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How To Propose
If you're planning to propose to your partner, here's how to make sure it all goes to plan. This is one of the most nervous occasions in life, so learn how to propose to your partner properly. This video will make sure they say "yes".
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Step 1:
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Are you ready?
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Before asking your partner to marry you, there are several things to consider. The first and most important thing to think about is if you are both ready. Much more than the proposal, the marriage itself and the fact that you are asking them to spend the rest of their life with you are what it's all about. If you are thinking about proposing then it's essential that you and your partner have discussed marriage and your future together. You should only ask the question once you are sure you are both prepared for it. Once you know this, you will have a pretty good idea of what their answer will be. This doesn't mean they will be expecting it. If you go about it in the right way your proposal will still come as a very pleasant surprise.
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Step 2:
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Choose the ring
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When you do come to propose, nothing will have as great an impact as the engagement ring. This not only has to be something they love and are happy wearing every day, but also needs to be able to withstand countless showings off to friends and family for years to come. That's why it's so important to get it right. You should decide if you think they would like to be involved in choosing the diamond or if you are going to give them a ring when you propose. If you decide to choose it yourself, think about it very carefully beforehand. Look at the kind of jewellery your partner normally wears to find out what style they would like and be sure to find out their ring size. Stay within your budget when buying a ring. The standard guideline is that you should spend two month's salary on a diamond, but work out what is best for you.
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Step 3:
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Set the scene
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Where you propose is just as important as how you do it. This could be anywhere that has a special meaning to both of you. It could be the place you had your first date or somewhere you've both always wanted to go but have never been. At home you can create a romantic atmosphere and tailor it to your partner, which is probably why it's the most popular place to propose.
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Step 4:
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What women want
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The way in which you propose should entirely depend on the woman you are proposing to. Although the movies tell us that women want nothing more than to be proposed to in front of a huge crowd of people, preferably on some sort of scoreboard, this is not true of all women. If you know your partner at all then you should be able to figure out what they would want from a proposal. For those who like being the centre of attention go for a big and bold proposal. If they listen to the radio at a certain time every day, get your proposal on air. If your parter is more of a private person, keep it intimate. Take your partner to a special restaurant or prepare their favourite meal at home with champagne and flowers then propose over dessert.
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Step 5:
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Be romantic
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However you do it, remember you can never be too romantic. 80% of women who were proposed to said it was not as romantic as they had hoped. Whether you put a note in a fortune cookie saying "Marry me" or create a treasure trail at home that leads to the ring, when you ask the question, make sure you speak from the heart. Tell your partner what you love about them and why you want to marry them. Express yourself as best you can to let your partner know that they are the only person for you.
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Step 6:
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Prepare for the unexpected
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No matter how much preparation you put into your proposal it's highly likely things won't go exactly according to plan. Expect the unexpected and make sure you have a back-up plan in case your partner suddenly catches the flu or bad weather scuppers your plans. Check that everything is in place for your big night. If you've made a booking, call ahead and confirm your reservation. If you've hidden the ring, make sure you know where to find it. The main thing to remember is that the proposal is just the beginning so don't put too much pressure on yourself. There'll be plenty more as the wedding approaches.
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