Wedding Proposal Do's and Don'ts

*Originally published on 5/13/09


Do: Get down on one knee

I know, it seems obvious but some people forget to do it. It shows your true intent when you pull the ring out and show it to her. It also comes off much better than simply saying it as part of everyday chit chat. By getting down on one knee you mark the occasion as the momentous event that it is

Don't: Propose at a sporting event

You're in love and it's only natural to want to scream it from the rooftops. It may seem romantic at first, but it's really kind of corny. You may think that there's no way that she'd say no in front of all those people, but there are two problems with this. One, you shouldn't have to pressure her to get a yes and if she does say no you'll look like a putz. It's happened before, there are a few videos of it on youtube and failblog.org.

Do: Take her out to a nice dinner

Class it up, this is a big night. I know, you spent a lot of money on the ring but all that expense will be in vain if you get lazy and just take her to subway before coming home and popping the question. If the roles were flipped, taking the guy out for a sandwich before asking the big question would work as we are simple creatures, such is not the case for women. They like subs as much as us, I'm sure, but for a wedding proposal it's just not appropriate

Don't: Put the engagement ring in a Wendy's Frosty

I can't believe I actually have to make this point. First off, Wendy's? They make good food but if you're going to propose, you don't take her to a fast food restaurant. Second, I know that putting the ring in the girl's drink is a staple, but the drink needs to be transparent. Champagne, water, Sprite all work, a Frosty does not. Even if the drink is transparent, how is she going to see the ring through the paper cup? It boggles my mind that somebody thought this was a good idea.

Do: Ask her someplace quiet and isolated

Following up on the sports arena suggestion. A proposal is best made someplace quiet and intimate. Your dining room or living room work very well. If you can find a quiet spot outside, maybe where you first met or on a hilltop at sunrise, that would work very well. The point is that you want it to be just the two of you. Working up the nerve to ask is difficult enough, it'll be easier for you and she won't feel like she's been put on the spot.

Don't: Steal lines from a movie

I know, a lot of women love romantic comedies and, it may be tempting to take a line from one, especially one she cites as her favorite. It may seem romantic, but it angers them. A wedding proposal is supposed to be heartfelt and just pulling out movie quotes seems fake and insincere. If you're having trouble thinking of something and want to use a movie as a way to get the ball rolling, at the very least have the good sense to reword it with your own personal spin so you're not reciting dialogue verbatim.