How to spell out a proposal to your intended...

Daydreaming about your destination wedding but he still hasn’t put a ring on it? Hint: Forward this article to him…

Surprisingly, I hear from nail-biting, nervous men about planning the perfect proposal because of my book, Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, which lists the Top Ten Napa Valley Proposals. Usually, these sweet men just need reassurance and a shot of romantic confidence (usually via a female) to set their fears to rest that – yes, you have planned something your woman will love and get her to accept your request at marriage.

One charming gentleman, who bought my book online, presented his girlfriend with a copy of the book on the plane as he whisked her away for a surprise romantic getaway.  Once in Napa he arranged a mind-blowing proposal that included breath-taking vineyard views, luxurious bubbles and on bended knee offered a bling-bling ring; an enchanting proposal that even the most jaded women couldn’t resist. Now they are planning their vineyard vows, via a destination wedding in wine country.

Au contraire to what some woman may think about men and proposals, I’ve learned that it is one of the most nerve-racking experiences for a man, (worse than walking down the aisle). This is one thing in the relationship that they plan and execute alone and they want to do everything they can to impress you, show you’re their sincere love and get you to say YES! So if you think your man needs a little assistance here are some tips that I’ve perfected along the way in helping the men plan the perfect proposal that will be followed by a loud, often tearful yes.

Do:

Be Creative; Use an inside joke between you two, enlist family and friends or something different like using chocolate sauce to write “Will you Marry Me?” on her dessert plate.

Surprise Her; Make sure that there is a surprise element in your proposal. The surprise element is what makes it so special and memorable. Woman love to be surprised!

Speak from the Heart; No matter when or where if you profess your love in a genuine way the proposal will be perfect.

Don’t:

Not Plan; Thinking and planning ahead will show her that you took the extra care to display your love to her. A lack of planning may show her that little thought was put into this momentous moment, and perhaps your future together.

Make Her Uncomfortable; By now you should know if she is a private or public person. If she is shy and uneasy in front of crowds proposing in the middle of NYC times square may cause her more embarssment then joy.

Propose Without a Ring; Hate to break it to you but – yes – a ring is required. It can be a gumball machine ring but it is a symbol of your commitment and if the woman loves you it doesn’t matter the size, shape or color because she will say I DO!

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here. Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

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