How to propose to a man?

11 top tips for if you’re thinking of asking your man to marry you...

2016 is a leap year, and according to legend, St Brigid struck a deal with St Patrick so women can propose to men every four years on February 29th. We’re huge fans of women proposing to men and encourage any ladies thinking along these lines to go ahead and pop the question. Although February the 29th is a traditional date fora perfect proposal, don’t feel confined to just one day – you can propose any time of the year you like (take that St Patrick).

1. Should I worry about tradition?

Of course not! If the proposal is something you both want, what’s holding you back? Don’t let what others say influence you – you’ve got this!

2. Should I ask his parents?

How strictly you want to stick to the ‘norms’ of a marriage proposal is entirely up to you, but there’s nothing to stop you if you want to go ahead and ask his parents for their permission for his hand in marriage (just be prepared for ANY reaction – you may be surprised!).

3. What about the engagement ring?

Again, this is another personal decision. If you don’t want to get him an engagement ring, why not try a different type of gift? A watch or cufflinks would be great, and he’ll be able to wear them on the big day. Even better, personalise them with an engraving to make it really special!

4. Should I get down on one knee?

Feel free to do this if it feels like the right thing for you to do – don’t be afraid to ‘be more Monica’. 5. Should I prepare something to say? Although you may want to be spontaneous, it’s worth thinking of a few select things you may want to say when you pop the question. Maybe explain how much he means to you and how happy you are, and why you want to spend the rest of your life with him.

6. How can I make the proposal special?

This is where your personality and your relationship with your (hopefully) husband-to-be can shine through! Pick a place that is special to you both. Think of important memories you have together and don’t worry if you want to propose somewhere that may seem ‘ordinary’ to anyone else. If it’s special to both of you, it’s worth it.

7. How can I beat my nerves?

It’s natural to be nervous before you propose, which is why it’s great to remind yourself of why you’re doing this, what you’re planning to say and how exciting it’ll be when he says yes! You’ll find the eventual moment empowering and your nerves will disappear!

8. What if I have expectations about the proposal?

You can’t plan how he will react, and although we’re sure he’ll be delighted, if you have big expectations and you’re imagining him jumping up and down with joy and crying, you may be disappointed if this doesn’t happen (of course, it might do! Who knows until you propose!)

9. What if (shock, horror) he says no?

Like any proposal, there is the chance that the answer may not be what you hoped for. If there’s a pause after you ask, don’t worry! There could be many reasons why it’s not an instant yes, so don’t make any assumptions. Maybe the idea of marriage hasn’t occurred to him, or maybe he’s feeling a bit put-out because he was planning a proposal himself and you got there first! So don’t stress about it.

10. What will other people say about me proposing?

There’s no feeling like the excitement of announcing an engagement to your family and friends. You’ll find most people will love the idea of you proposing, especially when they see how happy the two of you are, and of course you’ll have a unique proposal story to share! If you do experience any rude comments (ahem), politely state that you don’t think it matters who proposed as long as the two of you are happy together (and it’s 2016 not 1916, thank you very much!)

11. What if I think he’s planning his own proposal?

This is a tricky one, but don’t be put off if you have your heart set on proposing yourself. After all, if he is planning to propose, he’s clearly excited about spending the rest of his life with you and you can just beat him to it!