Proposal Mistakes

Nervous about the big event? No, not the wedding, the proposal!

Remember: It's not what you do but what she says that really matters. Not only do you want an uncontrolled "YES!" but you want her to feel your love, be surprised, and have a killer story to tell.

With that said, here are a few common proposal mistakes and helpful tips to avoid them:

Impulsive proposal - Make sure you have discussed marriage and your future together, and are in agreement on all the big points, before you propose. You don't want to scare her off, or even worse, have her say "no".

Too complicated - Does your proposal depend on a series of concurrent events or exact timing? If something as simple as a traffic jam or rainstorm can ruin your plan, drop it. Remember, you need to be relaxed.

Unless you're sure she'd like an audience, keep it private - Most women prefer a private or semi-private proposal. Consider where she falls on the privacy scale and plan your proposal accordingly.

Create a proposal of her dreams - If you've already discussed marriage, she's already dropping hints about what she thinks is a great proposal. Listen closely to her and you're likely to recreate her dream proposal.

Pick a memorable location - A great location can make all the difference. A memorable location can be any place of significance for the two of you: location of your first date or first kiss, romantic spot the two of you share

Consider the time of day - There's no right or wrong time of day to propose. It could be sunrise, or sunset. Whatever the time, remember, she'll want to call her family and friends and make the special announcement. 

Don't obsess about the ring - Though most women say they would like the proposal to include a ring, many would sacrifice the surprise to be a part of the selection. If you know her style and taste, and have a strong idea of what she wants, go ahead and get a ring in advance. If you've purchased jewelry for her before and she wears it regularly, you're probably on target. Regardless of your decision, Danforth offers a 30-day return policy allowing you to exchange, if necessary, for a ring that suits her taste better.