involved.

How To Propose With Family And Friends 101

1. First Things First

The best way to get others who are close to you and your fiancée in on the proposal is to get them involved in the planning process. Try to choose a select group of those who are closest, most knowledgeable about both of you, and the most likely to want to help, if at all possible. These will be the folks who can make suggestions about everything from where to do it, to how to word your proposal. You should make it clear that all final decisions concerning the event will be yours to make, just in case there is someone who wants to take over, but you need to be open to all ideas brought to the table so that everyone feels that they have a chance to contribute.

2. Plan It Right

Having a number of people involved in the planning of your proposal will make it easier in many ways, because there will be helpers at every stage to knock ideas around with and to make sure it works. For example, say you and your family and friends decide that you want to propose in a local music venue, a small place where your favourite band will be performing. You can enlist volunteers to talk to the manager and tell him or her about the plan and get approval. Someone else can contact the band and set up a cue song and the timing of the on-stage arrival. Having a volunteer to record the proposal on video will take the worry out of that part of the plan. And of course, getting all the people there that you want to include will be much easier with the help of a crew.

3. Rewards For All

In this situation where so many will have worked hard for you and your fiancée's special evening, you'll want to make sure everyone who was instrumental in helping you conduct a worry-free proposal gets appreciated. Depending on the venue and what happens afterward, you might want to give small gifts to the assistants, or at least thank them in a public way. But individual thank you notes would make it clear how much you are grateful to all of your family and friends for making your proposal a stress-free success – and how you look forward to making them your wedding planners as well.

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How To Propose In Winter

For some couples, the question of when a proposal should be made is not a matter of choice. Working out the timing for the wedding that will follow is important, and some eager to be newlyweds don't want to wait for any reason. If you have decided that winter is the time for you to pop the all-important question and propose in winter you have some considerations to think about and decisions to make. There's nothing wrong at all with proposing in the autumnal or wintery part of the year, and in fact you and your fiancée may have very good reasons to prefer it. But such a proposal demands some additional thought. Here are some tips on how to go about it.

Propose In Winter 101

1. What's The Difference?

It all depends on where you are in the world and in the country you live in, naturally, but we'll assume that you actually have the fall and winter seasons. There is less light as the cooler weather starts to come along, and for some, the sombreness of autumn is depressing. For others, however, the change of seasons is invigorating and something to look forward to. Certainly the cooler temperatures make it harder to plan an outdoor proposal, but again, it all depends on how you and your fiancée feel about it.

2. Who Will It Suit The Most?

It may be hard for some to accept, but many people really love fall and even winter. The crisp air and vivid colours of fall are cheery and inspirational, and romance seems to be somehow more alive and insistent. If you are one of those who enjoy the season, by all means take advantage of your preference and propose in winter.

3. Where In The World?

One of the previously mentioned considerations for a fall or winter event is where to do it – indoors or outside. Much will depend on your personalities and likes and dislikes obviously, but daytime or night-time outdoor proposals can be dramatic, fun and memorable. If you both have a favourite recreational activity like hiking, skiing or skating, you can use a setting that involves your pastime. If you're going the inside route, you have many options, and the season is less of a problem as you can see in this cosy Christmas proposal surrounded by friends and family.

4. How It Should Go

You have a couple of choices when planning a proposal during this time of the year – you can plan a contrasting event, or use the characteristics of the season and make it a part of your plan. Being inside under bright lights and maybe having a roaring fire going is the idea here. Make the setting irresistible and it's sure to be a successful and memorable time for all. If you take the other way, you'll be looking for an outdoor setting with all the characteristics of the season to enjoy.

5. When To Do It

Your final plan for a proposal in fall or winter will be based on all of the above considerations, and on your creativity of course. Be sure to involve your family and friends if you want to have a party atmosphere, and ask for the assistance of friends for a more intimate affair. Any way you finally decide to conduct your proposal, autumn or winter are both great times for romance.

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How To Carry Out A Lakeside Proposal

What do all great marriage proposals have in common? More often than not they are carefully planned, meticulously carried out, with a happy ending for the soon to be married couple. And what could be more romantic than that? Central to that is the location chosen for the event. As real estate sales people know, location is everything and it seems to hold true for the proposal as well. Of course, a proposal can happen in a dark nightclub, or on a mountaintop, and to some people it may either not matter, or the place chosen may have special significance other than aesthetics. But if you want to make a real impression on your fiancée and the location is your choice, you can't do better than a beautiful lakeside proposal.

Lakeside Proposal 101

1. Mountains Wanted

Human attraction to bodies of water is well known, and we usually picture all kinds of recreation taking place on a large enough lake. But it's the visual beauty that makes a lake a wonderfully romantic place for a proposal. If you can manage to plan for the event to take place in a mountainous area, so much the better, because there is nothing quite like a mountain lake reflecting the scenery for a backdrop. Nature in its purest form doesn't need a lot of help, and you can confidently plan a great proposal in a setting such as this.

2. Beaches Are AGreat Lakeside Proposal Setting

But your lake of choice doesn't have to be of the mountain variety, because the really important element is the body of water. If there is a beach area near the lake, you can plan a night-time event, which can be made very memorable – a picnic, a bonfire, a few friends, a surprise ring found in the sand, and you have a romantic night to remember forever.

3. A Boating Will Also Do The Trick

Since most lakes of any size have boat launching facilities, you could plan the proposal around a day or night out on the water. You'll need a boat of some sort, and you'll have to choose between a small one for just you and your fiancé or a larger one for a gathering of friends and a party atmosphere. If you're on a budget you can borrow a boat, but you can certainly rent one for a day if you are boat less. Imagine the moonlight on the lake, the waves lapping against the hull, and your lover at your side – all the ingredients of a fine proposal event.

4. Have A Plan

Wherever you decide to carry out the proposal, be sure to plan for the unexpected – inclement weather can be a complicating factor for any outdoor occasion. But all you need is a plan B for the worst case. Make sure that a couple of friends are along to help with party details such as food, drink, and music. And be sure to plan for someone to make a video recording of the proposal itself so you can enjoy it whenever you want. Then, the only thing left to do is to plan your speech, and do it, lakeside style.

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How To Pull Off A Stop Motion Film Marriage Proposal

It takes little imagination to pop the question to your loved one by asking her over a romantic meal. However, if you want to make your proposal truly memorable then one way to do it is by making a stop motion film marriage proposal your ideal solution. This type of proposal is great as the film can cost next to nothing to make and are simple to create. Indeed you do not need to be an expert in digital photography or computing to pull this off.

Stop Motion Film Marriage Proposal 101

1. The Digital Kit You Will Need

The three things which are essential in the making of your stop motion films are a digital camera (most people own or have access to one these days), access to a computer and last but by no means least you need a good imagination which will give you an idea for your film.

The idea of a stop motion film is that you can cleverly make an inanimate object appear like it has come to life. Using this clever technology you could make letters move along the screen to spell out the message that you want your loved one to see. For example, you could say something like 'Kelly, we have been together three years. You have made my life complete. I cannot imagine spending the rest of my life without you. Will you marry me?' That is just a simple example but the world is your oyster with stop motion films.

You could make her favourite soft toy come to life or you could use crystals, beads or tissue paper. You could get a friend to help you and they could maybe photograph you holding a bouquet or perhaps a single stem rose between your teeth. You could hold up a banner with her name on or a huge blown up photograph of the pair of you, and then cut in with your message using your choice of materials. This will definitely get her full attention and will leave her with a huge smile plastered on her face!

2. Now for the editing

Once you have captured all of your separate images (this will take a while because you have to take about 10 photos for every second of film), you will need to edit your film. Some editing software packages like Microsoft Movie Maker, Apple iMovie, Avid FreeDV, Wax and Zwei-Stein are free and available for download on various websites so this will not be a problem. Just search on Google for your preferred option and you'll be presented with a list of the latest download sources.

To make the film even more romantic you could edit the still film so that 'your song' is the soundtrack. Once you have finished making the film, you need to give serious thought as to how you are going to present this animated proposal. Are you going to burn the film onto a disc and play it at home? Or leave it on your camera for her to watch?

3. Don't Forget To Gift Wrap

It might be a nice ideal to gift wrap the disc and place it in a series of boxes to be opened. This will increase the anticipation and sense of excitement. If you do decide to show your loved one the proposal film at home, you should maybe pretend you are going to watch a movie, get the popcorn out, light a few candles. This way she will get the surprise of her life, and when she turns to you, you can be holding the ring!

If you want the proposal to be even more special, then you could book an evening away and watch the stop motion film together in bed. Make sure you have arranged champagne and flowers in order to celebrate the happy occasion. If you plan all of this well in advance, you could even book the honeymoon suite in the hotel which normally comes with extras such as a hot tub and chocolates left on the pillows.

4. Memories To Last A Life Time

All you need is a little imagination and maybe a couple of spare days to take the photographs. Of course if money is no object then you can whisk her away to a romantic city or just a fancy hotel. By using a stop motion film for your proposal, you are creating the ideal romantic gesture and your partner will be fully aware just how much effort you have made, and how much thought you have put into this project. As a result your partner will know exactly how important they are to you.

This romantic idea will give you both a lasting memory of your proposal and it is something which can be watched time and time again. It will bring a tear to your partner's eye to feel so loved and so special so good luck and start filming!

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How To Carry Out A Mountain Hike Proposal

When the average person is considering a creative proposal idea, there is much to think about. Will this be a solo event, with only the two of you in attendance, or will it be a public affair, with a group of friends watching, or even in front of a crowd at a large venue? Will it be an expensive proposal, with lots of travel, lodging, and meal expenses involved, or an inexpensive, close to home experience using all the resources that are locally available? Will there be a rigid, organized plan, or will it play out naturally and flow like the romance it should be? Thinking about all of these questions and more is enough to make a proposer's head spin, but the results will be worth it. One way to propose creatively that doesn't take a lot of planning effort is the mountain hike proposal. Here's how to do it.

Mountain Hike Proposal 101

1. Solo Or Public

Much of what will actually happen during the proposal depends on this decision, so carefully consider the facts of the matter. If you and your fiancée are the types that enjoy the energy of a crowd of people, who aren't terror stricken at the thought of being in front of a lot of people, who aren't shy at a party, and who like entertaining and have many friends, then you should choose a public proposal situation. On the other hand, if you are the opposite and would prefer to keep this an intimate and romantic occasion, than by all means feel free to do so. The beauty of the mountain hike method is its flexibility – you can take a group, or it can be just the two of you.

2. First There Is A Mountain

As the old song by Donovan goes, first there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is. But without a mountain in mind, there can be no proposal with this method, so this is a very important decision. If you are in an area of the country that has mountains, or at least what locals call mountains, than you are in luck. Of course you will want a scenic peak that has a lot of trails and interesting spots for your event, but the important thing is that you are relatively familiar with it – you don't want any surprises... like your girlfriend falling off it!

3. Speaking Of Trails

You'll have to be the judge of this one for everyone in your party. If it's just you and your fiancée, you can choose a very strenuous trail if that's what you're interested in. If there is a group coming along, then you'll want to make the difficulty level of the trail match the least experienced hiker in your group. You certainly don't want to have to abort the mission because someone can't make the hike successfully.

4. Pick A Spot

This next tip is very important and involves your having a knowledge of the terrain. You have to choose a place for the proposal to happen, and you'll want it to be dramatic. You can't just stop in the middle of the forest and drop to one knee – especially after going to all this trouble. Scout out your mountain trail and find the best place to stop to do the deed. It should probably be a high point with mountain vistas in the background, or perhaps a waterfall setting. It's important that it be beautiful and dramatic, with plenty of visual impact like at the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

5. Enjoy The Trip – Both Ways

Finally, be sure to plan on having a good time on your proposal hike, both on the way up and on the way down. This means that you have packed lightly but completely with any supplies you might need (water, snacks, engagement ring, etc.) It also means that you are almost positive that the answer to your scenically-put question will be yes, so that the way down will be easy and memorable.

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How To Pull Off The Perfect Marathon Marriage Proposal

If you have already discussed marriage with your other half then chances are that she may already be half expecting you to propose someday soon. A great way of staging a totally unexpected proposal is to pop the question during or at the end of a marathon. If it's only your girlfriend who has signed up for the challenge then you could make her day extra special by waiting on the side lines with a small jewellery box in your pocket. If you're the one doing the running then you'll need to either carry the ring along the route or ask a trusted friend to keep hold of it for you

Marathon Marriage Proposal 101

1. Try and Add a Touch of Glamour to the Occasion

Competing in a marathon requires months of strenuous training, dedication and determination. You should expect similar challenges as you go about planning your marathon marriage proposal. There will be times when you'll feel like giving up but try and see it through because it will be so worth it to see the look of astonishment on her face.

Involve all of your family and friends in your plan and swear them to secrecy so that nobody lets the cat out of the bag before the big day. If it's you competing in the marathon, then decide at which point along the way that you are going to propose. It's common for partners to wait at the finish line, although some girlfriends and boyfriends try to show their support right along the route. If you decide to pop the question just before the finishing line then you can plan things well in advance.

Presumably you will have left the ring with a friend or family member and they will have arranged a fitting way to celebrate the occasion after the run. It would be great if all of your mutual friends and family could wear matching tiaras and be waiting with cupcakes and champagne to toast the pair of you. You could even create a few banners with your names on them or hire a band to play music as you come across the finishing line. If your girl says yes then you will feel a mixture of relief and euphoria and you will know that it's been a case of blood, sweat and tiaras.

2. Use your Imagination

Picture the scene, your body is drenched with sweat and your feet are killing you after running for nearly 26 miles solidly. You can see your girl cheering you on and calling out your name when you begin to slow down as you approach her by the side of the road. The crowds soon get wind that something epic is about to happen so they grow quiet while you pronounce your love to your girlfriend. You make your marathon marriage proposal and jokingly tell her that if she doesn't say yes then you won't finish the race. She says yes through tears of joy and the crowd all cheer. You are a hero in their eyes and your girlfriend will think that you are truly amazing.

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How To Carry Out A Video Game Marriage Proposal

This type of marriage proposal is probably more suited to people who like to think of themselves as gamers, nerds and computer geeks (think 'The Big Bang Theory' TV show). If you and your partner are technology fans, then a video game marriage proposal may just be the perfect gesture for you to carry out. For some other ideas on how to carry out a video game marriage proposal here are some pointers to get you started.

Video Game Marriage Proposal 101

1. Plan a Games Tournament

If video games are something that you and your other half are into then a tournament with family and friends could be just the ticket. Arrange it at your home or at the house of a friend and charge every participant a five dollar fee and say that the tournament is for a local charity. Preferably pick a charity that your girlfriend supports as this will make her even happier.

Presumably you have managed somehow to insert your proposal into one of the video games. If you're stuck you could always pay a graphic designer to do this for you to provide a truly professional touch. You could even include 'your song' as well as some humorous facts about your relationship to make your girlfriend smile. Or you could let the narrator in the game talk about some romantic memories that you share.

2. Intimate proposal

If you don't want lots of people sharing your special moment you could suggest playing a game at home, just the two of you and you could light candles and pour wine to create a more romantic atmosphere. For a fun touch, you could be dressed up as one of the characters from the video game when she arrives home to make her laugh.

If a video game is not really her thing then you could arrange a quiz game instead where she has to answer questions. The first ten questions or so should be normal so as not to arouse her suspicion but then the quiz master could suddenly ask her to marry you. She will not be expecting this at all and so she will be absolutely thrilled with this gesture. You could then slip the ring on her finger and sit her down to a lavish meal that you have prepared yourself.

If this wasn't enough, you can then give her a scrap book that you have made which is all about your time together. You can include photographs, ticket stubs, and postcards of places that you have visited together. The last half of the scrap book you could prepare for your future together so you could have headings such as 'Our First Dance as Man and Wife' or 'Our Honeymoon'. She will be like putty in your hands when she looks at this memento that you have lovingly prepared.

3. Take her to the Arcade

This one could be quite tricky but it is definitely possible. You will have to get your hands on an old disused video game which you can actually pick up for under a hundred dollars from a specialised auction. You then need to install your marriage proposal onto the machine yourself or by enlisting the services of an expert. Next thing is to ask permission from arcade owner to hire the place for a party and invite all of your friends and family with strict instructions to keep the proposal a secret. Use a fake invitation for yourself and your girlfriend and say it's from a cousin or co-worker. When you arrive it will just be the two of you so suggest that she has a go on the vintage video game. Once she sees and hears the proposal, all of your guests can then come flooding in to congratulate you.

Conclusion

So if you want to plan a marriage proposal that is slightly off the cuff and just a little bit geeky then a video game proposal could be the perfect way for you to make your intentions crystal clear to your girlfriend. Even if she isn't a nerd herself, she is in love with you so will appreciate the sentiment involved, and you can always do something more girly later on like go for a romantic meal or trip away to a spa.

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Top Tips For A Ring Inside A Hollow Book Marriage Proposal

Whether your partner loves any and all books, you both share a passion for one story in particular or you are just looking for a unique proposal, a ring inside a hollow book marriage proposal is the perfect idea for you.

Presenting an engagement ring inside of a hollowed out book leaves you unlimited potential as to where to propose. It is extremely portable and ready for presentation whether at a restaurant, on vacation or in a boat on the lake.

The perfect spot for your proposal is up to you and your lover's preferences, but there are some tips to help you propose with a hollow book that will help you take care of the rest, to be sure it is right for you:

Ring Inside A Hollow Book Marriage Proposal 101

1. Finding the right book

A word of caution before proceeding further – there are some "don'ts" you must keep in mind. Never use your partner's own book to carry out this proposal because the damage is permanent. Also, if your mate is a big fan of books, seeing one "destroyed" may be unsettling.

Be careful! Use an Exacto knife to cut out a square or rectangle in the centre of the book. It only needs to be deep enough to hold the ring (don't cut all the way through), but wide enough to make an impact (a little square would look a bit silly and would be hard to cut).

Use a thick, hardcover book. A paperback is often too thin and also much less sturdy than a hardcover with its tight binding.

2. Wrap It Up

Because the ring will be inside, the best way to ensure the ring stays safe and doesn't get lost or fall out is to present the book as a wrapped gift (unless you have a safe place to rest the book). You can wrap the book elegantly or match the wrapping paper to the theme of the book. To get really creative you can even get kraft paper and paint your own wrapping paper!

Don't disfigure a rare classic! There are few people who wouldn't be troubled by seeing an old classic cut out, which couldn't be replaced. If you are giving a book your partner has wanted, buy 2 copies and give the one that is unaltered later, after the celebration.

If you don't know of a special book to give, but love the idea, then go to a local thrift store and find a durable hardcover book. Once at home, you can decorate it and make a book cover that you decorate on your own, such as "The Story Of Us" or "Mr.&Mrs. White."

3. Keep It Hidden

Keep your investment protected until the proposal takes place, both before the event and during. You might want to keep the ring in a safety deposit box until the last minute, then wrap the book the day of the proposal. Also, wrapped gifts are tempting to thieves, so keep it close at hand until the ring is safely on her finger.

As with any proposal, ask friends and family to assist with photos and video. If you will be alone, be sure to bring your camera and video recorder with you!

One final creative thought that can make a hollow book proposal even more special is, when feasible, have the author autograph it and/or even write the proposal in the book.

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How To Plan the Perfect Plane Marriage Proposal

Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to plan any kind of surprise for your girlfriend, especially if she's a bit of a control freak and likes to know exactly what is happening at any given time. Unless she's a mind reader, she would never expect you to pop the question during a flight so planning a plane marriage proposal may be the only way to catch her off guard. However, if you are not 100% certain that she will answer in the affirmative, you should perhaps think of a plan B as there's nowhere to hide on a plane. If you are confident that she will accept your proposal however then here are some tips on how to get the ball rolling.

Plane Marriage Proposal 101

1. Synchronize Your Plans

Before you make any official reservations, be totally clear that your girlfriend can take the time off and ask her to mark the date on her calendar or in her diary to avoid any uncertainty. To create a bit of a Red Herring, just inform her that you are taking her away for a short break as a romantic treat, or alternatively, pretend that you are taking her to meet members of your family. This should not arouse any obvious suspicions and will allow you to relax more about the whole thing. When booking the trip, remember to arrange for transport from the airport to the hotel so that everything runs like clockwork and the occasion remains stress free.

2. Try and Conceal the Engagement Ring

When you arrive at the airport you will undoubtedly have to go through security before boarding your flight. Make a point of going through a separate security check to your girlfriend in case she spots the ring as it would be a real shame to give the game away at this stage. Simply make up an excuse by saying that the queue is too long where she is, or you don't like the look of the security man so you are going to join a different queue.

3. Inform the Cabin Crew

Before you take off, take the stewardess aside and let her in on your plans. Ask her whether there would be any chance of complimentary drinks or a special announcement over the intercom by the pilot to make the occasion extra special. Once you have briefed the crew, you then have to decide when to make your plane marriage proposal. It's probably best to wait until everyone has eaten and been to the bathroom so that you are both comfortable and relaxed. However, if you want to create more of a thrill then a proposal during take-off would certainly provide an element of excitement. Alternatively, you could pop the question during mid flight so that you can enjoy the rest of the journey as a happily engaged couple.

4. Propose During a Private Flight

If you know that your girlfriend does not like to be the centre of attention then you could book a short flight on a private plane. If you do this as a birthday or anniversary gift she will probably just go with the flow without figuring out exactly what you're plotting. Take flowers and champagne onto the plane and have the pilot fly past a specific place where you have spelled out 'will you marry me' in sand or perhaps on a giant billboard, or have a group of friends spell out a romantic proposal on the ground so it can be seen from the air. You can then nonchalantly point the proposal out to her and watch the expression on her face.

5. Keep your feet on the ground

If you don't want to go up in the air, you can always plan a fly by, where the plane you hire can perform some sky writing or pull a gigantic streamer message behind it proclaiming your love for your partner. You can see in this video that this is exactly what a guy did to propose to his girlfriend. The plane flies by pulling a message asking her to marry him. How romantic.

So if you are dead set on making a unique romantic gesture but you don't want to go down the candle lit meal route, then a proposal on a plane is a refreshing alternative and will give you both something to talk about every single time you take a flight for the rest of your lives. Thinking further ahead, you could have tiny gold planes as part of your wedding theme so that the special day is included in the main special day. You could perhaps include an airplane print on your invitations, napkins or thank you cards to acknowledge that this was where it all officially began.

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How To Pull Off a Skydiving Marriage Proposal

Asking someone to marry you is a big deal so you want to get it right. The pressure to pick the right place, right moment and right situation can all weigh heavy. So why not consider some of the more extreme ways to do it if nothing more than to discount the proposal idea as a 'not for me' kind. As such I give you today's marriage proposal idea of the day: a skydiving marriage proposal.

Skydiving Marriage Proposal 101

1. Skydiving Proposal Considerations

If you want your loved one to remember their proposal for the rest of their life you should consider doing a skydive whilst you propose. This is an ideal way to make the occasion extra special if you are either an adrenalin junkie or just want to do something that is completely off the wall.

If you and your partner have never skydived before it might look suspicious if you suddenly announce it out of the blue, especially if you are not prone to this kind of surprise. Of course it depends on what type of relationship you have and what type of person your partner is. If you are the type of couple who like trying new things then you may just get away with it. For couples who have skydived before, a surprise proposal will be a lot easier to execute.

2. Multiple Skydiving Proposal Options

Over the years people have done many strange things while skydiving. These things have been undertaken in order to get in to The Guinness Book of Records or to get five minutes of fame. Believe it or not it has been proven that it is possible to get a tattoo as you are skydiving, shave your face using a manual razor and send several text messages from a cell phone. These things have all been officially documented and are 100% true. Given that these types of activities are possible, a proposal does not seem too difficult a challenge!

It certainly is an achievable goal with a little forward thinking and planning. Make friends and family aware of what you are planning so that they can add their own special touches such as holding up banners and taking photographs. Perhaps you could plan a family meal for afterwards to mark the occasion in style or just a romantic meal for two. One thing is for sure, you will both have huge idiotic grins on your faces.

3. The Planning Process

There are several ways you can plan this proposal. The first choice would be to place a gigantic banner on the landing spot so that your partner would slowly notice it coming into focus as he or she got nearer to the ground. You could plan it so that you jump first and can be waiting with the ring and a bottle of champagne (presuming the answer is yes) when your partner lands. You might even want to let everyone else in on the secret weeks before hand so they can be there take photographs and film this special moment.

Another option is for you both to be in the plane together and just before your partner is about to jump, you propose, so that they have got the adrenalin rushing through them from the jump as well as butterflies in their tummy from the unexpected romantic gesture. You could try putting a ring on their finger whilst in mid air but this is risky as you may not be able to line your bodies up well enough and the ring may fall away. It is probably worth attempting using a toy ring, and saving the real sparkler for when you both come in to land.

Anyway, you can definitely look forward to a passionate kiss following such a daring heartfelt sign. You could arrange with the flying ground officials to supply flowers, champagne and perhaps play 'congratulations' over the loud speaker. If you are really daring you could attach a video camera to your safety helmet so that the entire magic moment is recorded for future reference.

4. Other Ideas to Consider

Another way of making a skydive proposal would be to attach a huge banner to the actual plane so that they will notice it while they are free falling, or later on when he or she has landed. Make sure you spell their name out in bold letters and sign it with a kiss and your own name. This type of gesture will have the crowds whooping and cheering as it is so romantic.

No matter which method you decide on, you are going to leave your loved one breathless and giddy! This method of proposing is certainly not for the faint hearted as it takes a lot of courage both to do the dive and to ask someone to marry you. It will definitely show your other half how much they are cherished by you given that you have made such a massive gesture.

This type of activity will almost certainly make the news so you will probably be famous for five minutes as well. It is one of the most inventive ways to propose and takes nerves of steel, preparation and determination. But to propose whilst doing a skydive will make for one of the best experiences you will both ever have, and give you lasting memories which you can cherish for the rest of your lives together.

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How To Pull Off The Perfect Fake Movie Set Marriage Proposal

If you're planning to pop the question to your girlfriend but want to give her a proposal that she will never forget, then perhaps a fake movie set marriage proposal is the way forward. If you're both already fans of the visual arts then this type of proposal would be very appropriate. Undeniably, it will take a lot of planning and may even cost a bit of money, but you could see this as an investment into your future with your partner. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Fake Movie Set Marriage Proposal 101

1. Make it as Grand as Possible

You will have to pay for a film crew and the actors and you will need to seek permission from the owners of the building to pull this one off. Take her to a really swanky restaurant or hotel as a treat (tell her you made your bonus) and when you arrive, there will be a film crew there shooting an episode of a drama or a movie. Pre-arrange for the producer to ask you both if you would be extras for a small fee. When your scene comes up, say the lines on the script and when your girlfriend has finished delivering her lines, drop down on one knee and pop the big question. She will be completely stunned and taken aback as she will be in 'actress' mode. Alternatively, you could ask for her hand in marriage after the director shouts "action" instead of saying the lines from the script. This will present an even bigger surprise.

2. Go to a Sporting Event

Preferably, take her to a sport that you both normally enjoy such as a basketball game. Tell the sports officials that you are planning to propose but want it to seem like it's on the set of a movie. There are usually TV cameras at these events so the pretence should be a little easier, and you could ask members of staff or strangers to take on the 'acting' roles. Inform her that they are filming a biopic about a famous sports star and that you are both going to be extras in the crowd scenes. When the camera starts rolling you can casually kneel down and ask her the big question and wait for the crowd to cheer.

3. Let's Pretend

You could pretend that your friend or cousin is a member of the amateur dramatics society and that you have both been requested to fill in as extras for a production which is to be filmed to celebrate the anniversary of the society. You will obviously have to get in touch with a local theatre production class and ask them to get on board with you. Offer them a small payment or make a donation to their particular cause. The majority of Thespians adore a bit of drama so you will likely have willing participants who will be happy to provide the necessary props and costumes. To make it extra romantic you could ensure the play is something classic such as 'Gone with the Wind' or 'Midsummer Night's Dream' so that you can both really dress up for your background roles. At the end of a poignant scene or following a musical interlude, you could then take the opportunity to pop the question.

Why not actually get involved in a fake movie? You'll have the whole thing on film to watch for years to come!

4. Scene Stealer

Go online and look for things that are being filmed within a one hundred mile radius. You will need to plan way ahead for this type of proposal. Buy a copy of the local acting magazine as these types of publications often advertise where they are going to be. Arrange to be in this town, city or country during filming and make sure that you have contacted the film crew months in advance to make arrangements. Do be honest and tell your girlfriend that you're going to watch a film being made as you're a huge fan of this actors or director's work.

Turn up on the day and make yourself known to one of the runners and ask them to inform the director. If everything goes to plan, you will then be asked to fill in for some missing extras, although you won't actually appear in the film as the camera crew will be going along with the whole charade. When you think that you are being recorded, get down on one knee and propose to your girl in front of everyone.

The majority of people are suckers for romance so it should be no problem arranging a fake movie set marriage proposal to give your girlfriend the proposal of her dreams. She can be the star of her own fake movie, the romantic heroine who wins her man.

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How To Pull Off A Comic Book Marriage Proposal

If you're currently wracking your brains for a unique way to propose to your girlfriend then why not design a comic book marriage proposal? Even if you're not a natural born artist you can ask friends to help with the artwork and design and then got the comic book printed. Of course, if you're already a good artist then you're half way there. There are millions of comic book enthusiasts all over the world so if you and your girlfriend fit into this category then this type of proposal would be very fitting, yet totally unexpected. Here are some tips to get you started.

Comic Book Marriage Proposal 101

1. Plan Ahead

If you're interested in trying a comic book marriage proposal you need to ask your most talented artistic friends and family for both original ideas and their potential involvement with the artwork design. You may already have someone in mind who can help with the artwork and if this is the case then it's best to offer them a fee. The chances are they will refuse to take any money for the work because it's such a special idea but it's good to offer nonetheless.

2. Get Creative

If you and your girlfriend have been together for a while then you can draw on all of your memories as a couple. Don't just choose the romantic memories, go for the times that made you laugh, cry and bicker as well to make the comic book more realistic. Perhaps there was an occasion when something went wrong and was so stressful that at the time it felt like the end of the world, but you can both see the funny side now. It's important to include these precious parts of your history together so that the comic book illustrates the downs as well as the ups. If you can remember what your girlfriend was wearing during a particular event you should ensure that her cartoon character is dressed in this clothing because this attention to detail will really work a treat.

3. Think about a Theme

A woman in Toronto based her own proposal on her boyfriend's favourite comic book. She read the comic strips and found locations in the story which were familiar to her boyfriend. She then went about leaving a series of clues in each separate location which formed sections of a comic book. The final clue was a picture of her asking him whether he wanted to marry her. Naturally he was so overwhelmed by all the thought and effort that she had put in that he said a gigantic yes. You could do this type of thing yourself by creating a treasure hunt and perhaps taking friends along to put her off the scent. Since the comic book sections are to be hidden as clues though, it's probably best to keep the engagement ring in a safe place rather than hiding it with the actual clues.

4. Envisage any Potential Problems

It's always important to plan for contingencies should anything could go wrong. For example, once the wheels are in motion and you have your comic book ready to send to print, ensure that it will be printed and returned to you in time for the proposal date you have in mind. Also consider the possibility that your girlfriend could flip straight to the end of the comic book and see the proposal before she reads the story that leads up to it. Make sure that your friends and family, who are in on the plan, keep her focused enough to read the entire comic book from start to finish.

In order to pull this comic book marriage proposal off it may be wise to try and keep the book to around 10 pages long, but make it look bigger by having blank filler pages at the start and end. If she does decide to take your hand in marriage, you can use the comic book as a guestbook for wedding guests to record their good wishes when you eventually tie the knot. This will most certainly make a great talking point.

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How To Pull Off An Art Gallery Marriage Proposal

You don't have to be a Leonardo Da Vinci in order to stage your very own art gallery marriage proposal. You can pull this off with aplomb even if neither of you are 'arty' types. It just requires a bit of thought and forward thinking so here are some points to get you started.

Art Gallery Marriage Proposal 101

1. Fake it

The first thing to do is to have 2 invitations printed inviting you both to an exhibition at a local art gallery showing the work of some old school friend of yours (you can just make a name up). One clever guy from Chicago did just this when he proposed to his girlfriend at Chicago 40000 art gallery. He created his own abstract art using a laser cutter, a heck of a lot of foam core and used a computer to design his piece.

George Aye, originally from Surrey in the UK, made a series of foam letters on poles which when viewed from a certain angle spelled out 'will you marry me?' His girlfriend Sara was under the impression that she was there to look at the work of an up and coming artist called 'Serge Gandaora' which was actually an anagram of the names George and Sara. The proposal became a huge hit on YouTube, receiving 50,000 hits in just 2 days. Needless to say Sara said yes to this elaborate proposal.

2. Keep it Simple

You don't really need to create a masterpiece in order to get your question across. A man in the USA arranged a gallery after party on the night of his girlfriend's art show where he had drawn a picture of himself asking his girlfriend Tiffany to marry him. The staff at the gallery were in on the scheme and were only too happy to accommodate him with his secret art gallery marriage proposal. You don't even need to draw or paint anything really because you could simply write a nice poem or have the proposal incorporated into a poster and have the staff hang it in a specific area of the gallery.

3. Book an Artist

If your budget will stretch you could ask an artist to paint a picture of your girlfriend and then arrange for your local art gallery to hang it for one evening only. Again you could give her a fake invitation to a friend's exhibition and say that you don't really fancy going but you feel that you should both make the effort. This will completely fool her because she will feel that you are both going out of a sense of duty. Ask the gallery beforehand if you could celebrate with some champagne afterwards and offer to make a donation because of their hospitality. If you can't afford a professional artist then visit the local schools and colleges and ask the art department if they can recommend a student to undertake the work. You could either pay the student or allow them to use the piece as part of their portfolio.

4. Cause a Diversion

An alternative to a pre-arranged gallery viewing is to pretend that you are taking your girlfriend out to the movies or for a meal and, when you're nearly at your destination, suddenly remember that you promised a colleague that you would pop in to their wife's exhibition. Explain that you had completely forgotten but that you have to show your face because he is more senior than you at work. You then take her to the art gallery where you have already prepared everything for your shock proposal. She will be so stunned she will probably forget that you were actually on your way to somewhere else in the first place!

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How to Plan the Perfect Marriage Proposal at Work

If your paths first crossed at work, then it might seem fitting to stage your marriage proposal in such a place. Perhaps you didn't meet at work but your girlfriend's job is important to her. Either way, she would never in a million years expect you to pop the question while she is working so it could be a great idea. To get some inspiration on how to go about planning this type of proposal please read on.

Marriage Proposal At Work 101

1. A Simple Type of Gesture

If your girlfriend is the sort of person who does not like to attract a lot of attention you would be wise to keep it simple. Tell her that you know that you have been neglecting her lately and want to take her for a romantic lunch time picnic. Simply prepare all of her favourite foods, add a bottle of fizz and pick her up from work at the start of her lunch break. Take her to a nearby park, lake or other romantic place and pop the question during the picnic. She will then return to work with a huge grin on her face and she will be floating on air for the rest of the working day.

2. Ask her to check some work for you

This will only work if you have the type of job where you give presentations. Tell her that you're really nervous about this particular presentation because you have to give it in the presence of someone really important. Then email the PowerPoint presentation to her at work. Try and arrange to be in the nearby vicinity so that you can spring out after she has watched it.

Include graphs which show the percentage of your current and future happiness levels and show how these rates have grown over time. At the end you could add a final page or a streamed video which spells out 'will you marry me'? You can then safely gauge her reaction to the email before appearing with a diamond ring and a beautiful bouquet of her favourite blooms.

3. Say it in writing

Wait for a special occasion such as her birthday or Valentines Day and have a beautiful cake made especially for her. Have the baker ice it with your proposal and remember to include both your names so that she is certain that the cake is meant for her. Arrange for the cake to be boxed and hand delivered to her place of work. Again, ensure that you are loitering nearby so that you can give her a massive kiss before presenting her with the ring. This is certainly a sweet and creative way to pop the question. You could explain to her that the cake represents the various layers of your relationship and the cream filling is the love that binds you together. This may come across as a bit soppy but she will know that it's heartfelt.

4. Announce it Out Loud

If your girlfriend happens to work somewhere where there is a Tannoy system then you've got it sussed. Of course you will have to plan this type of proposal by going in to her place of work and speaking with her co-workers and managers so that you get their blessing to come over the public loud speaker and make your declaration of love. The chances are that she will be in the middle of a particular job such as serving a customer so it's probably wise to repeat your proposal once or twice. Once another worker has given you the red light you can then show yourself and present her with the ring. After work you can enjoy a glass of champagne with your girlfriend and her colleagues before going out for a lovely romantic meal.

The great thing about proposing at work is that she will be in 'work mode' and so will definitely not be expecting to receive a proposal of marriage on what she considers to be a normal working day. So this type of proposal is fantastic at maintaining the element of surprise. You could even surprise her further by arranging with her boss for her to have the rest of the day off and then whisking her away for a few days to a nice hotel somewhere romantic. This would be the icing on the cake and would give her a truly unforgettable marriage proposal.

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How To Pull Off The Perfect Whisper Chain Marriage Proposal

Whisper chains have been around for decades, you probably even took part in several at kids' parties when you were younger! They certainly are a fun way to communicate with others and as such, a whisper chain marriage proposal could be an incredibly romantic and fun way to propose with friends involved. If you think such an idea maybe a possibility for your proposal then here are some ways to plan the perfect whisper chain style proposal.

Whisper Chain Marriage Proposal 101

1. It's all about the timing

A whisper chain works better in a place that is not too crowded, but not too empty so it's vital to get the setting spot on. You could choose a bar and invite a few friends and family, but try and pick somewhere that has a small stage and a microphone. Take your girl to see a local band and invite friends along to the gig. Ask a friend to go up on stage and try and organize a whisper chain but arrange it so that your girlfriend will be the last person to receive the message. As the groom-to-be, it's your role to start off the chain by whispering to someone "X-will you marry me?" Once the entire venue has passed this message on, your girl will hear the message last and you can step on stage and suddenly adopt a kneeling position. If she agrees to be your wife, then you can order celebratory drinks from the bar, before watching the rest of the gig.

2. Take Flight

It would come as a great surprise to your girlfriend to receive a whispered marriage proposal from a stranger on an airplane. You simply have to let the cabin crew in on your plan, and you then pretend to use the bathroom during the flight. You then walk to the back of your cabin and start the chain off before casually returning to your seat. After a few minutes, hopefully the message will still be intact and fully comprehensible and your girlfriend will turn to you with a look of surprise and joy on her face. You could ask the pilot to announce over the intercom that all passengers are taking part in a whisper chain to try and raise money for charity so that she will not grow suspicious. Once she has accepted your hand in marriage you can order champagne before slipping the ring on her finger.

3. At the Game

Whether it's at the football, basketball or ice-hockey, a stadium creates an ideal opportunity for a whisper chain marriage proposal. You could also let officials in on your plans and ask them to flash your images up on the large screen when the message eventually arrives at your girlfriend. The general atmosphere at any sporting event will make for an exciting and memorable proposal that she is unlikely to forget. You could perhaps even manage to wangle some backstage tickets so that your girlfriend can meet some of her favourite sporting heroes to make the event extra special. Most sporting celebrities will be more than happy to help out with such a momentous occasion. If you're not a sports fan but still want to create an exciting atmosphere for your proposal, any public setting, such as on the subway, can really mix things up.

4. On Vacation

If you decide not to go for the airplane idea then perhaps you could wait until you have reached your destination. Try and plan the whisper chain marriage proposal so that your girlfriend is completely relaxed and won't figure that something is up. The beach or around the pool would both make ideal locations to start up a whisper chain and because everyone there is happy and relaxed, it should go very smoothly. It just requires a little forward thinking so that you can inform everyone in the vicinity when your girlfriend is not on the scene.

Wait until she takes a dip in the pool or goes to the bathroom before trying to quickly organize your next move. The majority of people love to be involved in this type of thing as its harmless fun so you should have no problem finding participants for your whisper chain. Once the bride-to-be has heard the whisper you can take both her hands, gaze lovingly into her eyes and explain how much she means to you. The rest of your vacation will be more enjoyable because you will be a newly engaged couple.

If you and your partner have only discussed marriage in a vague sense there is no reason that she should expect a proposal so by creating a whisper chain, it adds even more surprise to the occasion. There are many other ideal places to pull off a whisper chain marriage proposal such as at a concert during the intermission when it's quieter, a picnic, and a cruise or on a tour bus when on vacation. The world is your oyster when it comes to planning this unique style of proposal.

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How To Pull Off The Perfect Stand Up Comedy Proposal

If you're lucky enough to already share a similar sense of humour to your girlfriend then a stand up comedy proposal could be just the ticket to make her heart melt. If you are the shy and retiring type then you may want to simply propose at the end of the comedy gig, unless you have the nerve to stand on the stage and tell a series of jokes before popping the question. The trouble is, if nobody in the audience laughs, then the joke could be on you. Here are some useful ideas on how to pull off the perfect stand up comedy proposal.

Perfect Stand Up Comedy Proposal 101

1. Gather Friends and family

Regardless of whether you are prepared to have a go at stand up yourself or if you're simply going along to see an up and coming comedian, invite as many friends and family along to the event as possible. You could always pretend that a particular comedian is an old friend or a cousin and use that as the reason why you want so many people to go along and support him. A marriage proposal usually involves a lot of nervous tension, so having so many familiar faces around you will put you at ease.

2. Make a Fake Audition Tape

Tell your girlfriend that you're entering a competition to win tickets to a comedy festival and that you have to actually do a stand up routine yourself and send the tape off to the competition organizers. She will probably not be suspicious, especially if you have mentioned before that you would like to try stand up yourself. This will entail an element of careful planning and possibly calling in a few favours. You will need to hire a venue such as a small bar or community centre and then get invitations printed off. Ask a friend to record the whole thing and let them know that you're planning to propose whilst on stage. Once your girlfriend is out there in the audience and has said yes, you can then expose your secret.

3. Get in Touch with Local Comedy Stores

If you and your partner are fans of going to comedy gigs anyway, then this type of proposal should be relatively easy to pull off. Do some research to find out when your girlfriend's favourite comedian is going to be in town and telephone or email the venue to ask them whether you could get up on stage to make your proposal. You could persuade them further by assuring them that you would fill the place with friends and family so they would make extra money on tickets and the bar.

Tell your girl that you will be getting up on stage at the end of the show to try and ask for donations for a charity that your mom is supporting so that she won't freak out when she sees you up there. You can then take the microphone and attempt to charm your girlfriend into accepting your hand in marriage. If you're able to get your partner up on the stage with you, without raising too much suspicion, you can get down on one knee for all to see.

4. Rehearse, Rehearse and then Rehearse some more

If you want to plan a proposal that will get a laugh from the bride-to-be then you may need to take the bull by the horns and learn to be a stand up comedian. This will involve watching many DVDs of professional comics to see how it's done, and then trying it out in front of the mirror to try and eradicate nerves. Once you feel confident enough you could ask a few friends to come to your house and watch you perform your material and proposal. Ask them for an honest critique so that you can make any necessary changes.

Once you have rehearsed until you're blue in the face then it's time to secure a short slot at a comedy store. You will probably only need to tell jokes for around four minutes so it's important to time your stand up routine so that there are no embarrassing silences, but allow two minutes to get down on one knee to pop the question. Your girlfriend will be completely bowled over that you put yourself under so much stress in order to produce an original yet humorous proposal and she will love you all the more for making this gesture.

A stand up comedy proposal will certainly make for an entertaining anecdote and it will be an occasion that neither of you will ever forget. Laughter is such an important aspect of any relationship so this type of proposal will certainly set the scene for the rest of your lives together. If you can share laughter then you can get through whatever life happens to throw at you.

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How To Pull Off the Perfect Photo Marriage Proposal

If the idea of trying to think of an original way to pop the question fills you with fear, you may find that a photo marriage proposal is right up your street. It is both a unique and inventive way to propose and with a little bit of creativity, time and effort, you could find yourself carrying out a stunningly romantic marriage proposal with great results.

Photo Marriage Proposal 101

1. Create a Tradition

You know pretty much straight away when you meet 'the one' and can't imagine your life without this person in it. From the moment this realization dawns on you promise yourself to create a tradition and have a photograph taken together on a particular date and place. For example, if you go on vacation together you could always strive to have a stranger take a photo of the two of you by the ocean, a stream or a lake, so you can make water your theme.

You can then set a date for the proposal and decide where the ultimate water photograph can be taken. Hypothetically, say that you decide to have a photo taken at Niagara Falls or Loch Lomond; you can then ask bystanders or people from your hotel to hold up a banner with your proposal and stand behind the pair of you. When your girlfriend looks at the photo she will immediately see your proposal in the form of a photograph, but with the beautiful watery scenery in the background. Perfect.

If, however, you had not started such a tradition and are planning to propose in the near future you may need to skip this idea and move on to option two.

2. Spell It Out

If you and your partner are sporting fans then why not ask the audience to each hold up the letters which spell out 'will you marry me?' and have a random person take a photograph of the two of you watching the game. Remember to spell out her name so that she knows that the proposal is aimed at her. After the game, take her for a romantic meal which you have already planned and while you're waiting for the first course, start looking at the photos on your camera or phone together. She will soon notice that the audience spelled out your proposal during the game and she will be putty in your hands. You can then kneel down in the restaurant and present her with a beautiful sparkler. This is definitely a more interesting twist on a traditional romantic meal proposal.

3. Romancing on Ice

Wait until the winter time and take your girlfriend ice-skating. An outdoor rink is more romantic as it will be decorated beautifully for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights. You can then do as suggested in point two and ask spectators to hold up the proposal behind you and have someone take a photograph of the two of you on your cell phone or camera. If she accepts your proposal you can go for a warm mulled wine or a hot chocolate with marshmallows and snuggle together while admiring the ring and toasting your future.

4. Love on a Mountain Top

This idea will be more successful if you are both keen hikers. The key is to let all the other walkers in your party in on your secret. You will aim to climb to the top of the mountain before asking a co-walker to photograph the pair of you. Instead of only capturing the breath taking scenery, however, you should arrange for the other hikers to hold a banner in the background which spells out 'I love you, will you marry me?'. You then have to decide whether to show her the photograph straight away or to wait until later. That said though, a mountain top is a pretty romantic place to ask the big question. You will have to secure the ring so that you don't end up dropping it hundreds of feet. Alternatively you could bring a plastic toy ring and take her out later to slip the real deal on her finger.

The great thing about pulling off the perfect photo marriage proposal is that the moment when you propose well be captured forever so that you can show your family, and any children that you may go on to have together in the future. You could have this photo proposal blown up and framed to adorn your bedroom wall so that it will always serve as a reminder of how romantic your proposal was.

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How To Pull Off A Perfect Hot Air Balloon Marriage Proposal

Have you ever dreamed about taking a flight in a hot air balloon? Most people do consider this type of adventure at least once in their lives because there's something quite mesmerizing and romantic about hot air balloons which people find hard to resist. If you're already in the process of planning how to propose to your girlfriend then it's worth considering a hot air balloon marriage proposal at the very least. It may seem like a daunting task but its relatively simple to book and then turn up on the day. Here's how to do it.

Hot Air Balloon Proposal 101

1. Do your Research before Booking

There are many different companies which organise hot air balloon flights around the world so go online and figure out exactly where you want to be when you ask your lady the big question. There may be locations that are better suited to proposals where the views are exceptionally breath taking so read up to get some inspiration. In the UK Richard Branson's company Virgin are famous for proposals taking place mid flight and so they have put together a great package for a hot air balloon engagement.

2. Write a Poem or Song

To make the proposal extra memorable you could write a nice poem which you could read to your lover before you get down on one knee, or if you have been blessed with a good set of lungs then why not pen a romantic ballad? You don't have to be a world class poet in order to write something meaningful and the words don't even have to rhyme. Just be true to yourself and each other and I'm sure it will work out.

That said even the best laid plans can go a bit pear shaped, to use the English lad vernacular, as evidenced by this hot air balloon proposal which ended up in the trees. Still they all seemed to be laughing a lot about it which just goes to show why this kind of proposal can't go wrong, even when it does.

3. Pretend it's for Something Else

To maintain the element of surprise, you could plan the hot air balloon marriage proposal for your birthday or your girlfriend's birthday. You could simply say that it's something that you've always wanted to try doing before you die and it would be perfect if she would accompany you on your voyage. Alternatively you could say that you're doing it for charity and you could actually go ahead and get some sponsors anyway. This would make your proposal extra special because you would be donating money to a good cause as well as providing your girlfriend with some fabulous memories.

4. Check the Weather

If you're planning to book the flight months in advance, this may not always be possible but if you just allow 2-3 weeks before booking you can usually get a good idea of whether any storms are due. The ideal balloon ride would entail clear blue skies, sunshine and a gentle warm breeze but unfortunately life is not always like that so you may have to take a bit of a risk when you book. Remember to pack a traditional wicker basket with champagne, strawberries and other delights to toast your engagement. Some companies provide extras so it's always best to check beforehand as you may be able to save money.

In Conclusion

Just imagine how picturesque the view will be when you are both way up in the sky, floating away without a care in the world (for her anyway, for you expect a slightly more nervous time until she says yes to your proposal obviously). The great thing about a ride in a hot air balloon is that although it's an unusual method of proposing, it's romantic and enjoyable whereas, something like skydiving or a helicopter ride can add extra nerves. Even if you don't have a great head for heights, the key is to look straight ahead or up to the sky to stop the fear.

Alternatively you could hold your girlfriend's hand and lovingly gaze into her eyes. Once she has accepted your marriage proposal you will feel so exhilarated that your nerves will disappear and you will enjoy the rest of the ride. Just don't fall out.

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How To Pull Off A Wheat Field Marriage Proposal

If you're thinking about making an honest woman of your girlfriend (said tongue in cheek of course), and are wondering how to go about popping the question, then read on. It's every woman's dream to have someone she loves declaring their love for her in a thoughtful and unique way, and if you really want to break the mould then here are some ideas on how to pull off a wheat field marriage proposal and put a smile on your girlfriend's face forevermore.

Wheat Field Marriage Proposal 101

1. Enlist a Partner in Crime

It's vital to have assistance when planning any type of grand gesture so you really need to pick someone who is loyal and reliable. By all means allow your friend to share any thoughts or ideas that they have to make the occasion extra memorable but remember the buck stops with you so always keep in mind what your girlfriend is going to enjoy rather than what may seem amusing when throwing ideas around.

To that end perhaps your girl has a favourite colour, hobby or something that she collects. You can make the shape of that significant object alongside the proposal of marriage to add a special touch to the proceedings.

2. Choose the Date Carefully

Once you have decided on what day you're going to pop the question you can arrange for your girlfriend to have the morning or day off work by contacting her place of work and letting them in on your plans. Once a date is fixed you can safely book your plane, helicopter or hot air balloon journey. It's important to book ahead, especially if you plan to carry out your proposal during romantic times of the year such as Christmas or Valentines Day as these dates can be very busy. The only way to be able to see the "will you marry me" message on the field is from the air so use Google to check the best options closest to your desired location.

3. Arranging the Letters

You will need brightly coloured paper or card to spell out your proposal on the wheat field so that it stands out from the colour of the grass from up above. You will then need to ensure that these letters are weighted down so that a freak gust of wind doesn't scatter them everywhere. If possible, laminate the paper so that your letters are waterproof and this will give you peace of mind should the heavens open. Remember to spell out your girlfriend's name so that she instantly realises that the proposal is aimed at her. If the field is privately owned, remember to get permission before you spell out your message lest you want to be arrested at the worst possible moment!

4. Trick Your Lady
Tell her that you are taking her out for a breakfast date with a difference. Pick her up in your car or by taxi and make her wear a blindfold to add to the suspense. The car will then make its way to the airfield, where you will have given the pilot strict instructions of the path that you wish them to take you. Once you get in the plane, helicopter or hot air balloon you can remove the blindfold and watch the sparkle in your girlfriend's eye as she realises that she's going up on a flight. Have the ring ready in your pocket and ensure a bottle of bubbly and two glasses are stowed away in advance so you can toast the special occasion.

5. Round off the Day

Once she has accepted your hand in marriage and you are safely back on the ground, take her to see a show and then go out for a meal where friends and family will be waiting for you at the restaurant with more champagne and good wishes. If you have remembered to film the proposal you could share this special moment with all of your loved ones over desserts.

After the excitement of the day, your new fiancée will soon figure that you painstakingly planned everything to give her the most fantastic marriage proposal and she will love you all the more for it. This type of proposal is exceptionally romantic but also has an element of excitement so it's the perfect way to declare your feelings to the one that you love in an extraordinary way.

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How To Carry Out A Prank Marriage Proposal

Playing a prank on your loved one and then turning it into a marriage proposal is not most girls' dream of romance but hey, everyone is different and maybe this is part of the reason you love each other. If you're going to try such a proposal idea however, you need to know what the boundaries are. Some pranks can be seen as a bit cruel and no woman wants to feel hurt on this special day so it's vital that you are 100% sure how your other half will react before planning this type of endeavour. All that said if you're confident that this is the way to go, then here are some tips on how to carry out a prank marriage proposal.

Prank Marriage Proposal 101

1. Decide on the Prank

With this type of proposal you can really allow your imagination to run wild. The main thing to consider though is the type of humour that your girl will definitely appreciate. For example, if she is the type of person to laugh at other people's misfortunes and finds it easy to laugh at herself then the world is your oyster.

2. Pick a Location

Once you have decided how dramatic you want the prank proposal to be you can put some plans into place. Perhaps you're going to take your girl for a picnic and you've arranged for an actor to play the part of a guy who is going to pick a fight with you over something.

It could be something random like accusing you of sitting in his spot. You could argue it out and say things like' there was no reserved sign in this area'. Start backing down and go to stand up and move to another spot, but as you start to pack your stuff away, drop to one knee and pop the question, before revealing the truth.

3. Enlist Help to Make it Believable

You could enlist the services of your local radio station and get them to call your girlfriend to say that her boyfriend entered her name into a competition and that she has won the runners up prize of a hot air balloon ride. You could then obviously book an actual balloon ride and when she sees the champagne she will assume it's part of the surprise and so your proposal will be like a bolt out of the blue.

Another type of fun prank would to ring your other half in a complete panic and say that you need them to accompany you as you have left your Christmas shopping until the last moment and you need help urgently. Drag her around the department stores, and allow her to pick stuff out for your grandma, mom and auntie but remember to act impatiently and miserly to make the shopping trip more authentic.

It's important to ignore every one of her ideas for a particular person's gift so that she will eventually lose patience with you. Once you feel that she has reached boiling point you can produce the ring and declare your intentions. She will hopefully not mind the aching feet and pounding headache and will see the funny side!

If you're beloved is a bit of an adrenaline junkie or simply loves getting messy then you could try and arrange something along the following lines. It would involve careful planning and it's not for the faint hearted but as far as pranks go, it's a winner.

Go to a theme park and let them in on your plans. Ask them if you pay the cost, would they arrange to place a container of goo, feathers and glitter above a certain ride when you and your girlfriend get on. A log flume is a good choice as she will be fully expecting water so when she gets drenched in slime, etc and you then produce a ring, it will be the icing on the cake! Let the amusement park owners be aware that it will be good publicity as you will tell the local newspapers to be there.

So long as you don't overstep the mark then your prank marriage proposal should be perfectly okay. Remember though that there is sometimes a fine line between funny and cruel and if you love your sweetheart you want her to be crying tears of joy on the special day. Think things through carefully and ask the advice of a close friend to ensure that you're on the right track.

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How To Carry Out A Subway Marriage Proposal

It seems that the marriage proposal is becoming nearly as important as the actual wedding day itself for some couples. If you're a guy or a gal who wants to pop the question in a totally original way, but can't afford to travel abroad, then why not use public transport? OK so it's not everyone's idea of jaw dropping romance but go with me here. The only expense that you need to worry about is the price of the actual engagement ring and the cost of your travel ticket, so it's a fairly cheap way of popping the question and, if you get a little creative, you can make it truly memorable. So if I've peaked your interest and you fancy giving this idea a go here are some tips on how to carry out a subway marriage proposal to take your partners breath away.

Subway Marriage Proposal 101

1. It's all in the Planning

Your first task is organising a group of people who are prepared to sing on a grand scale in a public place. If your budget will allow you could hire a professional choir or, for a friendlier atmosphere, advertise on a social networking site (Twitter is perfect) for willing participants.

When you mention your big event on Facebook or Twitter, ensure that you stipulate the exact date, time and destination of the train so that your singers know the score. Because these people are complete strangers, there is absolutely no reason that your girlfriend should be suspicious.

If you would not normally take the same train journey as your other half then you need to make a plausible excuse weeks in advance. Tell her that you're on a training course that day so you will be able to travel into work together for a change. Alternatively, you could even try to board the train without her knowledge and then guide the singers towards your beloved. If she sees you when she is not expecting to, this will be a double whammy surprise!

2. Choosing the Right Song

Give your singers plenty of time to practice the song of your choice so that it will sound amazing on the day. You could choose a song that is special to both of you as a couple or perhaps her favourite song of all time (so long as it's not Celine Dion mind... we don't want strangers getting up to punch you in the face!). Even if the choice of song is unusual and not a ballad, this will just add to the fun! You can imagine a group of commuters singing something mad like 'Love Shack' by the B52's or 'Umbrella' by Rihanna. Plus, when she first notices that there are random people singing in her train carriage she will get a huge smile on her face if it's a song that's close to her heart.

Be realistic about the capabilities of your volunteers though and try not to overwhelm them with something really difficult. It's important for the song to be in tune so you should perhaps avoid big ballads (unless one of your singers happens to be a Soprano!).

As well as organising the serenade, it's vital to try and capture this moment forever. Ask one of your cohorts on the train if they would mind filming the whole thing for you, or better still take a good friend along with you. Most people have a romantic side to them so it should be no problem finding someone to be a cameraman for the morning.

3. Plan Something for Afterwards

To make the subway marriage proposal extra memorable you should aim to arrange for your girlfriend to have the day off work well in advance. Contact her manager and ask for their permission and discretion so that your loved one won't suspect a thing. You could then arrange a fun packed day once she accepts your hand in marriage. You could even propose with a candy ring and then take her shopping for an engagement ring, but this is not always as romantic. A lovely walk around a public park, a boat ride or a meal will complete the day perfectly.

Conclusion

Most people are on automatic pilot when they're travelling to work so this type of marriage proposal will certainly be a huge surprise. The thought and planning that will go into this special day will certainly demonstrate your love and commitment and this should take your girlfriends breath away, so long as she's not the shy, retiring type. If you can't organise singers or a vocal harmony group and you're completely tone deaf then you could always resort to playing a song on the train as a compromise. Again though, no Celine Dion! Good luck and happy subway riding.

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How To Perform A Magic Show Marriage Proposal

Every woman wants a creative, romantic and imaginative proposal that they can boast about to friends and family for years to come. In fact the majority of women want their man to surprise them with something amazing even if they may play it down in private. That doesn't mean it has to be elaborate and over the top, just well thought out and meaningful for the two of you. Heck a private proposal at home will steal most hearts so long as it has meaning.

For those, however who really want to opt for a truly creative declaration of love, here are some ideas on how to perform a magic show marriage proposal and set your future together on a fun footing.

Magic Show Marriage Proposal 101

1. Just the Ticket

Go online and find out whether there are going to be any magic shows in your area in the near future and book enough tickets for yourself, your girlfriend and close friends and family. You could also pre-arrange a dinner reservation for after the show to really make a night of it. Email the organisers and see if they will speak to the magician for you so that you can arrange for your girlfriend to get picked from the audience as a volunteer. You can then let the magician know exactly which seat your lovely lady will be sitting in and he can then pretend to call out a random seat number.

2. Preparing the Trick

You will need to liaise with the magician in advance and together you should create something truly memorable. For example, you could allow your girlfriend to tap something such as a top hat or a glass with the magic wand and rather than a bunch of flowers or a rabbit appearing, a jewellery box could pop out. Alternatively, you could appear on stage in a puff of smoke so that as your girlfriend hears the magic word 'Abracadabra' she will see you kneeling down holding a ring.

3. A Simpler Method

You could ask a work buddy or someone that your girl has never met to pretend to be a street magician and arrange for him to be in the same place as your girlfriend. Similar to the clip previously mentioned, you could get the street artist to blindfold your beloved and spin her around, assuring her that when she removes the blindfold, the audience will have vanished. Of course, when the blindfold comes off, hey presto, you will be kneeling down before her clutching an expensive sparkler with a rose between your teeth. She will act shocked, but once she takes it in properly she will love, love, love this gesture.

4. A More Elaborate Way

You could borrow some books from the library about magic tricks and tell your girlfriend that you've promised to help out a family member and do a kid's party. Tell her that you're extremely nervous and beg her to come along with you to the party. Of course, this will work much better if you are actually going to a children's birthday party so try and ask around at work to see if anyone will humour you. You could actually perform a cute show with furry puppets and call them after you and your girlfriend for fun.

Ask your other half if she will be the girl puppet and together you can carry out a simple magic trick to amuse and entertain the kids watching. Have your girl's puppet hold a magic wand and say the magic words ' I wish, I wish upon a star, for magic to happen from near and far' then get her to tap a large gift box with a bow on it. Once she has done this you can then pop your head up, and allow your puppet to open the box and bring out the ring. She will be totally astounded but thoroughly pleased and you will certainly have the attention of the kids.

Performing a marriage proposal during a magic show may seem like a complicated idea but there are ways of simplifying it. You just need to use your imagination a little. Let your special lady know that you have chosen a magic show because when you set eyes on her for the first time, something magical happened to you inside your heart. Yes it's a little cheesy, but heartfelt sentiment always scores points. Make sure that you assure her that you would certainly never want her to vanish from your life.

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How To Pull Off A Successful Cue Card Marriage Proposal

Ah the humble cue card, saviour when making speeches, business presentations and revising hard for exams. But did you know there's actually a very romantic use for these little fella's? Well now you do (as no doubt you read the title to this post and now have a fair idea I'm about to explain how to pull off a cue card marriage proposal).

So if you're a fan or words and/or liable to get tongue tied this could be the proposal idea for you. Read on.

Cue Card Marriage Proposal 101

1. Words Don't Come Easy

Unfortunately, not all men have 'the gift of the gab' and so they become bumbling, stammering buffoons when it comes to matters of the heart. The key to success is to write down your true feelings on a piece of paper in preparation for your cue cards. Whatever you feel in your heart is what needs to go down.

You could perhaps mention the place or date you first met and on the next card mention that you were not meant to be in that place so it was fate that brought you together. What I'm getting as is the fact you should aim to use the cue cards to tell the story of your lives together as a couple. Remember though to admit your innermost feelings and tell her exactly how much you adore her before you ask for her hand in marriage.

2. Plan your Place and Time

It doesn't matter a jot if you're only in your twenties for this next idea. Go to your local library or video store and rent some old black and white movies to get a feel for pure innocent romance. A movie such as 'Strangers on a Train' should give you a good starting point. You could use this theme to plan your cue card proposal by standing on a train platform as your girlfriend is sitting on the train.

You will need around five minutes to show all of your cards to her before the train can pull away. Hopefully, she will accept your hand in marriage and get off the train to get her sparkling engagement ring. This scenario is real tear-jerking stuff so it can't fail to work. A train is probably the best form of public transport to use to your advantage as a bus, tram or airplane is not as romantic.

You could even go to her place of work with your cards as this will be a real unexpected event for her (NB: if she's a shy lass then this is not a good idea). Arrange with her boss to whisk her away afterwards for a super romantic day together. If you want to be a bit more spontaneous then a day trip or night away could provide you with the perfect setting.

If you're struggling about what to write on your cards then why not start off with a couple of lines from a love song such as 'have I told you lately that I love you?' and then take it from there. Alternatively you could use a famous love poem and write down a verse from that to grab your girlfriend's attention.

3. Propose at the Game

If your girl is a sports fan then this could be the ideal venue for a cue card marriage proposal. Wait until half time and tell her that you're going to the bathroom and then sneak to the front of the spectator stand and when you know that you have her attention, start revealing your cards, one by one (again not a good idea if your lady is the shy retiring type). The audience will go mad and she will be shaking with excitement and surprise. Alternatively, you could arrange for you to be on the big screen so that she gets a much better view of your proposal.

Conclusion

A cue card marriage proposal really is one of the most romantic ways to ask your lover to be your wife. There are endless settings in which you can do it so just keep in mind a place that has always been special to the two of you and head there.

This kind of proposal also shows that you have put a lot of thought into what you wanted to say and she will appreciate this. Some men are bad communicators so by writing your feelings down, this avoids any awkwardness or embarrassment that voicing these sentiments might create. And remember this is ideal for either a public or private setting so it's a very flexible and personal option.

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How To Carry Out A Marriage Proposal With A Thousand Roses

Asking for a woman's hand in marriage can be one of the most important things that a man will ever do in his lifetime and for this reason it's essential to invest time and effort into planning the perfect proposal for the love of your life. Accompanying any proposal with a bunch of red roses is a very romantic gesture in itself, but what about carrying out a marriage proposal made up of a thousand roses? Peaked your interest? Here's how to do it.

Marriage Proposal With A Thousand Roses 101

1. Choose the Perfect Venue

To add even more romantic sparkle to the proceedings, it's important to choose a place that she will absolutely adore. Many guys pick the place that they first met their girlfriend, but if this was in the workplace or somewhere not easy to get to, it may not be practical. For that reason you could perhaps book a meal at her favourite restaurant or make a reservation at the establishment where you had your first meal together. If your budget will stretch you could take her to a place that she has always wanted to go but you could never previously afford.

If you want to make the proposal really grand and are not bothered whether family and friends are there, then a romantic weekend getaway could make for the perfect romantic proposal. Just a night or two in a hotel which is located near somewhere scenic will do the trick. You could then arrange a picnic in front of a waterfall or lake and start to produce the roses before dropping down on one knee.

If you do decide to stay locally though, you need to correspond with the owner of the venue to explain that you want several people to bring roses to your table as part of your proposal event. The owners may even agree to hire the place to you privately for a couple of hours to make things go more smoothly.

2. Organizing Everything

Realistically, you probably know enough people to ask about presenting the rose bouquets but if you wanted to make things more of a surprise, strangers are the way to go. This may work better with a little forward planning. You should obviously ask close family members and friends to bring the last few bunches of roses but for the rest of the bouquet givers you could advertise on a social networking site or ask people at your workplace. Everyone goes goofy over romantic gestures so you will soon have enough willing participants.

When you visit the florists you should definitely inform them of your grand scheme so that they can order in enough stock for your special event. Get the florist to attach large signs (which you will pre-make) which say lovely things about your loved one. These signs will be brought on by members of your family at the end of the flower giving ceremony. You can say anything you want such as 'I never grow tired of seeing your smile or hearing your voice, I want to be with you forever, will you marry me?' Whatever words you decide to use though, try and make them personal to you both as a couple.

Once your beloved has a huge stack of bouquets and she has read your personal messages her heart will melt. You could of course, replicate the video clip above and make placards which you can hold up for her to read. Only you will know what will work best for you. You can then enjoy a delicious, romantic meal with all of your close friends and family around you.

This type of marriage proposal cannot fail to win the heart of any lady. It will make a fantastic anecdote which can be retold for years to come by future generations of your family. Every woman wants to feel special when they receive a proposal so what better way than to give her a marriage proposal with a thousand roses, a declaration of love and then a sparkling diamond ring.

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How To Carry Out A Marriage Proposal On A Boat

here are many creative and memorable ways to propose to your lover. If you have decided you would like to pop the question in the outdoors, consider proposing on a boat for the ultimate, romantic experience. The soothing sea and seclusion from noise and distractions provide the ideal setting for this memorable event.

The following are some ideas on how to carry out a marriage proposal on a boat, and to be sure it is the right choice for you and your love:

Marriage Proposal On A Boat 101

1. Water Isn't For Everyone

Before going further, you need to be certain that being on the lake, river or ocean is the right setting for both of you. If either partner has a fear of water or a tendency to get seasick, a marriage proposal on a boat is not the best marriage proposal choice for you! Well der (but still it's worth saying)!

2. Choose Who Will Be Present

Before you choose the boat and the setting, you need to decide who will be present for the proposal. A little rowboat won't work if you plan to invite friends along. If you want the entire family around, you will need a much larger vessel. Also, you may need friends to help you pull off the proposal or as "props" to convince your partner this is just friends getting together. Once you have a plan in mind of how many will be involved, you can get into the specific details.

3. Choose A Setting

Depending on where you live, you may have all types of water to choose from – from the deep ocean to a little pond in the country. The first step is envisioning where you would like to propose. Do you want to go far out into the ocean or do you prefer the idea of two of you on a quiet little lake?

4. Choose A Boat

Most people don't have a boat for their personal use. If you do, then this will likely be easy for you. For everyone else, it is time to make a list of ideas. Do you want to charter a boat, take a half day fishing cruise with other passengers you don't know, rent a pontoon boat on your local lake or enlist a friend with a boat to be your "captain?" The sky is the limit. You might even consider renting a boat to sleep in overnight!

5. Prepare For The Unexpected

Proposing out in nature is incredibly romantic, but the weather and other "natural" events can put a dampener on your plans. Choppy waters, thunder and lightning can postpone your perfectly planned proposal. One of the best ways to prepare is to keep an eye on the weather and communicate frequently with your helpers. If it looks like a long week of heavy rain and cold temps are coming, it might be a good idea to find an alternate date in advance.

No matter what type of boat or water, carrying out a marriage proposal on a boat will be a memorable day you will both always treasure. The peaceful, serene setting is incredibly romantic on the whole - well unless you're stuck in a force nine gale! So get planning, make some charter calls and we'll see you down the aisle.

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Chapter 2

The USA Marriage Proposal Destinations Chapter

Top 5 Places To Propose In New York City

If you're nervous about proposing to your girlfriend and are worried that you may become tongue tied when it comes to popping the question, then perhaps you should consider a proposal where the surroundings do most of the talking on your behalf.

New York is known as the city that never sleeps and offers a vibrant, exciting and romantic environment to pop the question. So why not book a romantic trip and propose while you're there? A proposal would be far more memorable from one of New York City's famous landmarks than a candle lit meal at a restaurant.

There are so many amazing places to propose in New York City, and it's a day that you both want to remember for the rest of your lives, so it's extremely important to get this right. So let's take a look at some of the best options you should consider.

5 Places To Propose In New York City

1. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in New York and boasts an amazing viewing platform from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Manhattan's skyline. Thanks in part to Pop culture references in everything from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" to the TV show "Sex In The City" this building is romance central for many. Its decadent marble lobby and art-deco surroundings capture the very essence of New York.

For your proposal you could use the glittering roof on the Chrysler building or the cute rectangular outline of Central Park as a backdrop. Pop the question at night time when the building is beautifully illuminated by taking a harbour cruise which goes past the Empire State Building, or alternatively, produce the ring while you gaze out at the spectacular views of the famous bridges which span the East river. Who needs candle light when you can enjoy the city's night lights for free...especially given they will flatter the sparkle of the engagement ring!

2. Central Park

Central Park is the flagship park in New York with its 26,000 trees and 9,000 park benches. If you love the tranquillity of city parks then this could be perfect for you.

You could prepare some food and have a picnic with the city skyline as your backdrop. Then, when the time is right, you can make your move.

The park also has theatres, several lakes, ice-rinks, fountains, a zoo and the metropolitan museum of art. Indeed, Central Park is thought to be one of the reasons why New York is such a great place to visit and live.

If your girl appreciates sightseeing then take her to look at the fine sculptures of Shakespeare and Alice in Wonderland or perhaps go for a ride on the Carousel and get down on one knee when you finish the ride (if you're not too dizzy!). For an added romantic touch you could take her to see the cute animals at the zoo or if it is winter time you could plan a chilly yet heart warming proposal on the ice-rink.

3. Rose Centre for Earth and Space

The Rose Centre for Earth and Space still remains one of the most talked about places in New York. The Hayden Sphere is clad in almost an acre of glass and can look like a visitor from space. The centre uses advanced technology to create shows which are both realistic as well as highly sophisticated and are exciting to be part of. This is the ideal proposal venue if you're looking for a place that is unique and a little unusual. The Hayden Planetarium is the biggest and most powerful virtual reality simulator in the world.

If you really want to take your lady by surprise wait until you visit the 'Big Bang' where you will both experience the recreation of the very first precious moments of the universe. You could tell her at this moment that she is the centre of your universe and that you can't imagine a world without her in it. Alternatively you could take a walk along the cosmic pathway and watch a billion years of cosmic evolution unfold before your eyes and wait until the end to pop the question.

4. Top of the Rock

This place is nestled on the roof of the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza building and has some of the most commanding and breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline. The observation deck in particular provides the ultimate place to propose as it boasts the most stunning views of New York City and beyond. The building itself is steeped in history and offers various exhibits of art, architecture and history.

The most thrilling place to propose would have to be on the glass ceiling sky shuttle which takes you on an unforgettable ride right to the top. Up there you'll find three stories of city views which are all perfect for setting the scene. After your trip around the Rockefeller centre you could walk to the nearby Museum of Modern Art or buy tickets for the NBC studio tour to extend your time in the area.

5. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty allows tourists unobstructed views of the city skyline, the Hudson River and the ships in the harbour. It's located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour and you need to take a ferry from Battery Park City or New Jersey to reach it. Indeed, the Statue of Liberty is considered to be one of the world's most important symbols for political freedom and democracy.

If you would rather see the statue from afar then you can take advantage of one of the many harbour cruises and enjoy the stunning sights along the way. You can choose from sunset, dinner or private river trips and relax and enjoy sailing along the Hudson River. An evening cruise would allow you to propose beneath the stars whilst admiring the greatness of Liberty. Your girlfriend will certainly not forget a proposal which is carried out as you reach the statue.

Places To Propose In New York City Conclusion

You really can't go wrong when proposing in New York. It's a cliché but there really are so many things to do and places to visit. New York provides the ideal romantic setting in which to create lasting magical moments. From strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge hand in hand, to ice skating at the Rockefeller centre, there are many exciting opportunities to stage a memorable proposal. So be brave, get booking and remember "He who dares wins!"

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5 Great Places To Propose In San Francisco

If you feel that you're finally ready to settle down and you're in the process of planning the most romantic gesture of your life, then you should definitely consider a little trip to San Francisco. There are many reasons why you should propose in San Francisco, including fabulous restaurants, great accommodation, friendly people, natural beauty, manmade beauty, cable cars and world famous landmarks. You could pretend that you're taking your girlfriend away for a romantic break in order to keep the element of surprise. So if you think this sounds like it could be for you, then check out these 5 great places to propose in San Francisco.

Places To Propose In San Francisco 101

1. Golden Gate Park

One of the great things about Golden Gate Park is that you could easily spend an entire day there as there are so many attractions on offer. The most stunning aspect of the park though is Strawberry Hill where you will see every shade of green imaginable. This gift of nature has been designed to look like an island and because it's 430 feet in the air, you can enjoy some of the very best views including Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you're looking for a tranquil, romantic setting then the waterfall or the pavilion are both beautiful places to propose. The shimmering waterfall is surrounded by Chinese temple-like structures which just add to the ambience even further. Alternatively, you could head for the windmills and ask your important question amongst the tulips (wearing clogs is optional). After she has accepted your proposal there are still plenty of things to keep you busy like the colourful carousel, the De Young Museum or the Conservatory of flowers.

2. The Walt Disney Family Museum

This place should not be confused with Disneyworld in Florida as it's a museum which focuses on the work of Disney. However, it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable visit and really is a feast for the senses.

Wandering around the place you can appreciate how determined Walt Disney was and where he got his inspiration from for many of his most famous characters. The museum is bang up to date with modern technology and fun interactive galleries where you can see the early works of Walt Disney including the original black and white drawing of little old Minnie Mouse.

You'll also get to see all of the awards that were won by Disney during his career, including the Oscar for 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' which comprises of one regular sized award and seven miniature Oscars (who said the people behind the Oscars don't have a sense of humour?).

Mickey Mouse and co are part of the tapestry of American experience so it would be a shame to visit San Francisco and not do the whole Disney thing. The Disney family museum is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area so it's difficult to miss it during your travels. There is nothing stopping you from dressing up as your girlfriend's favourite Disney character to propose as this will add even more fun to the proceedings (well sort of assuming you don't opt to dress as Goofy!).

3. Coit Tower

Coit Tower was built to fulfil the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left a sum of money specifically to make San Francisco more beautiful. It's situated in the city's Pioneer Park and was built in 1933 and boasts a tres romantic art deco style.

If you are thinking about going right up to the top to propose then the views will completely blow your girlfriend away. From the observation decks you can see the famous Golden Gate Bridge, the Maritime National Historic Park, Alcatraz, Angel Island and Pier 39.

Because the parking is always so busy, it's best to arrive by bus or walk. Once you're there you can either be lazy and take the elevator or you can exercise your legs by climbing the wooden Filbert Steps. The murals inside of the tower were painted by local artists at the time it was built and are famous for their content being about the Depression-Era. From the observation decks, the view speaks a thousand words so you probably won't have to say very much during the proposal...always a winner for the verbally challenged.

4. Lands End

Lands End is the most picturesque place to propose, especially if you're both the adventurous type. This trail is awesome as it takes you along paths which lead to all sorts of interesting and different places. The most famous part of the trail will take you to a view which looks like the end of the Earth, but if you continue walking, you will be amazed that you don't 'drop off' the end. You'll get what I mean if you go there.

The epic landscape is lovely to look at during the day, but for the ultimate romantic environment, you should stick around and watch the sunset. There really is a breathtaking view at every single turn from thousands of wildflowers to hillsides of Cypress. From the Lands End trail you can also see old shipwrecks and have access to the ruins of Sustro Baths. As such this really could be the perfect spot for all you outdoors types.

5. The Golden Gate Bridge

It's safe to say that practically every tourist who visits San Francisco will make a point of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. It's named as one of the 7 Engineering Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers and has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies over the years. There are guided tours of the bridge itself from spring through to fall, where tourists can look at studio exhibits or even re-paint the bridge. NB: It would not be a great idea to propose with a paintbrush in your hand however!

Both ends of the bridge touch the Golden Gate National Parks where you can easily find the ideal location to pop the question. There is also a Pavilion where visitors can learn interesting historical facts about the bridge and discover the science and engineering behind its construction. OK so not the most romantic subject but it does offer a lovely setting.

Great Places To Propose In San Francisco Conclusion

If possible, try and plan your proposal in San Francisco so that it's not too foggy. The summer months offer clearer views of the city, although there tends to be a greater number of tourists during this period. If you do decide to pay a visit during the colder part of the year then take plenty of warm clothing to protect yourselves against the chilly winds. Tony Bennett once sang 'I Left my Heart in San Francisco' and hopefully you will also have a positive experience in the city by the bay with your sweetheart.

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Top 5 Places To Propose In Boston

Although Boston is not exactly notorious for being the city of love, it can certainly hold its own in the romance department. The city is compact and very easy to get around so if you've only got a long weekend to stage your proposal then that gives you plenty of time to enjoy your visit. There are various interesting restaurants, tours and museums to see either before or after you have popped the question. Here are 5 of the best places to propose in Boston.

Top 5 Places To Propose In Boston

1. The Nook in the Hancock Tower

Boston is known for its blustery weather and the Hancock Tower provides a romantic shelter away from the chilling winds. To escape the weather and propose to your girlfriend at the same time, you can duck into the nook at the back of the building. The nook is located on Stuart Street across from the University Club and although it's a small space, it provides the perfect setting for an intimate proposal.

This place is ideal if your girl is a little shy and wouldn't appreciate a more public declaration of love and the fact that it's a hidden area within a larger building gives it that romantic edge. To make the proposal extra special you could arrange to do something special after the proposal such as go for a nice meal or an afternoon in a spa relaxing.

2. The Public Garden

You can literally feel your cares melting away as you stand on the world's smallest suspension bridge in the Public Garden. Located right in the heart of Boston, this bridge is popular for couples to have their wedding photographs taken because it's so naturally beautiful, romantic and serene. You and your loved one can meander along the public pathways and admire the picturesque lagoon and Victorian inspired surroundings.

For a fun way to propose you could hire a Swan Boat and pop the question while on the water. It will make an amusing story to tell friends and family once you're back at home and you simply must take a photograph of the two of you inside a majestic swan. The Public Garden is particularly stunning during the Fall because of the multi-coloured fallen leaves and berries and you could snuggle up together on a park bench to keep cosy.

3. The Planetarium at the Museum Of Science

The Museum of Science is one of the more unusual places to propose in Boston to the one that you love. It boasts amazing special effects, a fantastic simulator experience, live presentations and interesting exhibits. One of the most romantic areas within the museum is the planetarium because it allows you to gaze at the stars together in the observatory.

For something a little more unusual you could also watch fireflies in the darkness or enjoy the laser shows and startling night lights. Alternatively you could book up for one of the many seasonal shows, depending on what time of year you're planning to go. The Museum is really great because it has been designed to have the right balance of exhibits of interest and excitement.

4. Jamaica Pond

Jamaica Pond is off the beaten track for tourists but is well worth visiting. The pond itself stretches for one and a half miles and is known as the city's 'Emerald Necklace' because it is part of a series of connecting parks. All year round you can rent a sailing or rowing boat and admire the stunning views as well as proposing while on the freshwater pond. If you prefer dry land then there are many park benches overlooking the tranquil pond where you can sit together and hold hands.

If you want to do something a little different you could call in at the famous J.P.Licks and buy an ice-cream cone where you could actually place your ring. Hopefully, she will spot it first and gasp with amazement before saying yes to your proposal (if she doesn't spot it immediately you need to warn her in case she accidentally swallows it!).

5. Franklin Park Zoo

Zoos are not just for kids because they can bring out the wild side in grown-ups too. Franklin Zoo is a cut above the rest with its Tropical Forest which houses the world's most intimate and innovative indoor gorilla exhibit and the thousands of unusual plants really help to create the tropical rainforest experience. Alternatively you could go and see the Giraffe Savannah, the Kalahan Kingdom or visit the outback trail. If you're fascinated by all things Australian then the outback tour is very interesting because you get to see kangaroos and emus. Indeed, why not hop like a kangaroo while asking your girlfriend to become your wife.

This will certainly put a huge smile on her face so she will find it impossible to turn you down. There's a lovely farm at the zoo where you can arrange for your girlfriend to bottle feed the new born lambs if you're there in the springtime. The butterfly landing is a quieter environment to propose as it offers a tranquil space where you can watch in awe as the many species of butterflies flutter around you. The zoo is the ideal place for a proposal because your loved one would never in a million years expect you to pop the question amongst the animals.

Places To Propose In Boston Conclusion

Boston is a very busy tourist destination but you shouldn't let this put you off visiting. On your first day you could plan to propose and buy tickets for the Duck Tour which is an orientation tour which takes you throughout the entire city. Because there is usually a waiting list for this popular tour you could be inside the Museum of Science proposing to your girlfriend while awaiting your turn on the Duck Tour. Alternatively you could walk the Historical Freedom Trail and get down on one knee at the end while using the excuse that your legs are aching for that added element of surprise.

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Top 5 Places To Propose In Venice

Venice is without doubt one of the most romantic cities in all the World. As a World Heritage site this unique city built on stilts in a lagoon is both charming and bewitching. Before planning your trip to propose in Venice however, it's important to consider your girlfriend's personality type. Some ladies adore attention and would love nothing more than a dramatic down-on-one-knee proposal in front of a bunch of strangers cheering and applauding, while other ladies would find this idea unsuitable. If your girl is the shy and retiring type then perhaps you would be better off avoiding the usual tourists' attractions and looking for a romantic locale instead. Here are 5 top places to propose in Venice which should help you start making plans.

The Top 5 Places to Propose in Venice

1. Gondola Ride

If you're the type of guy who simply oozes with romance and you're certain that your lady won't be put off by public displays of affection then a Gondola ride is just the ticket. During the day, a gondola ride along the Riodi Palazzo will provide the perfect setting for a proposal. For the ideal moment to pop the question you could wait until your boat reaches the Bridge of Sighs.

An alternative way to propose would be to take a Gondola by Suomi Star where you will be gliding across a dimly lit lagoon as the sun is setting with the added bonus of an Italian choir to serenade you. You can even make personal requests to the choir for music of your choice to make the occasion extra memorable.

2. Saint Mark's Square

You'll certainly not be alone in Saint Mark's Square so hopefully your girlfriend won't mind being in the spotlight. Saint Mark's Basilica is a major attraction for visitors to the city so it's always bustling with activity. There are some amazing photographic opportunities at the Basilica thanks to its unique Venetian-Byzantine design and it's locally known as 'the church of gold' because of its opulence. If you end up feeling overwhelmed by the amount of tourists around you can take a short stroll to nearby Doge's Palace which also provides an unusual place to propose with its gothic structure which faces right out onto the lagoon. For an added touch of drama, you could arrive at Saint Mark's Square by Vaporetto as this will certainly make your lady feel like a VIP.

3. The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is located at the centre of Venice and is one of the bridges that span the Grand Canal. It's arched, stone construction certainly provides an elegant way to cross the canal. There are three walkways on the bridge comprising of two along the outer balustrades and a wider central walkway which leads to some charming shops. These shops sell local goods such as Murano glass and fine linens as well as jewellery shops. So if you haven't already bought an engagement ring you could browse the jewellery stores together and have your lady pick out the ring of her dreams.

4. PaladiosChiesa Del SantissimoRendentore

If you are both the type who wouldn't want to attract too much attention then you can easily take a waterbus from Zatterre on the main island of Venice. Once you have reached the beautiful Giudecca you will immediately notice the steps of Paladios which is known as llRendentore. Assuming she says 'yes' on the steps to this charming church you can then head straight for the Skyline Rooftop Bar of the Hilton Molino Stucky for a chilled glass of Prosecco to toast the great news and take in the stunning views of Venice.

5. The Dolomite Mountains

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours then there are tours available to take you to the Dolomite Mountains. These minivan trips are usually kept to a maximum of 8 people per trip so you won't have to worry about lack of intimacy. There's exquisite mountain scenery to take in as well as jaw-dropping views of the TreCime Peaks from Lake Misurine. You can also opt to take lunch at an authentic trattoria and the English speaking guide allows people some free time to explore Cortina d'Ampezzo for a while. This tour makes regular stops so that you're not stuck on the bus for too long and certainly allows you to see another fantastic part of Italy that is both breath taking and romantic. If your girlfriend likes a little adventure then a proposal looking out at the Dolomite Mountains would be ideal.

Places To Propose In Venice Conclusion

The best time to visit when if you're looking for ideal places to propose in Venice is the late Fall to early winter when there are likely to be less tourists around although obviously you would have the colder weather conditions to contend with. There is something quite quaint about a wintery ride on a gondola though, all snuggled together up under a warm blanket to keep out the chill. If the tourists don't bother you then of course you can enjoy the sunshine during the spring and summer months and take advantage of eating at the numerous outdoor restaurants. No matter what time of year you decide to stage your proposal though, Venice is certainly one of the most romantic places to propose so your gesture will be greatly appreciated.

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Top 5 Places to Propose in Chicago

Chicago may not seem like the obvious place to offer your hand in marriage but there are some fantastic famous landmarks and cultural institutions as well as 19 gorgeous miles of Lakeland where you can walk or cycle. If you're considering making your proposal trip into a mini vacation then there are over 200 theatres, nearly 200 art galleries and some great places to dine out. If this has not persuaded you just yet then perhaps the following list of ideal places to propose in Chicago will help.

Top 5 Places to Propose in Chicago

1. Skydeck

The Skydeck boasts an unparalleled viewpoint of the city skyline as it is located at the pinnacle of Chicago. It's located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, which was formerly known as the Sears Tower, and is the world's third tallest building. You should most definitely take your girlfriend here to take in the breathtaking sweeping views while you get down on one knee. The Glass Ledge is probably the most dramatic place to propose because of the views of some of Chicago's most well known attractions such as The Millennium Park and The Navy pier. There are activities such as interactive exhibits to make this trip a little more interesting although once your girlfriend sees the view she will be totally blown away and probably won't be interested in the exhibits.

2. Wrigley Buildings

Wrigley Buildings is a skyscraper which is situated immediately across Michigan Ave near the Tribune Tower which is on the Magnificent Mile. This sparkling white construction has become the symbol of the city due to its magnificent presence. However, in order to create the perfect romantic environment you should wait until nightfall in order to take advantage of the spectacular lighting effects, which should compliment your engagement ring quite nicely as you present it!

3. Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham Fountain is located in Grant Park in the city and rises more than seven meters high. It consists of three layers of basins which are surrounded by no less than four pairs of seahorses. It is one of the biggest fountains in the world and you can make your visit between April and October. Be treated to a water display between 8am and 11pm, where the display is set to music and beautiful lights to create a real extravaganza for you and your partner. The water display begins with small sprays before building up slowly to its exciting climax. You can explain to your girlfriend that you chose the fountain because, as well as being aesthetically pleasing, you liked the romantic idea of the seahorses because they mate for life.

4. Chicago Water Tower

The Water Tower was built between 1867 and 1869 and was originally created for Chicago's municipal water system. It has become the city's most familiar and treasured landmark due to the fact that it survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It's an incredibly romantic place because it resembles a miniature European medieval castle, so your lady will feel just like a princess. Although it has been threatened with demolition many times, it was finally restored to its former glory back in 1962. There is something quite romantic about the history of the Water Tower, given that it has survived so much and still stands proud and beautiful. You could compare your relationship to the Tower and tell your girlfriend that your love is so strong that it can withstand anything that life throws at it.

5. Cloud Gate

Locals refer to Cloud Gate as 'the bean' because, as you can imagine, it looks like an enormous bean! It's a public sculpture by a British artist and is an impressive 66 ft long and 33 ft high. Although it was created using a vast amount of stainless steel plates, it has a seamless surface because the structure was polished for hours on end. You can point to your reflections on Cloud Gate and while your girlfriend is peering at herself you can use these precious seconds to get down on one knee. On a bright clear day, the surface offers an amazing reflection of the city skyline which makes Cloud Gate a 'must see' place. Once you have popped the ring onto her finger you could both walk underneath 'the bean' and poke fun at one another in the fun house style magic mirrors.

Places To Propose In Chicago Conclusion

There are plenty of suitable locations to propose in Chicago. Make sure that you plan your trip carefully so that you have pre-booked tickets for particular attractions, such as the Skyline, to avoid disappointment. She will be over the moon that you have placed so much thought and effort into making her proposal so special.

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Top 5 Places To Propose In Vegas

A candle-lit meal with a single stemmed red rose may be the obvious choice for a proposal, but if you really want to surprise your partner and catch them off guard, then how about a weekend in Las Vegas to pop the question? Over the years, it has become famous for people getting hitched, so it certainly has a romantic vibe. With some fantastic places to get down on one knee at, why not make a big gamble and ask one of the most important questions of your life there?

Here are 5 ideas for places to propose in Vegas.

1. Bellagio Fountains

There's only one free show worth seeing in Las Vegas and that's the Bellagio Fountains. This famous sight has been specially designed for romance because every half hour between 3 PM and 8 PM and then every fifteen minutes thereafter until midnight, the water comes alive. The desert literally explodes with thousands of spritzers which shoot water up to 460 feet, and if this wasn't enough, the water is professionally choreographed to music which ranges from The Beatles to Pavarotti. The Bellagio Fountains are set in a large lake in the middle of the desert, and there are shows and other types of entertainment nearby, so it would be simple to weave a proposal in to your activities. No lady could resist saying yes in front of such an extravagant display.

2. Cirque Du Soleil

If you can only afford to attend one show when you're in Las Vegas then be sure to make it Cirque Du Soleil. A brilliant experience is guaranteed as you watch former Olympic gymnasts catapulting themselves all over the stage. Each performer wears outlandish costumes and risks their lives just for your amusement and entertainment. Watching this show can at times seem surreal, but you cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer artistry of the performers and you will definitely be taken in by the theatrical romance of it all. Your girlfriend will be whipped into a frenzy whilst enjoying the show, so she will no doubt be shocked when you get down on one knee during the interval.

3. Lake Las Vegas

Lake Las Vegas is the perfect place to stage a proposal with its Mediterranean style buildings, sprawling bridges, acres of lush landscape and Venetian Gondolas. Although this lake is man-made, it still adds a touch of class to Las Vegas because of its tranquil, serene and picturesque qualities. Depending on what type of thing you're after, you can hire a gondola with the purpose to dine as you're cruising. If you want something a little more upmarket then you can opt for the crystal glasses and silver cutlery to compliment your fine dining experience.

However, if you would prefer something a little more organic, then you can order a picnic in a wicker basket. Couples are fully expected to kiss when passing under the Ponte Vecchio Bridge so you could use this place to ask your lady the question. All Gondolas are equipped with champagne, roses and chocolates upon request and employees are more than happy to assist you with your proposal to make it extra special. If you wish your lady to be serenaded then you can ask for a singing gondolier to accompany you on your voyage across the lake. It may be a little cheesy for some tastes but it will definitely provide a fun element to your important gesture.

4. Lake Mead

If you decide to take a bit of a breather from the strip then you can enjoy love under the stars at Lake Mead. It's situated North of US 93 between the Hoover Dam Visitor Centre and Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Centre and locals in the area claim that it's the ideal place to gaze up at the stars, away from the glare of the Vegas strip. Lakeview Overview is the ideal spot to pop the question as its perches high on a hill above Lake Mead and offers a panoramic view of the lake and nearby recreational areas. Jagged hills surround the lake which provide a beautiful, scenic backdrop against the water making it an extremely romantic place to propose.

Try and visualize a dusk proposal when the sun is setting and highlighting the desert with pink, purple and sky orange hues. The great outdoors is a lovely way to ask your girlfriend for her hand in marriage. Near Red Rock there's a fabulous place called Red Spring which is simply one of the most beautiful places to propose in Vegas. Red Spring has a quaint boardwalk for you to stroll hand in hand along as well as leafy trees and a small water stream to provide a natural ambience for a proposal. You could have a nice walk around, pop the question then go for a lovely meal or take in a show. It is unspoiled places like these, that often get forgotten about, so there's no worry that you might be surrounded by tourists when you're about to do the deed. Indeed, Red Rock will provide adequate privacy and seclusion for your special occasion.

Places To Propose In Vegas Conclusion

Vegas is such an exciting place with so much going on, offering a variety of locations and activities, making it the perfect place to carry out your marriage proposal. As long as it doesn't include a spontaneous trip down the aisle to be wed by Elvis, you could leave with some amazing stories and experiences of your Vegas proposal.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Los Angeles

There's never a dull moment in 'the city of Angels', so there are plenty of things to keep you occupied if you're thinking of paying a visit to Los Angeles for your proposal. Surprisingly, L.A can be one of the most romantic places on the planet if you're with the right person. You may think that it's an unlikely place to propose but 'au contraire', there are some exciting, amazing places to ask for your partner's hand in marriage so if you want to find out the best places to propose in Los Angeles, do yourself a favor friend and read on.

Places To Propose In Los Angeles 101

1. Gondola Ride

Believe it or not, you don't have to travel to Italy in order to sample a slice of classic romance. You can casually relax in a Gondola while a Gondolier does all the work for you and provides you with a song as you go along your way at a snail's pace. There are many traditional Venetian Gondolas to hire where you can sail along the Southern Californian Waters. Indeed, there are specific Gondolas for marriage proposals where you can do fun things like hide the engagement ring inside a treasure trove or propose by sending a message in a bottle. This is the ideal way to have an hour's relaxation away from the hustle bustle of the city and pop the question at the same time.

2. Huntingdon Library

This building is famous for holding treasures such as Gainsborough's 'The Blue Boy' although the majority of visitors tend to become far more excited about the 120 acres of unspoiled botanical gardens which are truly amazing and appear to be endless. The gardens are very interesting and varied and include a subtropical garden, a Japanese garden, a jungle desert, lily ponds and a Chinese garden. This natural beauty creates the ideal environment to ask the big question while admiring the flora and fauna.

3. Santa Monica Pier

This is located west of Los Angeles and contains one of the most famous beaches in the USA. The pier was originally constructed in 1909 and is 1600 feet long. There's a 22 mile cycle path which also doubles up as a walkway, and this makes the perfect setting for a romantic stroll. If you're the adventurous type then why not propose while learning skills at the Trapeze school? Alternatively, tucked away under the well-known carousel building is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium which is a fascinating place to visit. Or perhaps a leisurely ride on the famous carousel will allow you to build up the nerve to ask your girl the big question. You can spend the entire day here as there are so many things to keep you occupied.

4. Canal Walk

This is north east of Washington Boulevard and Pacific Avenue and it really provides a step through the looking glass from the heavily congested streets. Once you have entered this new world you will enjoy looking at the Bougainvillea lined bungalows. You can wander around the quaint bridges and pathways whilst admiring your surroundings. It's a pedestrian only promenade where you will certainly find a tranquil patch of romantic paradise to pop the question.

5. Palisades Park

This park features some of the city's most stunning ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. Although it's one of the oldest parks, it's also one of the most beautiful. There is a cycling and jogging path which runs alongside the steep cliffs that overlook the Pacific. There are palm trees randomly scattered right throughout the park which definitely adds to this peaceful landscape. In order to propose, it may be wise to take along a small picnic and a rug to sit on. After or before your proposal you could try and find the energy to climb the Santa Monica stairs to take advantage of the views. A walk through this park will eventually lead you all the way towards Santa Monica Pier and if you walk even further you will stumble upon the lovely Venice. You could easily spend a long time in this serene place holding hands, canoodling and definitely proposing.

Conclusion

Of course there are many other fabulous places to propose in Los Angeles such as the amazing Disneyland, the Getty Centre and Rodeo Drive that you're actually spoilt for choice. So once you have battled with your nerves and managed to ask your girlfriend to marry you, you can then both enjoy the rest of your visit in a slightly more relaxed way.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In San Diego

If you're looking for an appropriate place to ask for your girlfriend's hand in marriage, then it really isn't difficult to find romantic places to propose in San Diego. This beautiful coastal city offers stunning mountains, incredible skylines, Mexican culture and breathtaking sunsets. The best idea is to plan ahead to that you visit certain places during the best seasons of the year.

Places To Propose In San Diego 101

1. Mt. Soledad

This is considered to be one of the grandest monuments in San Diego and can be found in La Jolla. It's perched over eight hundred feet above sea level on a mountain, and Mt. Soledad cross stretches over fifty feet. The view from here is unbelievable and on a bright clear day, and can stretch to the outskirts of Poway and even as far as Coronado. If you look out to the west you will be able to spot the shores of La Jolla, Scripps Pier and Torrey Pines State. At night time, this place is second to none for star gazing. Even if monuments are not your favourite thing, it's worth making the trip to propose to your lady with the fantastic backdrop behind you.

2. Balboa Park

In the heart of San Diego you will find this large oasis of peace and serenity. It's well-known by locals for its bell-tower and renaissance style dome which really helps to capture the old Mission style architecture. The colours of the clay and the mosaics make for a warm, inviting atmosphere which looks even more stunning when lit up after dark. If you cross the Prado Bridge you will wind up in a eucalyptus scented silvery green forest which is the ideal place to pop the question. There are walkways in between the museums, as well as a magnificent open air water fountain. The best place to make your marriage proposal is at the Lily pond which is really enchanting with its turtles, large koi and delicately coloured lotus blossoms. If you enjoy flora and fauna then check out the Botanical gardens before exiting to see fortune tellers, artists and street musicians.

3. La Jolla Cove

This place is situated in an unspoiled, sheltered area of San Diego and you will have to travel over a mountain ridge to reach your destination of La Jolla. It's certainly worth the journey though as the views from here are nothing short of heart stopping. If you decide to stray further afield you will come across pelican colonies near coves and craggy rocks. Alternatively you can stroll along Prospect Street and go for a coffee or ice-cream. The best time to propose though is at sunset when this small coastal village is naturally bathed with an orange, warm light.

4. Cedar Falls Hike

It's important to plan your proposal ahead as this hike is far better during the early spring. If you try and walk this trail at any other time the weather is too hot and the actual waterfall is dry. In the spring, the waterfall is at its most glorious and the wild flowers are still in full bloom. The cooler climate provides a pleasant atmosphere to walk down to the waterfall. The ground can be a little rocky so it's best to wear suitable footwear and remember to take a bottle of water to stay hydrated. When you're nearly there you will start to descend into a valley where the scenery is amazing. Once at the waterfall you can either just enjoy its natural beauty or you can take a dip and swing on the ropes. If you can't imagine yourself in this 'Tarzan' role then simply propose in front of the waterfall. Cedar Falls is definitely a little secret paradise which offers intrigue, awe, adventure and romance.

5. Point Loma

Point Loma is situated within a seaside community and is a hilly peninsula which is bordered on the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. From this point you can easily see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is a stunning building, especially on a sunny day. Point Loma is connected by a causeway to the amazing Shelter Island where you can explore the rock pools and the reefs. If you wait until later on in the day, you can stroll over to the aptly named Sunset Cliffs and see what a sunset should look like, while getting down on one knee to pop the question.

Conclusion

The world is your oyster in San Diego as there is so much natural beauty. The locals are extremely welcoming and there are some fine establishments for eating and drinking. The Beach Boys sang about 'Good Vibrations' in San Diego and this song is very appropriate for this interesting place of beauty.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In The Florida Keys

If you're thinking of proposing to your loved one and are considering a more unusual and exotic location, then the Florida Keys will provide a romantic getaway that caters for many different tastes. The Florida Keys are located 126 miles from Cuba and includes Islamorada, Key Largo, Big Pine Key and of course, the more well known Key West.

Places To Propose In The Florida Keys 101

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

This lovely place can be found at the end of the Florida Keys and is considered to be one of the most spectacular parks in the USA. If you enjoy boat rides then you can take a cruise from Key West right to Dry Tortugas National park. One of the main features in the park is the 19th century fort which is called Fort Jefferson because it offers a great view of the park. If however, fortresses are not your ideal location for a proposal, then how about popping the big question beneath the ocean? There are many opportunities to explore the underwater haven if you sign up for a day of snorkelling. The crystal waters are home to an abundance of multicoloured marine life and these surroundings would create a delightful environment for a proposal.

2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

This magical coral reef state park covers around seventy nautical square miles so it's highly unlikely that you'll run out of things to do and see. Adventurous souls can take part on the various water sports on offer such as kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Alternatively, you can keep your feet firmly on the ground and do one of the many short trail walks. There are many ideal spots for a romantic picnic and there are even tropical hammocks to laze in on a sunny afternoon. If you really want to pull out all the stops then there are boats to rent or you can hop aboard an organized trip with a glass bottomed boat. If you decided to do this you could distract your girlfriend by pointing out a colourful fish and while she's looking for the fish you could sneakily remove the ring box from your pocket. The saltwater indoor aquarium is also a must-see in this park and the dimly lit rooms and tunnels create many opportunities for intimacy.

3. The Key West Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands one hundred feet above sea level and incorporates a small, yet interesting museum. It was originally built way back in the nineteenth century but has been extended in order to blend in with the surrounding buildings and growing trees. If you take your girlfriend right to the top you can propose marriage while taking in the spectacular views from the observation deck. From this spot you can see the ocean and most of Key West. If you stand on your tip toes you will be able to spot the southernmost point landmark and the home of Ernest Hemmingway. There are some great artefacts inside the museum and you can walk directly through the light keeper's house.

4. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

This magical world of butterflies, wildlife and plants makes for a surreal experience. As well as the most unusual butterflies that you will have ever encountered, there are exotic birds flying freely and rare varieties of plants and flowers. One of the best parts of the entire experience is to watch the process of a cocoon turning into a butterfly. The outside is completely landscaped so that visitors can stroll around the grounds comfortable and enjoy the many beautiful cascading waterfalls. If you're nervous about asking for your beloved's hand in marriage then don't worry, because five minutes inside this place and your cares and worries will naturally melt away.

5. The Seven Mile Bridge

The seven Mile Bridge is one hundred years old and is famous for thousands of people crossing it as they take part in the marathon. It's a bridge which affords a gorgeous view of the local landscape and there are numerous things to look out for, including sharks, sea turtles and pelicans. The translucent waters can be very mesmerizing and you could use the time that your other half is gazing into the water to drop down onto one knee and ask her that very important question. You could incorporate the bridge into part of a walk or a bicycle ride as there are numerous cycle hire places.

Conclusion

So it's safe to say that the key to a successful proposal is to pop the question in Florida Keys. There are plenty of different activities to take part in and the scenery makes for some lovely romantic walks or al fresco meals. It would be very fashionable and cool for any lady to receive a marriage proposal in Florida Keys.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Miami

Miami is an amazingly vibrant place, but if you plan ahead you can find there are so many great places to propose in Miami. Mainland Miami is packed with malls and offices while Miami Beach offers relaxation and entertainment for everyone. So pack the shades, the Don Johnson sleeveless vest and get proposing!

Places to Propose in Miami 101

1. The Everglades

The Everglades consists of one and a half million acres of saw grass prairies, swamps and sub-tropical jungles and is one of the most interesting parks in the USA. It's located on the south tip of Florida and is also home to many rare and endangered species. Although a large part of this National park is only used by explorers, there are still plenty of things to see and do for the average visitor. You can take a boat tour around the glades and see this natural habitat in all its glory or if you're adventurous souls you could go on a guided swamp hike. There are also organized safari trips on offer for most days of the week. You can tell your beloved that you decided to propose in the Everglades because you feel that your love for her is everlasting.

2. South Beach

South Beach is also known as the American Riviera and the Art Deco Playground because of its eclectic mixture of galleries, gourmet cuisine and world class boutiques. For a proposal with a view, why not head over to Ocean Drive where you can absorb the beautiful sight of the turquoise waters and white sand. For a more private visit you can rent an umbrella, cabana or beach chair and just chill out and watch the world go by. A marriage proposal in this place would be great thanks to the art deco architecture and, indeed, it's these buildings that give this place its identity. What woman wouldn't want a South Beach proposal in a 1920's setting!

3. The Kampong

From the moment you enter through the wrought-iron gates, you won't be able to believe your eyes as you step into this well hidden oasis. The Kampong is located in Coconut Grove and contains a huge array of flowering trees and tropical fruit. You cannot fail to be overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the lush orchards and gardens. There is a famous eighty year old baobab tree from Tanzania that is so huge that it seems to dwarf everything else around it. This would make a lovely spot to get down on one knee. While strolling through the grounds, you will notice the many exotic fragrances from unusual plants which are used by the perfume industry so your proposal will be better than rose scented.

4. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and gardens is a national historic landmark located on the Biscayne Bay. It is so extraordinary that it could come straight from a fairytale book. This European style palace boasts extravagant architecture and houses antiques from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The opulence inside allows visitors to get carried away by the golden age and this creates a lovely romantic atmosphere. This 34 room mansion has numerous picturesque fountains and an ornamental breakwater which was carved from Florida limestone in the shape of a Venetian barge. As the sun sets, this breakwater provides the perfect spot to pop the question.

5. Coral Gables

From tree-lined boulevards and fountains to winding roadways, you will soon realize why Coral Gables is often referred to as 'The City Beautiful'. Because the streets are wide opened and are lined with banyan trees, this place has a really old fashioned feel to it. It's the ideal location to sit and relax or go at a faster pace. Coral Gables Miracle Mile is a must-see for any visitor because of the unusual shops and cafes. Local stores stock handmade leather goods, artisan products and bridal wear, so if your lady accepts your proposal of marriage she can browse in the bridal collections.

Conclusion

No matter what type of proposal that you may be considering in Miami, you are sure to find the perfect spot for a romantic encounter. Historically, Miami is an extremely interesting place filled with amazing people and there's something quite cool about the South Beach side that will allow your lady to feel proud to announce to friends and family that she received a proposal of marriage in Miami.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the world's most interesting cities because it's steeped in a history of various influences which originate from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond. Indeed, it's a melting pot of food, music and culture that includes the brilliant Mardi Gras and French Quarter. So if you're planning to pop the question to your loved one then there are fewer better places in the US. As such here are five places I've picked out as spots that would have worked for me!

Places to Propose in New Orleans 101

1. Jackson Square

Jackson Square used to be known as Place d'Armes and is a well known historic park which can be found in the famous French Quarter. It was declared as a National Historic Landmark back in 1960 and the design of it was inspired by the 17th century Place des Vosges in Paris, France. Because the architecture is very French, this is an ideal spot to get down on one knee, especially at night when there are not as many tourists. During the day there are regular sessions of live music and it's perfectly normal for the square to be flooded with artists.

This timeless attraction is surrounded by the Presbyter, St Louis Cathedral, Cabildo and the lower and upper Pontalba apartments which feature shops, museums, restaurants and galleries. Because Jackson Square is found in the heart of New Orleans, it makes the perfect place to give your heart to your beloved.

2. St Louis Cathedral

New Orleans is instantly recognizable by this distinctive building which overlooks Jackson Square. The Cathedral is considered to be the oldest Catholic cathedral which is still in use in the USA but it appeals to all faiths and you don't need to be a practicing catholic or overly religious to enjoy this place. It is the tallest structure in the French Quarter and was built in 1718 and when you see it you may experience a strong sense of déjà-vu as it has featured in hundreds of TV shows and movies over the years. At the rear of the Cathedral is St Anthony Garden which features a stunning statue of Jesus which is illuminated at night. The front of the Cathedral is also highly illuminated during the evenings and would make the ideal place to ask for your lover's hand in marriage. Its ethereal quality will leave your girlfriend feeling very special and blessed.

3. The French Market

The French Market is set in the French quarter of New Orleans and stretches inland from the Mississippi River downriver from Jackson Square. It's famous for its constant live music, street artists and dancers as well as the varied bustling market place. It provides an amazing atmosphere and has sights, sounds and smells that you will remember forever. If you don't fancy eating any of the Cajun delights on offer, you can take your girlfriend to the upriver end and dine at the famous Café Du Monde. There are many hand crafted goods on offer at the market including beautiful jewellery. You could use one of these jewellery stalls to drop to one knee and offer your hand in marriage. Nothing goes unnoticed in the French Quarter though so you should expect applause and cheering.

4. City Park

City Park is the sixth largest and seventh most visited urban park in America. It regularly hosts functions such as weddings throughout the year due to the fact that it offers the ideal setting to tie the knot and then have your photographs taken. For fun loving types there's numerous rides including a miniature train and roller coaster inside the amusement park. You also have the chance to rent boats and bicycles, visit the museum of art, and admire the sculptures or stroll through the botanical gardens. The Yakumo Nihon Teien Japanese Garden offers a tranquil space to make a marriage proposal, or alternatively you could amble over to Popp's Bandstand and get down on one knee for a more dramatic gesture.

5. New Orleans Museum of Art

This is the oldest fine art museum in New Orleans and is situated in City park. It was originally built as a temple of art for the rich and poor alike and features French and American sculptures and paintings. It's certainly worth a visit as it ranks among the top 25 % of the nation's most significant museums. There are exhibits to suit every taste including 'The Quest for Immortality', 'Treasures of Tutankhamen' and 'The Art of The Muppets'. The entire building has a lavish feel and this helps to create the opulent setting for your proposal.

Proposal in New Orleans Conclusion

Although New Orleans is a major tourist attraction, don't let this deter you from choosing this city as your proposal destination. It will provide a fascinating break for you and your partner and will ensure that your proposal will always be remembered with much fondness.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Disneyland

It seems that proposal season is upon us so if you're already planning to pop the question to your beloved, try and choose a place that she will never forget. Of course, for some people, there's no place more romantic and magical than Disneyland and if you book well in advance it's surprisingly affordable.

Places to Propose in Disneyland 101

1. Snow White's Grotto

This charming place is located on the west side of Sleeping Beauty's Castle and features statues of Snow White with the seven dwarfs. It's a really romantic site because Snow White is standing at the very top of a picturesque cascading waterfall. There's a walkway and bridge in front of the waterfall as well as a cute wishing well. A great way to propose would be to give your lady a coin to throw into the well and then drop down on to one knee (she may have wished for a new car but the proposal will be a welcome surprise!).

2. Sleeping Beauty's Castle

This building is the oldest of all the castles at Disneyland and is right in the centre of the park. The inside of the castle is pure magic because you can climb the stairs and explore the dimly lit rooms. There's also an amazing high-definition show to watch on a giant screen which really brings Princess Aurora to life. You can place a protective arm around your girlfriend as the evil Maleficent makes an appearance. The best time to propose is at night because the castle is adorned with nearly a hundred thousand LED shimmering lights, and this sight, added to the snow capped turrets and glistening icicles, makes for a magical, romantic setting to melt the heart of every woman in the land.

3. The Peter Pan Ride

This ride is extremely entertaining and not too stomach churning, so would be an ideal opportunity to pop the question. You have to board a miniature galleon which then flies you over some very interesting sights. You will be suspended above a moonlit London so remember to try and spot Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. You will eventually reach the famous Neverland where you'll marvel at the spectacular sights of the Mermaid Lagoon, Skull Rock and a glowing volcano. Hug your other half as tight as can be to keep her safe from the dreaded Captain Hook.

4. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

This ride was originally inspired by the Unbirthday Party scene in 'Alice in Wonderland'. During the Mad hatter's Tea Party you will get the chance to sit in one of many brightly coloured tea cups and revolve round and around at a fast pace. As you're spinning, try and see if you can both spot the Dormouse appearing from inside the giant teapot in the centre of the ride. If you have not got a good constitution for speed you may want to avoid the orange cup with the picture of a diamond on it, as this is considered to spin far faster than the others. If you can avoid feeling too dizzy, it really would be great fun to ask her the big question on this amusing ride.

5. Ariel's Undersea Adventure

There's a massive chance that your girlfriend will have been a fan of The Little Mermaid when she was younger so this ride is perfect. You will take your beloved's hand and lead her on board the clam shell and then wait to slowly descend to an underwater world of magic. The special effects are very impressive and you can spot all of the more well known characters from the movie such as Prince Eric and the adorable Flounder the fish. Watch your girl's eyes light up as you ask for her hand in marriage whilst in Ariel's world. Once she has accepted your heartfelt proposal, you can both enjoy singing along to firm favourites like 'Under the Sea' and 'Kiss the Girl'.

Conclusion

There are some unbelievable things to do and places to see at Disneyland so it's up to you to try and choose the very best place to propose. There are plenty of people who will be willing to assist you to make your proposal even more special because the staff at Disney live for magical occasions such as proposals, and will go out of their way to make your day memorable.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Seattle

Ever since the movie 'Sleepless in Seattle' with Tom Hanks and the beautiful Meg Ryan was released, Seattle has acquired a reputation for being a romantic city. As such, if you're thinking about whereabouts you can propose to your beloved, it's worth considering Seattle given the plethora of lovely scenic locations, nice restaurants, great shopping and affordable accommodation on offer. So here come the top 5 places to propose in Seattle as voted for by a selection of local friends.

Places To Propose In Seattle 101

1. The Seattle Space Needle

The Space Needle is Seattle's most prominent landmark and would offer the ultimate place to pop the question to your girlfriend. It's best to wait until the evening when it's nice and dark as this is when you will get a glittering view of all the city lights from the very top of the Seattle Space Needle. The brilliance of the illuminations will compliment the sparkling diamonds in the engagement ring to create a truly magical proposal.

2. The Woodland Park Rose Garden

If you love stumbling upon hidden treasures, you will adore the Woodland Rose Garden in Phinney Ridge. Many artists hang around this place to paint because of its exquisite natural beauty. This park is one of only two dozen certified American Rose Gardens and features some rare and stunning species of roses. The garden will provide you with a tranquil environment to pop the question and you can be a little cheesy and tell your beloved that your love for them is as rare as one of the roses here. After your proposal you could stroll along the grass pathways that lead to the adjoining zoo to see the cute animals.

3. Kerry Park

Kerry Park offers an unrivalled view of Elliott Bay and the city centre and depending on where you're standing you can even see the gorgeous backdrop of Mount Rainier. For an unforgettable marriage proposal, wait until the evening and watch the view transform into something truly magical. Standing in the park at night you will see the brightly illuminated ferries gliding across the water and the Seattle Space Needle shining brightly down. The ultimate view can be enjoyed from the top of Queen Anne Hill and this is the best place to pop the question.

4. Alki Beach

Alki Beach is fairly long and stretches from Alki point right down to Duwamish Head. On a sunny day, it provides a truly great spot for a romantic stroll followed by an intimate picnic. You can either lay a blanket across the sand or use one of the many picnic tables that are available. As you're getting ready to ask your lady the big question, remember to look out for the views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound and an array of steamships, sailboats and ferries. It's a very relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon and the view should help to calm any pre-proposal jitters.

5. Lake Union

Lake Union is a freshwater lake and is in close proximity to many of the scenic views of Seattle. If you've got good sea legs you could hire an electric boat to whisk your girlfriend across the lake, through the locks and then out to the bay. If you're more adventurous you could try a spot of kayaking, although this may not be as romantic for a proposal. If you don't feel confident steering a boat then you could book a trip on an Argosy boat. After your voyage on the lake you could take your new fiancée to Chandlers Quay for a spot of lunch before walking hand in hand to one of the many charming parks along the Eastern shore. The name of the Lake is romantic too and you could point this out to your girlfriend and explain that you chose the lake because of the name.

Conclusion

There truly are some lovely places in Seattle to carry out a proposal, so it's important to do your research to decide which place seems the best suited to your needs.

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Chapter 3

The European Marriage Proposal Destinations Chapter

Top 5 Places to Propose in London

If mountain top retreats and Caribbean beaches are beyond your budget, there are some unique and interesting places to pop the question in one of the greatest cities of them all, London. If you are planning to propose to the one you love in the next twelve months, now is the perfect time to start making plans so that your proposal goes smoothly. The view of Central London can be breathtaking when seen from high above and there are some fantastic opportunities to create the right romantic setting at your disposal if you think hard enough.

Top 5 Places to Propose in London

1. The Viewing Platforms at the top of the Shard

The Shard officially opened to the general public in early 2013 just in time for a perfect Valentines Day proposal. The Shards slogan is 'rise above it all' and you will most certainly do that when you're standing 244 metres above London.

The Shard is so called because visitors can view different landmarks in London through shrapnel-like glazing. You will see all of the various layers of London's history from St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London to the modern Gherkin building in the City, The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben to the west and the bright lights Canary Wharf to the east. Indeed, the Shard will become another layer of 21st century history in its own right before long.

As well as offering the most romantic setting thanks to the stunning views you will also be able to visit various exhibits which show London's most famous historical figures in a humorous light. So start casual, have a laugh and then, with the perfect view in sight, drop to one knee and change your lives forever!

2. The London Eye

Since the millennium, The London Eye has grown in popularity as a tourist attraction. It's relatively expensive at around the £37 per adult mark, to take a ride on it and it offers stunning views of central London. If you book in advance, you can also secure your very own private "cupids capsule" complete with flowers, champagne and a little more privacy (and expense... it will set you back close to £300). Unfortunately you will also be spotted by people below as you crouch down on one knee but that's of little concern when you consider the payoff.

A great added proposal idea for The London Eye is to arrange your special day for the month of December. Assuming he or she says yes, you could then take your other half to Somerset House for a spot of outdoor ice skating. It's an especially romantic venue as it looks all Christmassy and you can indulge in a glass of mulled wine afterwards to warm you up.

Alternatively, once you step off the London Eye you could make your way to the 'whispering gallery' at St Paul's Cathedral where you can tell your lover exactly why you want to spend the rest of your life with them. These post-proposal romantic interludes will simply add to the excitement of the occasion by making it extra memorable.

3. Picnic at Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is located on the North side of Regent's park and provides a clear view of central London. It's famous for its historical connections and the fact that many famous celebrities live in the area. King Henry VIII spent many grand occasions on Primrose Hill although it's unclear whether he made any romantic gestures there. It's certainly an inexpensive venue for a proposal as it's free to the general public which leaves you more money to splash out on the engagement ring and the picnic itself.

Plan ahead so that you include all of your partner's favourite nibbles and add some extra special touches such as chilled champagne and strawberries to toast the moment when he or she says yes. Buy a picnic rug or blanket and arrange for both of your initials to be sewn onto it. This will make a fantastically unique keepsake of the proposal which can be used time and time again as a reminder of your proposal.

4. The Oxo Tower

The Oxo Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks on the South Bank skyline. As well as having a restaurant and bistro it also boasts a 250 foot terrace bar which has dramatic views of the city. Both the restaurant and bistro are noted for their fine dining areas and extraordinary menus.

The perfect proposal could consist of taking your partner to see a West End show that they have been hinting to go and see for ages, followed by drinks on the terrace and then a three course romantic meal at the Oxo Tower. While you are sipping refreshments on the terrace you could point out all of the different landmarks and try and include a romantic connection. For example, you can see St Paul's Cathedral from the tower terrace so you could mention that Lady Diana married Prince Charles there. If your history is a little rusty you could always do your research and make some useful notes. This will definitely put a smile on the face of your lover because it demonstrates that you cared enough to put some effort in to the proposal.

5. On a Rowing Boat on the Serpentine

The Serpentine is located in Hyde Park which has a whole fleet of pedal and rowing boats to choose from. At only £10 per person for an hour, it's not a costly way to host your proposal. Over the years it has become a fashionable hangout for couples to spend time alone together. The occasion will be what you make it, so if you want to keep it simple then all you will need is the ring. Alternatively, you could hire a band to play romantic music while you get down on one knee. A picnic or a nice bottle of wine would also make a nice touch, and remember to take your cell phone so that you can take a photograph to capture the moment forever.

A rowing boat proposal may seem simplistic but it can be really romantic, especially if the sun comes out that day. If the lake is relatively deserted, the occasion could offer the ultimate intimate surroundings for you to make your intentions perfectly clear. You could take your lover by surprise by asking them to take over the rowing on the pretence that your shoulders are aching and then produce a sparkling ring from your pocket. If you pulled out all the stops and planned thoroughly you could also include a flash mob proposal event as you row back to shore to provide the perfect setting for your proposal.

Places To Propose In London Conclusion

Whatever place you decide to opt for, the proof is in the planning so take your time, do your homework and let a few friends in on the secret. Sometimes friends and family can give you new ideas to ensure that your proposal will be one to remember.

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Top 5 Places To Propose In Paris

If you're thinking about proposing and would like the occasion to be extra special for your girl then Paris ticks all the right boxes for a romantic adventure. It's a city which has not been spoiled over the years by over development and still boasts all of its original charming features. With stunning and distinctive architecture, glittering night lights and tiny streets there is beauty around every corner. As well as famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and The Eifel Tower, there are some world famous restaurants and hotels that you may like to visit during your romantic stay. There are so many wonderful places to propose in Paris, and here are my top picks.

Top 5 Places To Propose In Paris

1. Basilique de Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre

You don't need to be religious to appreciate this breath taking building. It's perched in Montmartre and boasts the very best view because it's located on the highest point of the city. At night you can clearly see the whole of the city centre and gasp as you spot the Eifel Tower all lit up like a Christmas tree. During the hours of darkness, the Sacre-Coeur takes on a surreal glow and you will notice the lights and shadows playing tricks on your eyes. If you are favouring daytime to pop the question then there is a fabulous lawn which is the perfect environment for a picnic proposal or you could visit the Tulleries Gardens and enjoy the beautiful array of plants and flowers.

You can keep things French by sipping the finest chilled local wine whilst nibbling on some warm baguettes with cheese or pate. You still have the amazing views during the day, but you are basked in sunshine rather than being beneath the stars. After she has accepted your proposal you could take a romantic stroll around Montmartre and take in the local artists who sketch portraits, or sit outside in one of the cute street cafes for a drink. In the winter there is also an ice-rink nearby and in the summer, a manmade beach so you have plenty of options spending time with your lover.

2. A Cruise on the River Seine

These cruises run throughout the day but the evening trips offer the best opportunity for romance because of the city night lights. If you prefer something a little simpler and more intimate then you can buy tickets for the smaller boat cruise. Alternatively, if you want to spoil your lover on a slightly grander scale then you could take her on a Bateau Mouche dinner cruise where you can enjoy a mouth watering meal whilst taking in the stunning views. Having done this myself I can't recommend it highly enough.

Keep the ring in your pocket and wait until you find the perfect place along the way to ask her the important question. Think of the cruise as a river journey on your own personal romantic lifeboat. Look out for newly married couples along the route who are having their wedding photographs taken outside famous landmarks. Indeed Paris really is the city of love.

3. Pont Des Arts

This enchanting bridge provides the perfect setting for a romantic interlude. The bridge is made from wood and leads to the Louvre, and has amazing views of Paris. From the bridge you can easily see the Eifel Tower and lle de la cite. On a bright day, with the sunshine setting on the River Seine, she will be putty in your hands so you are guaranteed a yes. Once you have made your proposal you can then leave a 'love lock' where you attach a padlock to the side of the bridge which is engraved with both of your names. You then throw the key into the Seine to signify that your love will last forever. Check out this proposal video by way of example.

If you enjoy a tipple then you could go on a wine tasting tour after the proposal to toast the happy event.

4. Canal St Martin

Although Canal St Martin is not one of the more popular tourist attractions, this quaint tree-lined waterway is steeped in charm so makes a lovely place for a proposal. It still has the original locks and iron footbridges which help to create a romantic tone. Nearby is the Quais de Valmy where you can stroll over to the Parc de la Vilette and jump on board a canal cruise. On a cooler day it's nice to snuggle up together and hold hands on the cruise to keep warm and stay close to one another. The cruise lasts around 2 hours and eventually leads into the River Seine so if you have not already popped the question you could do so on the boat. The cruise passes some momentous landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral so there will be plenty of opportune moments to get down on one knee and pop the question.

5. Jardin Du Palais Royal

The Palais Royal is steeped in intrigue and mystery due to the way that it's set out. The gardens are well hidden from the street and you may need a map to find which doorway leads directly to the Palace. Occasionally there are musicians and opera singers situated under the nearby arcades which can add to the romantic ambience. At the centre of Jardin Du Palais Royal is a stunning fountain which creates a wonderful trickling sound that further adds to the feeling of serenity that the place possesses. The arcades themselves house some cute shops, cafes and restaurants which provide a perfect setting for a romantic walk to soak up the Parisian atmosphere.

By choosing Paris as the place to stage your proposal you are certainly setting out to create a memorable day which your girlfriend will adore. Paris is steeped in romance and history, and is so beautiful that you will both enjoy how it somehow makes you feel romantic, alive and excited. Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe once said that Parisians are glad to die for love, but Paris is also proof that people are glad to live for it as well.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Bath

During the 18th century, the city of Bath was a magnet for high society and romantics alike. In 2012 it still attracts hundreds of thousands of people looking to spend quality time with their loved ones. If you're considering popping the question then why not whisk your partner away to Bath? It's one of the most charming cities in England thanks in part to its beautiful countryside, architecture and laidback atmosphere.

Places To Propose In Bath 101

1. Bath Boating Station

This charming Victorian boat station offers visitors the chance to hire Thames Skiffs, canoes, kayaks, punts and rowing boats. If you feel daring you could take advantage of a lesson on learning how to punt. There is a beautiful stretch of river going out to the old toll bridge at Bathampton, where you can roll upstream and then rest on your oars on the journey back to the boat station, letting the River Avon do all of the hard work for you. While you're in your rowing boat whispering sweet nothings to your beloved, remember to look out for otters, ducks and kingfishers along the way.

2. Prior Park Landscape Gardens

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Bath. It features a Palladian bridge which is positioned on a scenic, tranquil lake and provides sweeping views of the city. The actual bridge is one of four Palladian style bridges left in the world which makes this setting even more special. On a moonlit evening, the bridge offers a fantastic romantic space to get down on one knee and ask the girl you love to become your wife.

Within a five minute walk you will stumble upon Bath Skyline which consists of a six mile route and encompasses meadows, woodlands, Roman settlements, ancient fairy tale follies, an Iron Age hill fort and breathtaking views of the sprawling Bath countryside. OK so some of that sounds a little boring but honestly the views are what counts!

3. Berkely Castle

This ancient building is a hidden gem in the Cotswolds which is steeped in almost a thousand years of history. It contains famous works of art by the Dutch and English masters, and there are some very interesting rooms to explore such as the servants kitchens, the Great Hall and the Morning Room. At different times throughout the year the castle plays host to various orchestral concerts and plays which the visitors can enjoy at no extra cost. The castle is surrounded by exquisite Elizabethan terraced gardens featuring a romantic lily pond, a bowling green, a butterfly house, lush sweeping lawns and a quaint tea room. You may decide to pop the question inside the castle to create a more historical feel but the surrounding gardens will provide you with the perfect setting for a more intimate proposal.

Every girl deserves to be treated like a princess, so why not treat her to a castle proposal?

4. Bath Abbey Tower

Bath Abbey is the last of the medieval types of church in England and it's easy to find because it's located in the city centre. You will need energy to climb over two hundred steps right up to the tower but the effort is worthwhile as the views from up there are breathtaking. It's even possible to arrange a private tour for your proposal so that there's a bottle of champagne waiting for you at the very top of the tower. After your exertion, you can collapse down onto one knee and present your beloved with a sparkling engagement ring then exit the abbey and celebrate at one of the fine restaurants nearby.

5. Thermae Bath Spa

At Thermae Bath Spa you can both bathe and relax in the naturally warm mineral rich waters and then choose from a huge range of indulgent spa treatments. Each session lasts between two to four hours and you can relax in the mineral waters for as long as you wish. The actual Thermae bath spa is located on a heated roof top so at night you can relax in the water underneath the stars. You could keep the engagement ring on your person or wrap it inside your towel or robe. Ask the staff to provide chilled champagne for when you make the proposal so that you can toast this romantic occasion as you unwind and relax.

Places To Propose In Bath Conclusion

Bath was the home of the famous writer Jane Austen so if you want to be extra romantic you could try and recreate a scene from 'Pride and Prejudice' and try wooing your love with a romantic love letter in the style of Mr. Darcy. This would add an element of fun to the proceedings and will give your beloved a token to keep forever close to her heart. A nice touch for sure and yet one I'm sure some of you guys are going to be a little loathe to try. So just make sure you get the right ring and pick one of the above locations and you should still be onto a winner.

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The Top 5 Places To Propose In Edinburgh

You don't have to be a huge fan of tartan or bagpipes to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer. There are plenty of places to go and things to see for couples looking for special time together. Indeed, because of its history, Edinburgh is a great place to propose to the one you love. If you're seriously considering a romantic trip in Scotland then here are some ideas for places to propose in Edinburgh.

Top 5 Places To Propose In Edinburgh

1. Gilmerton Cove

Gilmerton Cove is one of Edinburgh's most enigmatic and curious heritage sites. It consists of a series of passageways and chambers which lie beneath the streets of Gilmerton on the south side of Edinburgh city. This underground labyrinth is hand carved from sandstone and provides hours of entertainment and intrigue for every visitor.

This archaeological mystery has baffled numerous investigators for over 300 years and you will get the chance to delve into its history. If you and your girlfriend have an adventurous streak then you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to the cove. When you make your exit, the bright daylight may dazzle you a little and this is the perfect time to make your surprise proposal and dazzle your lady in a different way!

2. Camera Obscura and the World of Illusion

This attraction provides a good few hours of entertainment and is relatively inexpensive to enter. Views from the roof terrace of the Camera Obscura are unrivalled because you can see the entire city and beyond. On a clear day you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Royal Mile, Hollyrood Palace, The Forth Bridges and Princess Street. There's even the opportunity to get a full 360 degree city view which is unmissable on a bright day.

If that wasn't enough, the World of Illusion offers you the chance to enter a world of seeing and not believing with a hall of Victorian bending mirrors, floating candy and fish that swim on the floor. You and your girlfriend can also travel through the tunnel of never ending stars. The rooftop or the World of Illusion are both suitable for a memorable proposal and you can go outside and enjoy some local cuisine and a glass of Scottish malt whiskey to celebrate your happy news.

3. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh castle looks like a fortress in the distance and it most certainly dominates Edinburg's skyline. It's actually positioned upon an extinct volcano and has been standing there since the 12th century. The summit of the castle is 430 feet above sea level so the views from the castle are unbeatable.

There are a host of interesting things to see inside the castle including the Great hall and various war exhibits. At one o clock each day, it's a tradition for tourists to stand around and watch the cannon being fired. This would offer the ideal opportunity to get down on one knee as the canon would provide the right element of drama and surprise.

Alternatively, there's a very famous exhibit inside the castle called 'the stone of destiny' and you could pop the question here and explain to your loved one that you feel that it's your destiny to spend the rest of your life with her.

4. The Royal Yacht Britannia

By climbing aboard this world famous ship you will be following in the footsteps of members of the royal family and heads of state. You can sit demurely on the Royal Deck and sip English tea or you can enjoy touring the various lavish state apartments which were once frequented by the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. There's even a Rolls Royce on board which belonged to a member of the royal family. Your girlfriend will certainly feel extra special in these royal surroundings and will be able to delight in telling friends and family that you proposed aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

5. Princess Street Gardens

Princess Street Gardens is a public park in the centre of the city and is in the shadow of Edinburgh castle. It's a serene place to escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city centre and provides many places to lay down a rug and enjoy a romantic picnic (haggis is optional).

The very best time to visit these gardens is December as the park is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of coloured lights and traditional market stalls. There's even an ice rink during the winter so you could really make the most of this romantic environment during the winter. Of course, nearby you have access to all the main shops, bars and restaurants so you can go out for a celebratory meal after the proposal.

Places To Propose In Edinburgh Conclusion

Although Edinburgh is a lively place at the best of times, there are places to find peace and quiet. The locals are very friendly and there's a distinct atmosphere about the place that will make your visit unforgettable. Just remember to wrap up warm...even in summer!

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Top 5 Places To Propose in Brighton

People don't tend to equate Brighton with romance but it is in fact an incredibly romantic place to visit and, because it's such an unlikely place to propose, this makes it the ideal location to pop the question. If you tell your partner that you're going away to Brighton he/she will probably imagine 'kiss-me-quick' hats, sticks of Brighton rock and bracing walks along the promenade. Of course, these things are part of the fun element but there are many more brilliant places to propose in Brighton, you just need a little fun and imagination.

The Top 5 Places to Propose in Brighton

1. Brighton Marina

Visitors can really experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Brighton Marina. It has something for everyone because of the way that it has been designed and built. You can stroll hand in hand along the bustling promenade while admiring the view of the Sea, or alternatively you can have a good old nose at the prestigious yachts. There are cosmopolitan boutiques, funky bars and award winning restaurants along the way. After your proposal you could amble down to the famous Blue Flag pebble beach and select a few pebbles as a memento of your special day.

2. Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier is an original Victorian pier with traditional fairground attractions and when you're strolling along it, you can just imagine days gone by when couples would 'walk out' together with a chaperone. Imagine the long flowing gowns, matching bonnets and parasols to get a real feel of the history of the pier. It opened on May 20th 1899 and is now a Grade ll listed building which means that it must remain as it is, unique and untouched. Brighton Pier really is an iconic seaside location and has been visited over the years by Hollywood legends such as Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo and Bette Davis, and has featured in many movies. If you decide to propose in Brighton, plan your proposal during the winter then you will need to wrap up warmly as the bracing winds can make a stroll along the promenade an exhilarating experience. There's an unbelievable atmosphere at the pier at dawn when the sun is setting and all of the lights are switched on which makes it truly magical.

3. Brighton Wheel

The Brighton Wheel is the newest attraction to the seafront and has proved very popular with visitors and locals alike. The observation wheel stands 45 metres in diameter and offers the most panoramic, breath taking views of the unspoiled coastline, surrounding architecture and Brighton's most famous landmarks. There are 36 enclosed glass pods, including an exclusive VIP pod which would make the ideal place to propose to your loved one. If you plan way in advance, it's possible to book the VIP pod with champagne and flowers to add a special touch to your glass pod of love. Each excursion lasts for approximately 15 minutes and includes a complimentary guided tour of Brighton and Hove while you are on your romantic voyage. Although contemporary, the Brighton Wheel will provide an elegant place to declare your love.

4. Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is a must if you're interested in history. Indeed, this spectacular seaside palace of Prince Regent George IV is one of the most exotic and dazzling buildings in the United Kingdom. Inside the Pavilion there are original works of art and furniture, including pieces lent by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. If you wish to propose inside this historic building you can choose from an array of majestic settings. The bedrooms all contain the original four poster beds owned by the royals and the grand banqueting room gives visitors a feel of how they used to entertain. As you'll see they didn't lead a bad life!

When you propose in Brighton, if you would prefer a location with a pretty setting then the Pavilion Balcony has stunning views over the Pavilion Gardens which are bursting with colour and delicious scents. At night, the Pavilion really stands out when it's beautifully illuminated and this creates a wonderful environment for a proposal. The Pavilion effortlessly manages to keep the feeling of Regency romance alive.

5. Brighton Bandstand

The Bandstand in Brighton is a beautiful and truly unique place to visit along the seafront. It's a listed building which has a real presence thanks to the decadent balustrades and Victorian fretwork. It was restored back to its original splendour in 2009 with the decked area used for performing arts, bands and proposals. The base of the Bandstand offers a delightful café and outdoor picnic area which would make the ideal spot for an al fresco proposal. Brighton Bandstand is also licensed for marriages and civil partnerships so this may be something to consider for the future. Again, this building looks stunning at night when it's all lit up like a Christmas tree.

Places To Propose In Brighton Conclusion

All of the attractions in Brighton offer British seaside jollity at its best, to leave visitors with a lovely warm, fuzzy feeling inside. If you have a bit of an adventurous streak then Brighton is the ideal destination for fun, frolics and romance. Alternatively if you are a couple who like places of interest, then there are forts, gardens, stately homes, country houses and castles just a stones throw away. Brighton is famous for being 'the place to be seen' because of its fashionable and cool hangouts which makes it the perfect place to pop the question to the most important person in your life.

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Top 5 Places To Propose In Oxford

Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires and is renowned for its rich architecture and history. Most people know Oxford because of the university but it actually has a lot more things to see and do than you might otherwise imagine. Many people will recognize the cobbled streets and winding alleys from the Harry Potter movies so if your girl is a Harry Potter fan then Oxford could be ideal. If you're considering this historical English city to pop the question, then here are five perfect places to propose in Oxford.

Top 5 Places To Propose In Oxford

1. The Botanic Gardens

You will find these famous gardens located on the peaceful banks of the Cherwell River. The gardens were initially started way back in 1621 for the study of medicinal plants and are the oldest botanical gardens in Great Britain. Gardens in general may not sound like an exciting place to propose but there are some little gems here like the spectacular Danby Gateway which make it ideal. This is one of the three entrances into the gardens and was built between 1632 and 1633 in the style of early Baroque. It consists of three bays each with a pediment which is partially hidden by smaller pediments, making the Gateway the ideal place for a hidden proposal.

The gardens are surrounded by 17th century stonework which houses the Garden's oldest tree, a nice old fella that happens to be hundreds of years old. It would be a great story to tell future generations that you proposed beneath such an ancient tree. As well as the charming outdoor gardens with their colourful, aromatic flowers and plants there are also numerous glasshouses bursting with exotic flowers from all over the world. The Botanic Gardens are certainly an interesting and beautiful place to consider asking for your girlfriend's hand in marriage.

2. Magdalen Deer Park

If you feel in need of a breather, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford city centre, then Magdalen Deer Park offers a delightful snippet of tranquil countryside. It's also extremely picturesque and would make the ideal place to propose. No matter what the weather, it's a great place to walk and talk while taking in the scenery. Magdalen College is a beautiful building and the Deer park compliments it perfectly. This treasured green space has a river running through it where you can hire a punt under the Magdalen Bridge.

To experience the romantic ambiance you simply need to lay down a rug or blanket on the ground and sit or lie to appreciate the pretty greenery. On a quiet day you may even be lucky enough to spot a deer or two although they are usually very shy creatures and tend to hide away. Every single year on May 1st, choristers can be heard singing their hearts out from the very top of the college tower so if you plan ahead you could aim for a musical proposal as your back drop.

3. A Punt along the River

Taking a ride on a punt is one of the most romantic activities in Oxford. A punt is a narrow, shallow bottomed boat and is moved along using a long pole. The Cherwell Boathouse is one of the best places to begin your punting experience as it's off the beaten track, which means that it's not so easily reached by tourists. You will have no problems hiring a punt here because it tends not to be as busy as other boathouses.

The fact that it's quieter makes it a more appropriate location for a punt proposal. The Cherwell Boathouse offers one of the most peaceful and beautiful starting points for your romantic journey, especially on a fine sunny day. In the olden days, punts men would wear a smart uniform which involved donning a straw boater tied with ribbons but these days it's completely informal which is a shame really.

4. Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum

Both of these museums house the University's scientific collections of mineralogical, paleontological, zoological, geological and entomological specimens which were gathered during the course of the last three centuries. These museums are located in central Oxford, and have an impressive number of historic collections.

Thousands of people visit these museums daily because they're famous for their extensive exhibits. Museums are not everyone's cup of tea but if you and your girlfriend would not usually go to a museum then this would be an interesting place to take her for the proposal as she would not suspect a thing. If she accepts your hand in marriage then you could then go for a romantic stroll around Oxford and take lots of photographs to record the huge smiles on your faces.

5. Oxford Tour of Bath and the Cotswolds

When visiting Oxford it's a great idea to go on one of the famous day trips to either Bath or the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a region which has been officially designated as an area of outstanding beauty and it has to be seen to be believed. It's quintessentially English with its little Hamlets and is steeped in history. An ideal place to see is Bourton-on-the-Water which is the so called 'Venice of the Cotswolds' because of its charming scenery.

Alternatively you could go a little further afield and visit the home of the famous writer Jane Austen in Bath. The Roman Baths in the city are also worth a visit as they really give tourists a feel for how the Roman's lived. Having a cream tea with your girlfriend in one of these 'chocolate box' locations would offer a lovely chance to pop the question. It's such a pretty place so it would be a crime to visit Oxford and not take this day trip. In fact I've written up a full post on the best places to propose in Bath if you want to learn more about the city.

Don't settle for something mundane when you're proposing as there are plenty of wonderful places to propose in Oxford. If your girlfriend is unusual and interesting the chances are she will appreciate a proposal that has had a lot of thought put into it. Good luck and have a great time.

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Top 5 Places To Propose in Barcelona

Barcelona is a magical city and is an ideal destination to ask one of the most important questions of your life. It's known for its stunning architecture and famous works of art so you can rest assured that a trip to this city will definitely not disappoint. Having been there more times than I can mention I've come up with this life of 5 great places to propose in Barcelona. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Top 5 Places To Propose in Barcelona

1. ParcGuell

ParcGuell definitely has something hypnotic about it thanks to the brilliant designs of its creator, the famous Antoni Gaudi. It is a large park packed full of gardens, artistic designs and a huge terrace which offers a stunning overview of Barcelona. It's difficult not to gasp the first time you see the stone structures, mosaic tiling and unusual buildings.

There's a walkway that is supported by twisting stone pillars and you would swear that these are growing directly from the ground like tree trunks. ParcGuell has a surreal quality about it which makes it stand apart from other tourist attractions. There are some multi-coloured mosaic tile seats around the terrace which provide a picturesque location to propose.

2. Cinema in Montjuic

You may think that a cinema, or movie theatre is not the most romantic of settings but the outdoor cinema in Montjuic is located in the moat of Jardins del castell which makes it the ideal fairy princess place to pop the question. During the summer months, classic movies are screened outdoors in the castle grounds and thousands of couples lay down their blankets and open up their picnic baskets to enjoy the show.

Before each movie is shown there is a free music concert so you can really make a night of it. It is a popular activity so if you're planning to propose during 'Strangers on a Train' then plan ahead and book tickets to avoid disappointment. You and your wife-to-be will never forget the enchanted evening that you spend cuddled up under the stars watching a soppy movie, in the moat of a mountain top castle.

3. The Magic Fountains of Montjuic

You don't have to believe in magic to appreciate the fountains of Montjuic. The magic fountains provide a free spectacular display of motion; water, lights and music which when combined together produce something rather special.

These fountains are located on Placa de Carles and are one of the world's most famous landmarks. There are numerous different shows to enjoy which include classical music, film scores and pop music. If you're lucky enough to be there in December you can see the Christmas extravaganza magic show. The fountains themselves seem to defy reality as the water appears to be doing acrobatics in time to the light show and beat of the music. It's a romantic place and although it does get really busy with tourists, it's certainly worth going there to propose in this magical environment.

4. Plaza de Espana

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand in the centre of a city and profess your love to your girlfriend? Plaza de Espana is one of the most important squares in Barcelona and provides the ideal location to propose.

The architecture here is magnificent and you can enjoy sights such as the Cituadella fortress, the center fountain and the amazing Venetian Towers. The towers stand 47 metres high and were inspired by the Campanile of San Marco in Venice. The monumental fountain has three large columns and several groups of sculptures which represent the oceans and seas which flow through Spain. For a quieter place to declare your love, you could amble across to the Joan Miro Park and admire the statue which is called 'Woman and Bird' before getting down on one knee.

5. Mount Tibidabo

At 512 metres high, Mount Tibidabo is the highest summit of the Collserola Mountain range. If you're a bit of a lazybones or you don't want your special lady to become too tired, the easiest way to reach the top is by first taking a tram and then using the funicular railway. The tram offers a scenic journey and you can enjoy looking at some of the city's most prestigious buildings and mansions en route.

Once you reach your destination you can enjoy the splendour that is the Church of the Sacred Heart, before going to Tibidabo Amusement Park. If you like white knuckle rides then you will certainly enjoy the spectacular views provided by the roller coasters. However, if you're not an adrenalin junkie you can simply walk around and admire the breath taking views that this amusement park has to offer. Find a spot, drop to one knee and make a beautiful memory.

Places To Propose In Barcelona Conclusion

There is something to suit any taste when it comes to Barcelona. From the upmarket bustling restaurants to the flamboyant displays of Flamenco dancing. Culture vultures will enjoy the museums and architecture while the ladies will love the retail opportunities. You will never be left looking for great places to propose in Barcelona as it is famous for its beauty and unusual buildings and so offers many unique backdrops to pop the question.

Now break out that Spanish phrase book and get planning!

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The 5 Top Places to Propose in Madrid

The chances are that every single bride-to-be has dreamed of a fairytale proposal since they were young. When someone asks your girlfriend in years to come about the proposal, she may be embarrassed if it's something unimaginative like a meal or a drink in a bar. As such it's vital to get the proposal spot-on and so a trip away somewhere nice can provide the ideal environment for a romantic interlude. Like many cities in Europe, Madrid in Spain provides the perfect setting for a marriage proposal. Here are some amazing places to propose in Madrid.

The 5 Top Places to Propose in Madrid

1. Sunset at Templo de Debod

Nothing can beat watching a sunset with the one that you love right by your side. With the added backdrop of Madrid's charming Egyptian temple, a sunset can be completely magical. The temple was originally donated by Egyptian officials to the city of Madrid by way of a thank you for some construction work. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, it provides the perfect place for a romantic picnic as it has the most beautiful views of the west of Madrid. Once darkness falls, the temple is illuminated by numerous colourful spotlights so this makes a sunset proposal all the more romantic. Once she has said yes and cried tears of joy, you can escort her to the adjoining Parque Del Oesle for a moonlit stroll.

2. Retiro Park

It would be a crime to visit Madrid and not go to Retiro Park. The lush green walkways and central boating lake make the ideal places to get down on bended knee. Once you have done the deed, there are numerous nearby cafes where you will be serenaded by interesting street musicians. This place was originally created as a Royal Park and there is a large monument of King Alfonso XII which overlooks the lake. If you want the air to be filled with a delicious scent when you pop the question then the Rosaleda or Rose Garden would make a great place. It features a breathtaking large statue called 'El Angel Caido' which simply adds to the romantic ambience.

3. El Museo Del Romanticismo (Romance Museum)

The museum of Romance in Madrid offers a unique blend of culture and romance. It's devoted to showing what life was like in Madrid in the 19th century and famously houses romantic exhibits which include important pieces by famous leading artists of that period. You cannot fail to be swept away in a huge romantic bubble as it has been designed to totally capture the essence of 19th century Madrid. At only three Euros entry fee, you can afford to splash out on an expensive meal after she has accepted your proposal.

4. The Royal Palace

The Royal palace is Madrid's most beautiful and largest buildings and it looks out on the equally attractive Plaza de Oriente Square. The palace was built in the 18th century and houses a museum and art collection which is a massive draw for tourists. It was decorated to suit the tastes of Charles III and is extremely lavish. You can wander through the various banqueting halls and historical rooms before coming to the vast courtyard. At the side of this courtyard there is a breathtaking view of the countryside and on a clear day, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view. The palace is steeped in history and the views are so stunning that you are bound to find the perfect place to propose.

5. Plaza De Oriente

This royal palace once had aspirations to be the Spanish Versailles. There are plenty of activities including Madrid's opera house, sophisticated cafes and one of Spain's cultural temples. From the Plaza De Oriente you can take advantage of some of the very best sunset views in Spain. At the centre of the plaza it's gloriously lively and bustling with people. There's an equestrian statue of Philip IV which was built in the 19th century, and beautiful trees and gardens surround this statue. Because it's located so closely to the Royal Palace and the Royal Theatre, it's a very popular place for tourists. However, a sunset proposal would be perfect here as it quietens down after early evening.

Places To Propose In Madrid Conclusion

So if you want your special lady to have the proposal of her dreams, Madrid could be the place that you have been searching for. You're pretty much guaranteed good weather throughout most of the year and with the sound of a foreign language floating in the background you have an ideal romantic setting. Just don't bungle the speech!

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The Top 5 Places to Propose in Prague

When you get down on one knee, it's important that your surroundings match the occasion accordingly. European cities often ooze a sense of romance and Prague is no different. There are so many places to propose in Prague that you're simply spoilt for choice. It has a reputation for being one of the most romantic places to visit in Europe which makes it the ideal place to pop the big question to the one that you love. Attractions include walking along the narrow, medieval streets, cruising along the Vltava River and dining in charming restaurants. I've listed below some of the best options I came across on my last visit.

The Top 5 Places to Propose in Prague

1. The Charles Bridge

This Gothic style stone bridge replaced the original Judith Bridge which collapsed during a flood. It connects the Old town to the Lesser town and boasts a huge tower at each end which is lined with thirty stunning baroque statues. During the day it's buzzing with street musicians and artists and is flocked by tourists because of the fairy-tale view of the city it offers. The famous Prague Castle also towers above it and provides the ideal backdrop for Prince Charming to pop the big question. For a more private proposal, visit the bridge in the early morning or any time during the evening.

2. The Botanical Gardens

This is a very pretty and interesting place to propose. St Clares Vineyard is at the centrepiece and overlooks Troja Chateau. There are peaceful walkways and breathtaking views of the River Vltava from the vineyards which make it a lovely place for a romantic gesture. There are always different exhibits taking place in the Japanese garden and there are live musical performances during the summer months. You'll be able to enjoy some rare collections of flora and fauna, as well as unusual types of Turkish and Mediterranean flowers and plants. It's a peaceful space to tell the person you love exactly how you feel.

3. A Cruise along the River Vltava

A romantic cruise for two along this picturesque river is just the ticket for a romantic surprise proposal. You can keep it private or you can join other tourists for an evening dinner cruise. The journey lasts for around three hours so this will give you ample opportunity to try and pluck up the courage to pop the question. As well as admiring the reflection of the glittering city lights on the river, you will also get some fabulous views of Prague Castle, Rudolfinum, St Agnes Monastery and the Charles Bridge. If proposing during the candlelit meal seems too obvious, wait until you reach the castle and then pop out onto the deck and get down on one knee to make your girlfriend feel like a true princess.

4. Old Town Square

If you plan your trip around Christmas or Easter, you can really maximize your experience of the Old Town Square because, during these periods, the square is awash with quaint market stalls selling mulled wine, homemade chocolates and assorted souvenirs. Since the 10th century, this square has been the central area of Prague. It features a unique mixture of Gothic and Romanesque constructions such as the Old Town Hall, St Nicholas Church and the Kinsky Palace. It is a very popular place for tourists to gather but it's more peaceful in the evening and the fact that it looks so stunning when it's fully illuminated makes it the perfect place to propose.

5. The Summer Star

This building is a real hidden gem which is nestled in a hillside on the outskirts of Prague. The Star Villa is certainly an unusual construction and is considered to be one of Europe's most mysterious places. It was specifically designed to be built into the shape of a six pointed star in 1555 and seems to have a mystical, surreal quality about it. The vaulted cellar is commonly used for marriage proposals due to its exceptional acoustics. A wedding proposal whispered softly into your lover's ear can be heard with crystal clarity, as can the reply to the proposal. For that reason, wait until the cellar is completely abandoned before making your move.

Places To Propose In Prague Conclusion

Without doubt Prague is one of the most romantic cities I have visited and it definitely has unique qualities which help explain its romantic reputation. There are super places to eat and drink as well as a host of affordable hotels to choose from. Throw in the stunning architecture and entertaining street life and your proposal should be a truly memorable occasion... Just don't forget the ring!

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The Top 5 Places To Propose in Florence

Florence is one of the most romantic European cities in the world and makes the ideal location to propose to your loved one. People tend to think of Rome as being the ultimate place to pop the question, but the city of Florence is also stunningly beautiful and steeped in history. If you're considering taking the plunge then here are some amazing, unforgettable places to propose in Florence.

The Top Five Places to Propose in Florence

1. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest and first bridge which crossed the Arno River. It was originally built back in 1345 and is the only surviving bridge from medieval times. It is lined with jewellery shops that specialize in gold and silver, so would certainly offer an opportunity to go ring shopping together. Standing on this bridge offers a gorgeous view of the city centre and beyond. A great time to get down on one knee is just as the sun is setting on the water and you can both get lost in the movement of the river. It is heavily populated with tourists during the day so night time would offer more privacy.

2. Piazza Della Signoria

Piazza Della-Signoria is Florence's most famous square and is located at the heart of this political and historic city centre. There's an open air sculpture exhibit which would make a great place to pop the question or alternatively you could head for the town hall Palazzo Vecchio. The town hall is elaborately decorated and the apartments and rooms are open for public view. If your girl accepts your hand in marriage you could head for one of the many vibrant café's, bars and restaurants to celebrate your happy news.

A rooftop proposal is always a winner, and with Florence's fantastic views you can't go wrong!

3. Boboli Garden &Pitti Palace

If you walk across the Ponte Vecchio you will come across a place of natural beauty known locally as the Giardino di-Boboli. This huge park is set on a hillside in the centre of Florence right behind Pitti Palace. You could choose to ask the big question from several romantic locations including the breathtaking fountains, the aromatic gardens or from the Forte Belvedere where you'll have a panoramic view. Pitti Palace is steeped in history and boasts many different exhibits including galleries, works of art, costumes and jewellery. As such it's another good location to consider. Do you already feel spoilt for choice? You will do when you see the city!

4. Piazzale Michelangelo

The view from this place has been captured hundreds of times on postcards as it offers the optimum cityscape view. It's romantically perched high in the hills above the Oltrarno and it's easy to reach by bus. If you're the active type though you can make a real day of it and walk up the Piazzale hand in hand. Piazzale Michelangelo is close to the Basilica of San Miniato which is also a fabulous location to propose, especially at night when it takes on a surreal glow. This place is dominated by the neoclassical style and you can't help getting carried away by the sense of romance and history.

5. Cathedral of Santa Maria Del-Fiore

Cathedral of Santa Maria Del-Fiore is one of Florence's most popular tourist attractions. The cathedral was originally built in 1296 and can hold up to 20,000 people. The exterior of the building looks beautiful on a sunny day as it has been constructed using a mixture of brightly coloured marbles. There are many unusual doors which look like works of art themselves, as well as 44 breathtaking stained glass windows. You really need to have a little wander around in order to take in its full beauty. There are works of art and statues to look at and when you're finished you can climb the Cathedrals dome and take in the best view of Florence. At night, when the city is lit up like a Christmas tree, the dome offers a cosy, romantic and thrilling place to pop the question.

Places To Propose In Florence Conclusion

When you begin to make plans for your romantic proposal, don't forget Florence because it would be a crime to miss out on such a romantic opportunity. A proposal in this city would be memorable for all the right reasons and there are so many interesting things to see and do that this city would make a good vacation or short break in its own right. It's certainly one of the most interesting places to visit in Italy due to its architecture, city culture and ancient history so believe me when I say you can't go wrong here. Ciao bella!

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The Top 5 Places to Propose in Rome

If you're considering popping the question to the one you love you may be at the stage of wondering when and where you are going to do the deed. One of the most romantic places to get down on one knee is Rome, and thanks to movies like 'Roman Holiday' this city has got a reputation for passion and romance. So if you are seriously thinking about a romantic proposal location of your own then here are 5 great places to propose in Rome I suggest you consider.

Top 5 Places to Propose in Rome

1. Trevi Fountain

Almost every square in the city of Rome is adorned with a fabulous fountain at its centre, and these fountains are considered to be works of art. The Trevi Fountain is probably the most famous as it's an over the top masterpiece of baroque design and attracts millions of tourists every year. It's a tradition for visitors to toss a coin into the fountain and then make a wish. You could use this tradition to begin your proposal. Most people close their eyes when they are making a wish so wouldn't it be cute if you were down on one knee when your girl opened her eyes? As it's usually really busy, the best time to go to the Fontana di Trevi is after 10 o'clock at night. Seasonally, Rome is perfect in March and April as it's much quieter and not too hot.

2. The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are located in an upmarket area of the city centre and are two minutes away from several designer boutiques. The steps lead to the Piazza Di Spagna with the Church of TrinitadeiMonti which is famous for its twin towers that seem to dominate the skyline. The church was built in 1502 by Louis VII so you can really get a sense of the history when you're climbing the steps. The Spanish Steps do get extremely crowded during the long hot summer days so a proposal would be much better after the sun has set, or even better at midnight when it's very quiet.

3. Piazza San Pietro

Also known as St Peter's Square, this is the grand piazza which fronts the famous basilica. It's a very popular gathering point for tourists and is easily reached from the long boulevard via Della Conciliazione. The square was redesigned between 1656 and 1667, under the instructions of Pope Alexander VII so that as many people as possible had the opportunity to see the pope giving his blessing. It's a stunning place to visit even if you're not particularly religious, but if you are then you will appreciate the atmosphere even more.

4. Sistine Chapel, the Vatican

If you book well in advance, you can take your girlfriend on a tour of the Vatican's Sistine chapel. These tours are kept to a maximum of ten people and allow tourists to see secret rooms like the Niccoline Chapel, the Room of Gold and Raphael's rooms. By ordering your tickets online you can skip the long queues and take advantage of a romantic, after-hours private viewing of the magnificent Sistine chapel. Your girlfriend cannot fail to be amazed at the ceiling designed by Michelangelo and will feel a sense of excitement as you tour along the secret passages and hidden corridors. If that wasn't enough, there are also interesting galleries to view such as the gallery of Candelabra and the Gallery of Tapestries. The historical beauty that you will encounter on this tour will create a proposal that she will appreciate and cherish forever.

5. Ponte Sant'Angelo

Again, this part of Rome featured in 'Roman Holiday' and when you see it with your own eyes you will soon realize why it's so popular. It's a bridge across the Tiber River which leads from the centre of Rome to the Castle Sant'Angelo which was once Hadrian's Tomb. There are no vehicles allowed which makes it a really popular place for couples to hang out. Even teenage couples are attracted by this magical bridge that is lined by breathtaking statues of Angels. It's easy to get to by foot or you can get a taxi if it's late at night. From the bridge, you can clearly see St Peter's Basilica which is a sight to behold during the hours of darkness.

Places To Propose In Rome Conclusion

Rome is probably one of the most perfect destinations to pop the question because every lady likes romance and this city certainly offers this in spades. Although there are lots of things to see in Rome, a long weekend is more than enough time to see the main tourist's attractions and some hotels are relatively cheap. The food is to die for and so what better way of toasting your engagement than with an authentic Italian meal? Seriously you can't go wrong here.

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Top 5 Places to Propose in Berlin

Over the years, getting engaged has become as important as the big day itself. Couples want to make their wedding day as unique and special as possible, but it's also become the norm to have a more elaborate type of proposal. With this in mind, why not consider going away on a break or short vacation in order to pop the question to the one you love. Europe has some fine places for couples looking for romance, and Berlin is a city that's full of surprises. If you're planning a visit there to ask for you lover's hand in marriage, then here are 5 great places to propose in Berlin.

Top 5 Places to Propose in Berlin

1. Panoramapunkt-Berlin Viewing Platform

This place is famous for having the fastest elevator in Europe as it shoots up to one hundred meters (328 feet) in the Kollhoff Tower. It's located where the borders of Mitte, Kreuzberg and Tiergarten all meet and visitors can also see the line of the famous Berlin Wall. Once at the top of the tower, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of some of Berlin's most famous landmarks such as the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate and Bellevue Palace. Standing from the top of the tower on a clear day, you can really see exactly how Berlin has transformed over the years. Once your girlfriend has accepted your romantic proposal of marriage you can take her up onto the roof terrace café for a celebratory snack and drink.

2. Museum Island

This place is located at the eastern end of Unter der Linden and is a world heritage site which is home to five of Berlins most important and interesting museums. Neues Museum can be found here and is famous for being the home of the Egyptian bust of Nefertiti. You can walk around at leisure and take in the architecture such as recreations, the Roman Gates and the City of Babylon which dates from the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. The various beautiful buildings on Museum Island are usually illuminated at night so would make lovely places to propose to the one that you love.

3. The Berlin Cathedral

This building is one of the most iconic structures in the city and is extremely popular with tourists. It was originally built in 1905 and has been painstakingly restored following extensive damage during World War II. The style of the cathedral is neo-Baroque, and the actual dome is the key feature as it allows visitors spectacular views of central Berlin. Indeed, the dome seems to dominate the city's skyline and it's an attraction that should not be missed. Once you've popped the big question you can go on a Berlin River cruise or visit the Anne Frank Centre, which are both nearby.

4. Potsdam's Gardens

Potsdam's Gardens are located in San Soucci which can be easily reached by public transport. If you're imagining a more serene, peaceful proposal then this is the perfect place. As well as relaxing in the tranquil gardens, there are also palaces and parks to visit within the complex. As you're casually strolling, you will come across tranquil lakes, rolling fields and forests which make this a very calm and natural place to propose. If you enjoy history then you'll adore visiting the palace of Frederick the Great which features classical and Baroque elements of the period in which it was built. Alternatively you could make a picnic or simply enjoy an ice-cream in the lavish setting of the New Garden.

5. Berlin Zoo

Berlin Zoo is the most popular zoo's in Europe and is Germany's oldest zoo, having first opened its doors in 1841. A lot of thought has gone into the design and it's situated in perfectly kept landscaped gardens which provide ideal spots for romantic picnics. The zoo boasts over 14,000 creatures including rare and endangered species. The tranquil aquarium provides a gorgeous ambience for a romantic proposal because the actual inside of the building is cloaked in darkness. The only illumination comes from the brightly lit fish tanks.

Places To Propose In Berlin Conclusion

Of course, there are many other interesting and romantic places to visit and you can also take advantage of a sunset river tour, which is the perfect way to finish off your trip to Berlin. You obviously want your girlfriend to have the perfect fairytale proposal so remember to take your time choosing the most magical engagement ring before you pop the question.

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