PROPOSING

Before you propose, there are several things to consider before asking those four little words … "will you marry me?"

by Anthony Verombeck
Editor, GROOM

efore you propose, talk about the possibility of getting married. Make sure it's something that you both want, and make sure you agree on major issues such as children, religion, where you want to live, your work and how you want to live your life together.

The proposal itself should still be a surprise and a joyful event. Find a way that she won't be suspecting, unless she jumps the gun and asks you first!

Most brides want their proposal to include an engagement ring. Try to make sure the engagement ring is the right style. Look at rings together when walking past a store, or bring them up in conversation. Her mother or best friend may help you choose the ring.

Some brides-to-be want to create or design their own rings. Shop for the right jeweller, then let the process begin.

We've come a long way since women needed their father's permission; however, if she has parents, there is still something respectful about asking for her parents' blessing.

Choose a favourite place, if it's a restaurant (don't hide the ring in food, anything could happen to it), or a special time or date (holiday engagements like Christmas or Valentine's Day are popular and easy to remember), to ask her to marry you. It's a personal thing between the two of you. Don't do it in front of family or friends. It could be as simple as in your living room, or on a weekend away. It all depends on your personality. If you want to be creative with your proposal, be careful of things that could go wrong. This is a time for romance so you might tell her why you fell in love with her - or you may just leave it to four little words, "will you marry me?" If she says 'maybe', give her some time to consider the proposal. It's a lifetime together.

Here's how ten couples got engaged in Vegas
LAS VEGAS, October 10, 2010, 10:10 a.m. ... Ten men dropped to one knee to propose to their loved ones including event host Donny Osmond, shown above with his wife Debbie, at The Forum Shops at Caesars around the Trevi Fountain. The ten couples were selected from 200 couples who submitted an essay based on their stories of how they met and why they felt they should be selected.

The ten couples received an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas, two-night stay at Caesars Palace, a post-proposal dinner, a post-dinner event, wedding gifts and the experience to get engaged in a unique way.

Osmond, who with his sister, are currently headlining Donny & Marie at the Flamingo Las Vegas. He and Debbie have been married for over 30 years, and have five children and three grandchildren.

• The replica of Rome’s Trevi Fountain located on the Las Vegas Strip in front of The Forum Shops at Caesars was selected for legend has it 'if three people throw coins into the fountain with their right hand over their left shoulder, marriage will soon follow.'
  For more information visit www.101010at1010am.com or follow at www.facebook.com/forumshops and www.twitter.com/the_forum_shops.

CELEBRITY PROPOSAL ON THE ICE

In March 21, 2007, at the World Figure Skating Championships in Tokyo, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo clinched their third world title. During the pairs' final Zhao knelt on one knee, holding Shen's hands, to make the proposal when they finished their free skate routine in the final amid thunderous applause of the spectators. A few seconds later, a surprised Shen lowered to her knees too. Unfortunately, she misunderstood the gesture and knelt down in solidarity beside her partner. The proposal was not as successful as Zhao had planned, but the couple still decided to make their relationship public.
 
After winning the 2007 world championships, they stopped competing and took to the show circuit.

The Beijing Star Daily reported that China's golden duo were married in Beijing on May 28, 2008.

On February 15, 2010, in Vancouver, Canada, in their fourth Olympic Games, Shen, 31, and Zhao, 36, came back to win the gold medal in pairs skating - the only prize that had eluded them in their long careers together - realizing their dream in front of an Pacific Coliseum audience that cheered them through a standing ovation. Their Vancouver 2010 routine was created by Canadian choreographer Lori Nichol.

WeddingsHoneymoons.com | GROOM Proposing | February 6, 2011