Top tips for great proposals

Assumption is the mother of all screw-ups

Planning is crucial, so never leave anything to chance. Make sure that prior to popping the question, there are no unresolved issues between you and your intended that could cast doubt into her mind. Like you being unemployed for instance.

Best things in life are free

Throwing cash at the proposal is all well and good, but it’s being thoughtful that will win the day. Remembering her favourite meal, wine, holiday location, view, music etc will mean a great deal to her. Just make sure you don’t get her details muddled up with your ex.

Champagne scenarios

Have a bottle of Champagne ready to celebrate -- it’s a nice touch. Remember that cider, lager, Blue Nun or Liebfraumilch (even if you have put it through the soda stream) won’t be quite the same.

Diamonds are forever...on your credit card

This is one item that she (theoretically) will be wearing for the rest of her life, so treat the cost as an investment and you’ll find you won’t resent it so much. If it’s horrible, she’ll only loose it ‘by accident’ down the waste disposal. Tiffany’s diamond engagement rings start from just £800...which is a good place to start. Click here to find engagement rings in our supplier directory.

Each to their own

Do your own thing and don’t be pressured by friends or family if you seek advice on how to propose. Your father’s lunge over a plate of fish’n’chips thirty years ago may have secured your mother, but by now you should have your own style.

Finally, it’s happened to me (I feel a song coming on)

Rule number one about proposing is: don’t ask if you’re not 100 per cent certain. It’s much easier to keep your mouth shut now than to have to explain to each guest individually why you didn’t turn up on the big day. Also, changing your mind once you’ve asked her is just plain suicide.

Get me to the church sometime

The first question to follow your ‘Will you..?’ will be her ‘When?’, so give this some advance thought. Couples can be engaged for years, although the average engagement period is twelve months.