Elements of a Memorable Marriage Proposal

by Sarah Pease, Posted Dec 24th 2010 10:00AM

Steve McAlister, Getty Images

Popping the question is not an easy task, but with proper planning you can pull off a memorable wedding proposal without a hitch! Here are the three key elements to keep in mind:

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Tell Your Unique Love Story.
Each and every couple has a unique love story. Maybe the way you met – a serendipitous connection when you were filling up at the gas station or a techno-savvy meeting via a dating website. Perhaps how your relationship unfolded – long-distance trips resulting in thousands of frequent flier miles or fast and furious by moving in just a few months after meeting. Just like this AT&T commercial – maybe if you had caught a different train or decided not to go to that work conference – you may never have met!

Whatever it is that makes your love story truly yours is a sure-fire way to craft a memorable proposal. Find a vehicle by which to tell this story – a timeline of your relationship adapted to her favorite monopoly board game , 13 gifts that represent the 13 weeks you've been together, a simple song that tells the tale of your love.

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Create it for Her.
It's no surprise that you want this to be the perfect moment – a dream come true and a story that she'll proudly tell all of her friends. Select your engagement idea to coincide with something that is romantic for her. Even if your idea of the perfect day is barbequing with friends and drinking beer, it's likely not what she considers to be a romantic setting. Here's one hint: if you can find the idea on the first 10 pages of Google results – it's probably not the right idea.

Feeling stuck? Think about her favorite movies - when was the last time she said "Awww!" when watching the latest romantic comedy? That will help point you in the right direction. There are so many locations that can be romantic, even brick walls.

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It's the Thought That Counts.
Take this phrase to heart. It really, truly is the thought that counts when it comes to your marriage proposal. Most men agonize for weeks and even months about the ring selection, but spend no more than a day considering how they're going to pop the question. In life, there are few moments as unforgettable as when you ask someone to marry you. Something so important deserves more than a few hours of thought. It needs all of the creativity that you can muster (and perhaps a little creative help and inspiration from friends or family).

Someone once told me that you should put as much work into planning how you're going to propose as you did earning the money for the ring. While that may be a bit much, depending on your salary & ring choice, it's the right track to be on. Some men will spend the rest of their lives recounting the tale of their winning touchdown in high school or the big sale they made at work, why not make your proposal one of the stories you love to tell?

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Sarah Pease, The Proposal Planner™, is recognized as the foremost expert on marriage proposals and is the pioneer of Marriage Proposal Planning. Based in New York City, Sarah's designed and produced dream engagements for countless lucky couples from across the world and is the go-to source for all things regarding "Will You Marry Me?"

Tags: getting engaged, proposal, proposals