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Remember the Romance!
proposal planning
and ideas
The First Diamond
The diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love as far back
as the fifteenth century. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement
ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with Archduke Maximillian of
Austria and Mary of Burgundy.
At that time, diamonds were looked upon
as talismans, or charms that could enhance the love between husband and wife. From this time forward, the royal tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring
began to be embraced by people around the world, eventually becoming as much of
a milestone in one's life as the engagement itself.
They say Cupid's arrows were tipped with
diamonds, which had a magic that nothing else could equal.
The Brilliance of a Diamond
When diamonds first began to be given as engagement rings, settings were
elaborate and did not necessarily showcase the diamond in its best light.
It actually wasn't until the discovery
of diamond mines on the African continent in 1870 that diamonds became
accessible to a wider public, increasing demand and influencing design. Subsequently, diamond jewelry began to be designed to demonstrate the unique
beauty and brilliance of diamonds.
The Mysterious Power of a Diamond
Wearing a diamond ring on the fourth finger of the left hand dates far back to
ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vena amoris (the vein of love) ran
from that finger directly to the heart.
Placing a diamond, with its enduring
power, on that finger, was - and still is - seen as the ultimate way to connect
love with eternity.
Will you marry me?
These four words form what is perhaps the most important question a couple will
ever share. These words shape changes in not only the lives of the couple,
but also their families and their future family members. You will celebrate this
moment for years to come.
Marriage Proposal
 This is one of
the most significant moments in the lives of couple in a relationship.
Think carefully about what will make your future life partner the happiest and
something she will never forget. The following marriage proposal ideas might
not be right for you but they hopefully will stimulate your creative thinking.
Only you know your relationship and what is going to be right for you and the
love of your life.
Because it is such an important event, it deserves all the planning and
preparation you can provide to make it a moment your beloved will never forget.
Planning Overview
A successful marriage proposal requires some planning so the first step is to
think through all the key steps necessary to achieve the result you want.
1. Find the right person.
2. Fall in love.
3. First you should ask her father for his permission.
4. Know enough about your beloved so you can create a meaningful
experience.
5. Decide if you are going to purchase the ring before or after you
propose.
6. Stay within your budget or financial capability.
7. Pay attention to timing. Don't plan on proposing when he or she is
stressed or overwhelmed.
8. Pick a memorable place, song, or occasion such as where you first met,
or first kissed, etc.
9. Set a romantic atmosphere.
10. Keep it fun.
11. Keep it simple.
12. Be prepared to have your best-laid plans fall apart.
Planning
When
This will be a day you'll mark on your calendars for years to come so choose
wisely. Pick a day that's special to you, such as the anniversary of your
first date
 or some other significant event.
Where
Perhaps no other element is more important than the location of this special
event.
Remember the sights, sounds, and even
the smells of the location will be etched in her mind forever. Don't pick
a "regular" spot like the front seat of your car, the den with the TV on, or the
local fast food hangout.
Instead, try something a little more romantic like a moonlit beach, sunset on a
mountain top, a special table at a great restaurant, or in the back seat of a
stretch limousine. You get the idea; now use your own imagination.
What to Wear
She is going to remember every detail of what she and you are wearing that
moment so make sure it's not your old sweatshirt and jeans. Make your wardrobe
special and your memories will reflect it.
Flowers
Why not cover all your bases. Add flowers to this event and it will anchor
romantic thoughts of this event every time she sees or smell those flowers.
Share the Moment
Part of her fun and excitement will come from telling her best friends about
this special event. She's got this big beautiful ring on her finger and she
wants to show somebody right away.
Plan your event location and timing so
that you will have easy access via phone or in person to her mother, sister, or
girl friends.
Pictures
With a little planning you can arrange to capture the image of that moment for
you, your friends and even your children. Perhaps you can arrange to have a
friend stop by to take a picture or, if you have access to a tripod, you can
mount your camera to take your own pictures or video.
You should be careful not to spoil the
surprise, but capturing an image of this moment could be one of your most
cherished possessions.
The Ring
Do you have to have the ring when you propose?
It's traditional to have the ring and
present it to her when you ask the big question. The surprise of it all makes it
much more special. To have her slip the engagement ring on her finger makes the
proposal all the more thrilling and memorable.
Not to worry if the ring style isn't exactly what she'd have picked. The
engagement is in the diamond, as is the value. The setting can be easily changed
to the perfect style for her later.
Of course, as you would expect, we'd
like to suggest that perfect ring for your soul mate be from CanadaJewels.
Diamond Information and Buying Tips
Marriage Proposal Ideas
Audrey would love to
hear your proposal ideas - with your permission we'll include them on
this page
Make Her Your Leading Lady
Arrange for a local movie theater to play a video tape of you before the
feature, telling her how much she means to you and asking if she'll marry you.
In front of hundreds of adoring fans, present her with the diamond.
The Fortune of a Lifetime
Steam a fortune cookie until it's malleable. Open the cookie; place the ring
inside with a note telling her how she'll be loved by you forever.
Time Capsule of Love
Make a box of "sort-of-real" mementos of all your best dates. For example, a
swizzle stick, a movie stub, etc. At the bottom of the box place the engagement
ring.
Summer Lovin'
Take her for a long walk on the beach. With the help of a good friend, have a
special area set up with flowers, champagne, a few pieces from a small orchestra
and a proposal written in the sand.
You can tuck the ring into your swim
trunks to keep it a surprise (just don't go for a dip before you pop the
question).
A Real Page Turner
Scan the cover of a romance novel into your computer and superimpose your
pictures. Cut out a hole in the book and put the diamond ring in it.
Cosmic Commute
Buy some ad space on signs on her route to work and on each one ask her if
she'll marry you. Be waiting for her in her parking space where she works with
flowers, a ring and a good excuse for her to call in sick that day.
Masterpiece of Romance
Ask a local museum or art gallery if they would put the ring on display with a
display card reading the proposal or that this was the very ring used by you on
that particular day to ask her to be your bride.
It's All in the Cards
Bring her to get her tarot cards read. And ask the reader to include seeing a
diamond ring in the cards. That would be your cue to present her with the ring.
Doing it with Class
Rent a limousine for the evening and be inside when they pick her up at home or
work. Take her to an elegant restaurant for a romantic candlelight dinner for
two. Then present her the diamond on the way home in the limo.
Sports Half Time Show
If you both like sports, arrange to have your "Will you marry me?" message
displayed on the scoreboard after halftime at a college or professional sporting
event. Be sure to have your ring ready in a presentation box.
Ask from Afar
If she has deep ties with her family. Make up a special Christmas or birthday
present when she will be traveling alone to see the family without you and send
it with her as a gift to open with her family on the big day.
Place the diamond in a presentation box
between two plush velvet pillows into a gift box.
Type your proposal on parchment paper
and pin it to a pillow next to the diamond, and wrap it all as a gift. Be near a
phone during the day when she will open the present.
Treasure Hunt
If your partner loves a little mystery, deliver a letter to her with a bouquet
of flowers. Let the letter serve as the first clue to a treasure hunt. At
the end of the hunt she'll find you, on your knees, holding the ring.
Day at the Beach
Arrange for a day at a private beach together, building sand castles or digging
for shells. On the night before, write a love poem on a piece of parchment
paper, roll it into an antique bottle with a cork, and bury it in a well marked
spot in the sand near your diggings.
Be sure you "find" the bottle as you dig
together. Open and read the poem, then present the diamond from your pocket and
ask her for her hand in marriage.
Dive Down
For skilled scuba divers and snorklers, arrange a special dive with a few of
your best friends. At the end of the dive or in an especially beautiful
area write, "Will you marry me?" on your diver's slate and show her.
When she nods in agreement, slip an
inexpensive expandable ring on her finger. When you go topside, have the real
diamond ready nearby.
At the Movies
Set a date to go to the movies. Then rent ad space for your proposal at your
favorite theater. Make sure you have the diamond with you.
Traditional with Class
For a very traditional approach, ask her father for her hand in marriage. When
the approval is given, make plans for the next family gathering and make your
proposal to her in private with diamond in hand. When she says yes, stand
up and announce your engagement to everyone.
Dinner at Home
Cook or cater (if you are not talented in the kitchen) a quiet romantic dinner
for two at home. Set an elaborate candlelight table, serve her a glass of
champagne and have the diamond ring tied with a ribbon to the stem.
Three Roses
During a special evening, present your love with three roses: Tell her one
represents the past, one represents the present and the last one (with the ring
tied to it) represents the future.
A trinity (3 stones) diamond ring
symbolizing the past, present and future would be a perfect choice for this.
In the Sky
Have a plane sky-write your proposal. Plan it for the day of a family
picnic, boat ride or other outing so she is sure to see it. Have your loose
diamond ready when she sees your proposal.
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