It’s almost every girl’s dream to be swept off her feet by her beloved one and being popped the question, “Will you marry me?” Best if this is done with some flair and creativity.
However, in this age of practicality coupled with a constant focus on fast work and instant solutions, a wedding proposal is rapidly fading in popularity and the age-old million-dollar question seems to have lost its significance over the days. In fact, one may start to wonder if it still exists at all!

So what’s the current situation now? Say a couple is very much in love and committed to their relationship and the good news is, they want to spend the rest of their lives together. Under normal circumstances, a wedding proposal should be on the cards. And so comes the perfect day, with beautiful weather, great atmosphere and wonderful timing. With just the two of them in a world of their own, he pops the question, “Shall we apply for a flat?” Err…not quite the magical words though. Did he just slip the chance or did he dodge it on deliberation? Has romance flown out of the window? When you have met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, men, should you drop down on one knee and ask for her hand the old fashioned way?

Frankly, it’s really a matter of choice and preference between the two of you. Nobody can dictate what is right and what is wrong. If you two see the wedding proposal as a total drama that you would rather do without, by all means, chuck it aside and start planning for your ROM and flat application in the no-nonsense way! But if one party of you prefers the usual get-up about asking the question, then these tips could come in handy for you.

Number one rule: Forget about perfection, just be yourself and seize, not create, a moment that will make her heart bounce. Or throw her a hint and she could well ask for your hand in marriage instead!

The Perfect Moment

The perfect time is to make it spontaneous without too much planning and hassle. The longer you put it off, the harder it becomes but we are not asking you to do it ‘Dharma and Greg’ style or ask her to be your bride on the third date. Neither are we suggesting that you take too long. Consider that you have proclaimed love for each other and share the same goals in life, and if you have shown commitment to each other and are looking forward to share your lives together, then it’s about time you pop the question. The moment does not have to be absolutely perfect. As long as it’s not tardy and all major agreements are in your favour, your proposal should be accepted without hesitation.

The Perfect Approach

It’s in the cards for some time now and you’re looking for the right place to propose to her. Don’t go for the predictable overture - romantic dinners, love-struck suitor, on one knee, ring in one hand … the perceived traditional proposal. Create your own delivery method. You don’t have to bend your back and hire a blimp to flash the question across the sky. Try and get some hints on her ideal proposal from her or friends beforehand. Utilise the power of gesture, make her dream proposal come true and you will have her heart singing and dancing.

The Perfect Setting

Pick a special location. It doesn’t have to be a restaurant or somewhere posh but it has to be a spot that she can remember for life. It could be that pub where you first set eyes on her or a memorable place you two share like the Jacuzzi where you first kissed her under the moonlit sky.

The Perfect Time

It does not have to be in the night. There is no perfect time but make it the most convenient time. If she’s busy and has business calls to make, sharing the news with her then might not quite set the best mood. Also bear in mind that if she’s a private person, she might not like an audience. Consider her scale on privacy and plan accordingly.

The Perfect Ring

Presentation of the ring is a gesture of sincerity if not romance, but remember that the proposal is about sharing the rest of your lives together and not the ring. If you have done some groundwork, then go ahead and get that ring she has been admiring in the showcase for the longest time or get her involved in the selection process and then propose. That’s a thought!

The Perfect Speech

Speak from the heart. In your delivery, do not speculate, and the speech should not be conditional or lacking in conviction in any way. It’s a big moment indeed but don’t torture yourself by reading too much into her reaction. Express your love for her and say it as it is. Start a verse from her favourite Shakespeare play or poem if you think you’ll lose your tongue before you start proposing. She might get the hint and say ‘I Do!’.

Chivalry, romance, heartfelt sincerity, simplicity and something dazzling are all you need! Don’t fret, just do it! It’s a lot easier than you imagined.