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Popping the Question on Feb. 14th

Inexpensive, Unique Ways to Propose Marriage on Valentine's Day

Jan 3, 2008 L. Marie Dubuque

Asking for your sweetheart's hand in marriage on Valentine's Day? Find out where to do it, and how, without spending a fortune. Save money and still create memories.

Dropping down on bended knee may be old-fashioned, but it’s also romantic. And if you’re going to propose marriage on Valentine’s Day romance is key.

Make reservations at a romantic restaurant. If you plan to pop the question during dinner, make sure it’s a dinner she’ll always remember. A fancy five-star restaurant might be the obvious choice. But with a five-star price tag to go along with it, a less formal, less stuffy atmosphere might be more romantic and not as staged. Choose the place you ate on your first date. Or pick a spot where everyone knows you and when you give her the ring, you’ll have friends there to help celebrate. Even get the waiter in on the surprise. Have him bring out the ring in a water glass or under the napkin when the entrée is served.
Hot air balloon ride? Sure, it’s a romantic gesture, but have you priced hot-air balloons lately? An alternative might be a horse-drawn carriage ride. In New York City, a "Hansom Cab" ride will run around $35 for 20 minutes and $75 for a 45-minute tour. Just be careful not to spoil the surprise. Your sweetheart might get suspicious if riding behind a horse isn’t your usual pastime.
Putting up a billboard? Outdoor advertising runs between $700 and $2500 a month. That money could help you with the downpayment on a house. Instead, why not blow up a picture of the two of you to poster size and write "Will you marry me?" at the bottom. It’s surely a keepsake she will always treasure.
Propose at a concert or sporting event. If concerts or ballgames have been a part of your courtship, make it a part of your engagement as well. Nothing is more romantic than proposing to the tune of one of your favorite songs as a couple.
Cook a candlelight dinner at home. Prepare her favorite meal and pop the question during dessert. You can even splurge on an engraved champagne bottle.
Put the ring in a box of chocolates, or in a flower vase. That may seem like a worn out tradition, but something she might not expect. You can hand her the candy or flowers at a park or in front of a frozen lake.

All the money you saved on the engagement, you can spend on a blow-out wedding. Just don’t forget to start budgeting for the big day right now.

The copyright of the article Popping the Question on Feb. 14th in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Popping the Question on Feb. 14th in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Romantic ways to propose on Valentines Day