Best Locations

• Romantic locations vary greatly from couple to couple. Local natural beauty features, from national parks to quiet city gardens, are good locations for proposals, but keep an eye out for bad weather and have a backup plan in case it rains. Beaches, preferably with some privacy or a pier, are naturally romantic locations. Art lovers propose in galleries, while proposing after a meal at an intimate restaurant is very popular and movie buffs might pick a classic romantic film to watch together on a quiet night at home.
  
  

Best Dates

• Obvious dates to avoid include Friday 13th, April 1st and also February 29th, unless you are female. This is because on that day in a leap year, it is traditional for the woman to propose to the man. Other proposal dates to exclude include wedding anniversaries of close friends and family members, since it's already their special day. When thinking of a suitable date for a proposal, imagine your chosen location as it will be on that day. If you pick a month, such as December, you risk slippery footing as well as cold weather. The best dates for proposals are on your joint anniversaries; first date, first time you expressed your love or any event you both remember fondly.
  
  

Best Words

• A short delivery favors nervous proposers and those who wish to follow tradition; however, this style does not suit all couples. All proposals must clearly express the desire to get married. Tradition dictates you should simply fall on one knee and ask, "Will you marry me?" or the more formal, "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife." Choose from carefully scripted but brief sentences or nonverbal messages, such as simply opening the ring box and displaying it to her. Whatever method you choose, be sure to rehearse, but not obsessively, in front of a mirror. Keep it short and to the point and, hopefully, you will hear her say "Yes."
  
  

Best Helpers

• If you seek a truly memorable proposal but you are short of time or not familiar with a new location, consider asking for help. Aid for nervous, newly relocated or busy proposers is available in the form of proposal planners. These professionals work at resorts or in your local city and operate much like wedding planners. They have lists of suitable locations, contacts within the restaurant industry and can make your dream proposal a reality. Costs of these services vary, but if a table at that hard-to-book restaurant is essential to your proposal, the price is well worth it.