This article was co-authored by Patti Novak Williams and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Patti Novak Williams is a Professional Matchmaker in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 20 years of experience, Patti specializes in working with clients one on one to help them find love. She has helped match hundreds of couples, engagements, and marriages. Patti was the star of the critically acclaimed A&E series “Confessions of a Matchmaker.” She has been featured in the New York Times, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, TODAY with Hoda and Kathy Lee, The Rachael Ray Show, CBS’ The Early Show, CNN, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, The Nate Berkus Show, and Fox’s The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet. Patti published a book in 2008 with Random House titled “Get Over Yourself!: How to Get Real, Get Serious, and Get Ready to Find True Love.”
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So you've found the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with. How do you ask her to be yours forever? You don't have to do anything over-the-top or crazy to propose—unless you think that's what she wants. The most important thing is that you speak from the heart and that you find the perfect way to let her know how much she means to you. We’re here to help you plan the perfect proposal so she says “yes!”
Things You Should Know
- Talk to her about what she wants in the future so you can be sure she wants to get married.
- Pick out the perfect ring, location, and date for your big proposal.
- Speak from the heart and practice what you want to say in advance.
- Ask her to marry you, and be ready for any reaction. If she says yes, slide the ring on her finger and give her a big hug.
Steps
Help Crafting Your Proposal
Community Q&A
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QuestionIs it very terrible to propose by text?Community AnswerProposing by text is not a good way to show someone you love them. You should do it in person where you can be intimate and romantic.
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QuestionShould I marry a woman that's older than me?Community AnswerIf the two of you have a strong, healthy, dedicated relationship, then there's absolutely nothing wrong with marrying a woman (or man!) who's older than you.
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QuestionI am too young to get married. Is it okay to propose now and then get married when we are old enough?Community AnswerYes, many people get engaged and wait to get married until they feel absolutely ready.
Video
Tips
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If your girlfriend gets manicures, ask one of her friends to take her to the salon right before your proposal so her nails will look perfect. She’ll definitely want to post her engagement ring online![15]Thanks
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Consider hiring a pro. Some businesses specialize in personalized, creative will-you-marry-me events and offer services to help take the pressure off when you pop the question.Thanks
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Evenings are a very romantic time for proposals, but a daytime proposal in a beautiful setting is just as romantic.Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t try to misdirect her by telling her a painful lie, like that you’re not the marrying type. She’ll be heartbroken, and it’ll take some of the excitement out of the moment.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/living-single/202107/6-reasons-marriage-proposals-get-rejected
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XxEa7CEbM4
- ↑ https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/tips-for-buying-an-engagement-ring/
- ↑ https://campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/7-unique-and-memorable-proposal-ideas-for-men-who-want-to-stand-out/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychology-relationships/202107/15-questions-help-decide-if-relationship-has-future
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271820156_Popping_the_Question_When_the_Answer_is_Known_The_Engagement_Proposal_as_Performance
- ↑ https://extension.usu.edu/hru/blog/how-to-prepare-for-marriage-before-and-during-engagement.pdf
- ↑ https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/piperde/2022/07/12/5-things-you-must-do-to-ensure-your-marriage-proposal-runs-smoothly/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2016/06/picture-enjoy
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2023/03/09/1162385260/5-questions-to-ask-each-other-before-marriage
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201809/what-is-the-best-way-to-propose
- ↑ https://huntsman.usu.edu/acct/files/TipsApproDress.pdf
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/marriage-fulfillment-lifelong-relationship/
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eye_contact_an_introduction_to_its_role_in_communication
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"I have always been wondering what comes first in the process of proposing to the one I love. Thank you for the broad open perception which gave me a confidence in the flow and how to engage with her and her family members. "..." more