Ways to propose:  Ask her to marry you…her way 

You know that classic Sinatra song, “I Did It My Way.” Well, forget about it. Proposing to the woman in your life is not the time to imitate Ol' Blue Eyes (all of his three ex-wives would probably agree).  There are lots of different ways to propose.  When you're deciding what to do, focus on her.

Think of a marriage proposal as a gift you are giving to your future bride, like the ring that you'll present her as a symbol of your love. When you purchase the ring, you want to select something that fits her style, her taste and her personality. When you propose marriage, you want to do it her way. Need help choosing the perfect ring?

If the thought of proposing makes you nervous, you're in good company. Legend has it that Sir Edmund Hillary, the first westerner to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, was so jittery that he was rendered speechless when he tried to propose. And Sir Edmund is considered one of the bravest men in history.  Fortunately, his future mother-in-law was in the room and asked the question for him!

Hopefully you'll be less nervous if you've planned a proposal with her style, taste, and personality in mind.

How does she really want you to propose? 

Looking at different ways to propose?  We can help you figure out how to craft a proposal that's sure to sweep some lucky girl off her feet. The formula is simple: All you need to do is think about your special woman: what kind of person is she, what is her style, what are her likes and dislikes, what makes her tick?

This is something you probably know intuitively but may not have given a lot of thought to. So here are some questions you'll need to think about while deciding how to propose.  Answer these questions and you've greatly increased your chances to win her heart:

1. What type of personality does she have? (For example: outgoing, funny, low-key, serious, passionate, creative, zany, quiet, and so on).

2. Does she have any particular hobbies or passions? (Scuba diving, reading poetry, horseback riding, antique jewelry, her Jack Russell terrier).

3. How does she dress? (Frilly and feminine, subdued, sophisticated, traditional, tailored, etc.)

4. Does she like being the center of attention or does she shy away from the spotlight?

5. Where should you propose? For example, does she like to travel or stay close to home? Does she like the great outdoors or is she nature-phobic? Is there any one place that is special to her?

6. Should you propose with a ring in hand or would she prefer to be involved in selecting it? Hint: If she's a true romantic, a proposal without a ring may not be the real deal for her. If she has strong preferences, and you're not sure what they are, you may want to shop for the ring together. We have tips for planning and budgeting .

7. Is she a hopeless romantic?

Warning: Before answering no to question 7, be aware of this: In a recent poll, 80 percent of women who had been proposed to said the proposal was “less romantic” than they had hoped for. Suffice it to say, it's probably impossible to be too romantic, regardless of what type of personality she has.

Once you've painted a mental picture of your future bride, you're much better equipped to come up with a proposal that reflects her.

Ways to propose:  Is she a traditional girl who also likes to travel?

How about inviting her for a weekend in Niagara Falls, Ontario? There's a charming little town called Niagara on the Lake that would be the perfect place to pop the question. What could be more breathtaking than being presented with a diamond engagement ring with the awe-inspiring Falls as a backdrop? See more traditional proposal ideas.

Ways to propose:  Does she love ballroom dancing and also being the center of attention?

Take her out for a night of Big Band music. Make arrangements with the bandleader, in advance, to loan you the microphone for a couple minutes. Propose to her in front of the entire crowd; then have the band play a special song just for the two of you. A word of warning: Public proposals should only be considered if you absolutely, positively know that she'll say "yes"! Check out these proposal Do's and Don'ts.

Ways to propose: Is she a romantic who loves to read poetry?

The choice is simple: Get a book of love poems or sonnets. Choose one that you think she'll adore. When the moment is right, read or recite the poem to her, followed by your proposal. You can make the moment last forever by hiring a calligrapher to recreate the poem. Present it to her as a keepsake, along with her ring .

Ways to propose:  Is the woman you love an artist who's also something of a free spirit?

Then you'll want to surprise her in a way that will let her spirits soar. If she's not afraid of heights, how about proposing in a hot air balloon while you watch the sun come up? Bring along a thermos of mimosas and find a florist to create a really unusual bouquet in her favorite color palette.

Ways to propose:  Maybe the place doesn't matter as long as she's alone with you.

Some women prefer staying close to home. If she's one of them, make sure your proposal is intimate and low-key. If you like to cook, make her a special dinner, complete with flowers and candles. Present the engagement ring after dessert. Or snuggle up on the sofa to watch her favorite video. Bury her ring in a beautifully wrapped box, deep down in a bowl of popcorn.

What do women want?

Remember that movie where Mel Gibson plays an advertising executive who is able to read women's minds due to a freak accident that sends an electric shock through his body? We don't recommend jumping into the bathtub with a hair dryer in order to find out what kind of proposal your girlfriend would want. But—if you've asked yourself all the right questions and you're still not sure how to pop the question, don't give up.  There are people who can help you come up with ideas on ways to propose.  You can consult with one of her close friends (just make sure she's someone who can keep a secret). Or, just eliminate any ideas you know she will hate and focus on what you'll say: That she's special to you, how much you love her and why you want to spend the rest of your life with her. If you get down on one knee, have a ring in hand and maybe some flowers and champagne, that's icing on the cake. Good luck!

How to choose the perfect ring .

Ways to propose if you want her to say “yes.”