How to propose:  Marriage proposals 101

When you think about it, there are very few questions that have the importance and the impact of marriage proposals. So even if you have nerves of steel, the thought of proposing to the woman you love may bring on some jitters. Not to worry. The secret to a successful proposal is very simple: Know what will please her and prepare yourself for the moment.

A brilliant proposal depends on knowing what makes HER happy. The most important thing to remember when proposing marriage: Know what will appeal to her.

How to propose hint #1:  Think about the type of woman she is.

If she's a hopeless romantic, your proposal should take this into account. If she likes bold statements or has a particular passion in life, your proposal could be more unusual or extravagant. If she prefers intimacy, then a one-on-one proposal will be in order. But if she adores the spotlight, then a more public proposal will truly win her heart. And if she's traditional, your proposal should be, too. Want some traditional marriage proposal ideas?

How to propose hint #2:  Think about setting the scene.

It could be just about anywhere—a restaurant, an amusement park, a beach, an art gallery or even a movie theater—as long as it has meaning for both of you. It could be a place you've both always wanted to be—from Barcelona to a hot air balloon. If there's a venue that holds wonderful memories, you could plan your marriage proposal there. Rent your favorite movie, watch it at home, and give her a bowl of popcorn with a diamond engagement ring in it. Arrange for a magician to make her engagement ring materialize from nowhere. Or fly her to Venice and propose on a gondola ride. We have more proposal ideas that are sure to impress her .

How to propose hint #3:  Focus on the moment and on her.

Whatever stage you set, the most important thing is what you say. Express your proposal with love and sincerity, and let her know how much she means to you. The only real requirement is that it must come from your heart. The focus should be on her, and the special moment you'll be sharing. So if you can't afford a lavish backdrop, realize that it doesn't matter. What she cares about is the way you express your love and your desire to become lifelong partners. Know what you plan to say well in advance, and make a statement that captures all that's special about her.

How to propose hint #4:  Pay attention to the timing of your marriage proposal.

As with everything else in life, timing matters when you're getting ready to propose marriage. If she's going through a particularly difficult time, if she's stressed out or overwhelmed by personal matters or professional concerns, this could be a bad time to ask her to marry you. Again, you want this to be a happy, memorable moment that is unclouded by worry and anxiety. Try to postpone your proposal until her life becomes a little less turbulent. Still uncertain? Check out our Proposal Do's and Don'ts.

How to propose hint #5:  Prepare for the unexpected.

If you're planning to pop the question in a hot air balloon but thunderstorms make the trip impossible, you'll have to reschedule for another day—or come up with a back-up plan. Ditto if you've invited her for a romantic weekend at a country inn, and she comes down with the flu. Very few things in life ever happen precisely as we plan them, and this is no exception. Take the situation in stride, create a contingency plan and consider this a dress rehearsal for your wedding—which will surely have a surprise or two as well!

How to propose hint #6:  Know that you can never be too romantic.

A recent survey reported that 80 percent of women who were proposed to said their proposal was “less romantic” than they had hoped for. So, regardless of how or where you propose, try to imagine what she would want. It doesn't matter if you're in an elegant restaurant, a park or a football stadium. The way you express yourself is key. Tell her not only that you love her but why you love her, why she's special and the only one for you. Can you do this on the scoreboard at a football stadium? Yes, if you're clever. But make sure she's the type who'll prefer this to dinner, champagne and roses.

How to propose hint #7:  Select the perfect ring.

If you're going to choose a ring to surprise her with, you want to be confident it's one she would have chosen for herself. When selecting a diamond, there are a variety of shapes you can choose from. The setting can be yellow gold, white gold or platinum. Diamond engagement rings can have a traditional look or a more contemporary one. Find the one that will take her breath away.

How to propose hint #8:  Stay within your budget and financial capability.

There is a huge range of options for purchasing an engagement ring. And there are also infinite options for the backdrop of your proposal. The important thing is to match these options to your financial means. The budget for your engagement must strike a delicate balance: You want to show the woman you love how much you care, and you want to impress her. But you don't want to overextend yourself financially at this important time in life. So figure out what you can afford, know how you're going to pay for it and then make wise choices. Remember: This is an investment. You want a ring that represents a good value, and you want to create memories for your future bride that will last a lifetime.   View tips on how to plan and budget your engagement .

How to propose hint #9:  Announce and celebrate your engagement.

Once she says "yes", communicating your good news to others is the next step. The first thing to do, if you haven't already done so, is to share your plans with her parents. (If she's been married previously and has children, this is the time to talk to them as well.) Additionally, a previous spouse—yours or hers—should be notified, both as a courtesy and to resolve any unsettled legal matters. You'll probably want to arrange a meeting between her parents and yours as soon as possible after you get engaged.

Engagement parties are totally optional. If you do have one, the bride's parents are the traditional hosts. But if you're a bit older and have the financial resources, you and your fiancée can host it instead. As far as what type of party to throw, these days anything goes, but you should send out printed invitations.

Looking for inspiration?  View our marriage proposal ideas.

What's the best way to get her to say “yes”? Ask her to marry you her….her way.