4 tips for popping the question

It's important your marriage proposal stays with both of you you as a lifelong memory. If you're planning to pop the question, here are some tips to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.

• Sure, it can be romantic to surprise your partner with a proposal. However, you certainly don't want to catch him or her off guard or unprepared. Even worse, you don't want them to decline your proposal. Thus, make sure you've talked explicitly with your partner about whether they're ready to get married and about a time line for marriage.
• You want to be sure you're doing what both of you want before you ask such a big, life-altering question.

• A good strategy for proposal location is somewhere that means something to both of you. Whether it was the location of your first date or the spot that you met, proposing somewhere meaningful can make the moment even more memorable and emotional for both of you.
• If you don't have access to sentimental places (you're on vacation, just moved, etc.), consider picking a spot that is visually stunning or romantic (e.g. overlooking the ocean, a rooftop with a beautiful city view, etc.).

• Whether you've planned a flash mob of 1,000 people or you're just having a private dinner at home, you need to make sure to focus on one moment of the event: the actual proposal itself. Lots of people focus too much on the preparation or performance beforehand, and they forget that the part that really counts is the question itself.
• Make sure you practice getting on one knee and asking (or whatever you're planning to do), so when the time comes and you're nervous, you'll have the muscle memory to help you get through it.

• If your new fiancee accepts your proposal and there's reason to celebrate, be sure to be prepared!
• Have a bottle of champagne on-hand or arrange for some friends to meet you for dinner or drinks after. The moment is celebratory, and you don't want it to go off without a hitch only to have no idea what to do after the moment is over.
• Simple planning is all you need to make for a memorable proposal. All you need is access to a memorable locations, a mutual understanding and desire for marriage and a little creativity.