How to propose

Getting it right

If you get the proposal wrong, it might come back to haunt you for many, many years so put in a bit of thought and get it right.

A proposal should be emotional, romantic and, most importantly, personal to your partner.

Are they an introvert or extrovert? For some people a public show of affection will be a dream come true but for others the intimacy of that special private moment between the two of you will be far more appropriate and special.

If possible, add to the romance and propose on a holiday or a meaningful day in your relationship, such as the anniversary of your first date. As long as an element of effort and creativity is put in to it you can't go wrong.

Here's some old but good ways to pop the question:

• Place an advertisement in your local paper.
• Recreate your first date.
• Arrange for your message to be up in bright lights on a screen at the cinema or a concert or sports event.
• Organise a romantic meal and freeze the ring in an ice cube, in a glass full of champagne.
• Throw a surprise party with friends and family aplenty (providing you're certain they'll accept!)
• Spell out your proposal in pot plants in the garden.
• Propose on holiday on a deserted beach or at the top of the snow covered slopes.
• Arrange for a plane with your proposal written on a trailing banner to fly over when you are having a secluded romantic picnic together.
• Write it in their diary or on a Post-It note placed in the book they're reading and wait for them to find it.

How would you like to be proposed to? How did you pop the question? Share your proposal stories on our message board.