Choosing the right location and the right time to propose is never easy. But fear not! This concise, yet thorough guide will walk you through some unique engagement ideas and help you choose the perfect ring.

The Complete Guide on How to Propose

Eight innovative ideas on how to propose

Before jumping into our list, it is important to note that surveys show the majority of women want to be surprised for their marriage proposal. And most women also want their fiance to get down on one knee and say the traditional question of Will you marry me?

Of course, no one knows your partner like you do, but keep these stats in mind when planning your proposal. Even adventurous or non conventional proposals can incorporate some tradition. As you plan out the perfect marriage proposal, here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Your favorite spot While taking your partner to your favorite spot may seem fairly obvious, you can elevate this proposal by asking a stranger to take your picture. As the picture is being taken, get down on one knee and go for it! This plan has the added bonus of capturing your fiances reaction on camera.

2. The cinema lover Movie lovers can re-enact a scene from one of the classic romance movies. Regardless of your age, we all have scenes we will never forget and would love to have play out in real life.

3. Scavenger hunt Take the time to write clues and send your partner on a scavenger hunt around the house or around town. You will be waiting with the ring at the final destination.

4. Take it social With social media playing such a huge role in our lives these days, why not propose over a podcast? Or record your proposal and incorporate it into your partners playlist.

5. Bake a cake While hiding a ring in the dessert has been done, why not work with a local bakery and propose through a message on a cake? The cake can be displayed in the store window as you and your partner walk by.

6. Up, up and away If you love to travel, plan a trip to a spot you have always dreamed of visiting together. Then pop the question once you have reached your destination.

7. Holiday celebration Proposing on a holiday is something to consider if you are confident your intended would enjoy it. This has the added bonus of family being around to celebrate in your good fortune.

8. A family affair Involve your family and friends in the proposal. They can deliver balloons spelling out your proposal or be secretly waiting in the wings to come out and celebrate after you pop the question.

Choosing an engagement ring

No proposal is complete without a ring. Follow these 6 tips to get you through the ring purchase process:

1. Set a budget There really is no rule as to how much an engagement ring should cost. But you must set a realistic budget before you shop. Once you know what you can really afford, you can work with a jeweler to make wise choices on a ring.

2. Quality jeweler Dont walk into any jeweler and assume you are getting a quality ring. Do your research first. Ask your friends and family for referrals, and make sure the jeweler you work with provides you with the AGS (American Gemological Society) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification for the diamond.

3. Balance the 4 Cs Diamonds are graded according to the 4 Cs cut, color, carat, and clarity. We wont go into all of these details now, but your budget will come into play here as you determine how much value to place on each C. Our recommendation is always go for a high quality cut, as this is what makes the diamond sparkle when hit by the light.

4. Style Keep your partners personal style in mind when picking out a ring. While some women may like the traditional look of a ring like the Noam Carver Carre ring featuring a center diamond with 12 round diamonds bead set into square blocks on each side, others may prefer the Noam Carver Floral with the center diamond surrounded by accent diamonds creating the shape of a flower on each side. Others may like something different, like the Noam Carver Vintage Halo Ring featuring rose gold. This ring offers an alternative look to the more traditional white gold and platinum rings.

Think about your intendeds tastes. Peruse her jewelry box if youre unsure to help you select the right style. But pay the most attention to what she normally wears. Her jewelry box might be filled with I used to wear these but I have moved on jewelry. Is her style understated or flamboyant? Classic or more modern? Colorful or more muted? Dressy or more casual? This is a ring she will want to wear every day, so these observations are important.

5. Setting There are a variety of setting options for your ring, ranging from the classic pronged style to a more contemporary bezel look. Choosing the right setting ensures that the diamond will be featured in a way to maximize its 4 Cs. A good jeweler can work with you to make sure you make a smart decision when it comes to a setting. Lifestyle also comes into play. If she is a more outdoorsy type, she will want a more protected, solid setting.

6. Insurance Once you have purchased the ring, it is wise to add it to your homeowners or umbrella insurance policy. Another option is a replacement policy from a jewelry insurance company. A company like jewelers mutual.

You are now prepared to plan the perfect marriage proposal. Good luck!

Plante Jewelers