For those who hadn’t heard yet, my sis is getting married this year. The date is set for this August so I will be working all plans for the summer around being in a wedding. Of course, this also means that there is little talk in my house that doesn’t revolve around weddings. Of course, I get to say “well, if it were my wedding, I would …” (Hey, a girl can dream, eh?). Truth be told, until this came up I hadn’t put much thought into what I would do for my wedding. that’s right, I wasn’t one of those dreaming about it since I was young. I was always more into the marriage part than the wedding.

A more interesting question was posed recently as to my “dream proposal”. It went along the lines of:

• What’s the best way to propose marriage?
• How would you do it?
• How would you like it to be done to you?

Funnily enough I have, more than once, considered actually doing the proposing. A tad unconventional I know but I would enjoy trying to plan some really special way to surprise my SO with something like that. The thing is my answer to all 3 questions is more or less the same - it depends.

I always thought it was a little strange to have some dream scenario of a proposal before meeting the person. I figure for the proposal to be special it needs to have elements that are unique to the couple so that it becomes their story. The place, the time, the ambience, the surroundings should all have some kind of meaning to the 2 people involved.

So fancy restaurant, sporting event or beach? Depends on whether the couple has made any of those a special part of their coupledom. If you have your spot on the beach where you go early on a Sunday morning before the crowds then sure, use that. If you make it a point to explore restaurants together then shoot for a favourite one or a new exotic one. If you bonded over beers and cheers then go for it, do in the stands in front of a crowd.

Morning, noon, or night? As the sun rises or while watching a beautiful sunset? How about under a full moon? Put some thought into it. If you lay under the stars talking early in your relationship then maybe a moonlit/starlit sky would work. If waking up to each other is a big deal, then go with the sunrise approach. Maybe on a beach at sunset was when you first kissed, then come on man.

Do you do for quiet surroundings with just the two of you? Or perhaps in front of a crowd of strangers? Or what about a group of friends and/or family? Obviously, the first one is the safest approach if you not sure she will say yes. Don’t be trying to pressure someone by asking in front of witnesses. If you’re both comfortable with being the centre of attention of strangers then go for it. Be prepared for cheers and applause. People tend to love this movie scene stuff. Feel free to share the moment with friends or family if they have been a big factor in you two getting or staying together. It will become a fantastic shared memory for all involved and make for great stories.

All in all, I think with a little thought and reflection a proposal moment can be raised from run-of-the-mill movie-scene average to a story to share for the rest of your lives together. The kind that will have you smiling sweetly as you tell it to your grandkids. Just take the time to think about what makes your relationship unique and use that.