This blog post was provided by guest author Bethany Ortiz

Up to 25% of women say a big fat “NO” when popped the question. Thanks to Youtube, the world is aware of just how horrible a wedding proposal can be, but there is a lot to learn from epic proposal fails and successes.

The Ring

Beautiful flowers are great, but the ring is arguably the most important part of the engagement. It’s said that a ring should cost the equivalent of two months of the man’s salary. The ring is more than just a pretty diamond. A ring that was planned and saved for shows the type of provisionary behavior that a woman, regardless of how much money she makes, looks for in a husband.

Girlfriend’s Boundaries

One size does not fit all when it comes to marriage proposals, as evidenced by the internet. A reserved person may not enjoy a public engagement, and an eccentric outgoing  person may not be as impressed with something humble. Think about your girlfriend. When is she most comfortable? Try to tailor your location to her tastes and comfort zone. You don’t want to end up like the guy in the UCLA marriage proposal fail video! Being rejected on a jumbo screen is about as much fun as medieval torture!

Someplace Personal

If you want to go above and beyond fancy dinner proposal, a great way to get creative is to get personal. Where was the first place you met? What are some inside jokes the two of you have? Shared hobbies? Think about your relationship and some of the best times you’ve had together and how to recreate them. Women notice and appreciate extra thought and effort. Take notes from the Delta Airlines proposal that this boyfriend crafted perfectly.

Timing is Everything

It’s true what they say, timing is something to consider. If your life and relationship are sailing smoothly, by all means, go for it! However, if there has been recent added stress like a job transfer, family drama or something adding a bit of pressure to life, it may be smart to wait until things settle back to normalcy to pop the big question.

What You Say

How are you going to sashay into the most important conversation of your life? How do you put so many thoughts and feelings together without sounding cheesy? Speak from your heart. Over the course of the weeks leading up to the engagement keep a small notepad on a phone or laptop (something that you’re around a lot) and whenever you get a thought about something you love about your partner, or a feeling, write it down. A few days before your big day, compile your notes together and go for it. Your partner knows you aren’t a professional writer or speaker and that you’re going to be incredibly nervous. Just focus on the sincerity and truth in what you’re saying and convey it to the best of your ability, if it’s meant to be, you’ll be the happiest fellow in the world!