If you are chocolate lovers why not fly to Brussels for the Valentine’s Chocolate Passion Fair? After popping the question you could stay at the Petit Sablon Hotel to celebrate.  Set in a small square with nearby chocolate shops, boutiques and cafes.
www.travelocity.co.uk

If chocolate isn’t your indulgence then why not propose in The George V Hotel in Paris.  This hotel has fantastic panoramic views of the Eiffel tower and more from the hotel’s balconies of their penthouse suites.
www.lifetime-experiences.com

If Italy takes your fancy you could stay opposite St. Mark’s Square in the romantic Cipriani Hotel which is standing on it‘s own island.  At the Cips Club Restaurant the staff can hide the engagement ring in the desert!
www.seasonsinstyle.co.uk

If you really want to empress your loved one, you could ask for their hand in marriage in the splendid gardens of Hotel de Russie in Rome.  If you would prefer to propose inside the hotel, then try the 6th floor Terazza della Zarina Restaurant.  This restaurant has had the likes of George Clooney, Catherine Zeta Jones, Matt Damien and Brad Pitt dine there to name just a few. www.hotelrussie.it

There could be nothing better or more romantic than popping the question at the Anassa Resort in Cyprus.  This wonderful has views of the Baths and The Goddess of Love – Aphrodite.  Inside the hotel they have a four poster bed for your comfort and pleasure.
www.thanoshotels

Proposing on a classic train with 1920‘s carriages – namely The British Pullman Orient Express would also be a gourmet fine dinning experience too.  This would include a 5 course champagne dinner just to get you in the mood!
You could propose at 21 Restaurant, Manhattan where Humphrey Bogart proposed to Lauren Bacall at table 34. The staff today can hide the ring in a specially made dessert.
www.orient-express.com

If you’re proposing during the winter season and you both enjoy the activities of snowboarding, skiing and even snowshoeing then try the Whistler Resort British Columbia in Canada.  On Whistler Mountain around Lost Lake Park they have a special place called Proposal Corner.  It is here you can see the fantastic views which is why this place is one of the most romantic places to propose marriage.  Afterwards you both can celebrate in style and relax at the Fairmount Chateau Whistler which is a 5 star hotel.
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/

If you both enjoy snorkelling or deep sea diving and a warmer climate like the Caribbean, then you could propose underwater. You can hide the ring in coral or ask your loved one to marry you by having it written on a slate which you can hold up!
www.caribbeantours.co.uk

Something a little closer to home, if you live near Ireland, is Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland.  This is a 5 star castle and one of a few ancestral homes of Gaelic families descending from royal blood.
www.dromoland.ie/

When you have found the right partner for you who you want to marry, the exciting, nervous part is asking them to marry you.  It sounds straightforward, but when the emotions are running high and nerves kick in it can make the situation awkward.

Try to find a time that’s right for both of you

You might find it easier to plan ahead a little so your not rushed. Buying some flowers or lighting some scented candles can create a lovely romantic atmosphere. Try putting some background music on as this can help you relax and can fill any silence while you plan what you‘re going to say.

Remember a proposal of marriage is a wonderful memory that you don’t really want to forget so best to make it as special as possible.

Proposing in Public

If you feel certain that the answer to your proposal will be yes, and a quiet proposal just doesn’t suit you, then you may feel like shouting it from the rooftops!  You could organize a big surprise party where you pop the question then.  You might like to book a trip to the theatre where with prior notice with the management, you could be called up on stage at the end where you can propose in public to your loved one with flowers ready!

Whichever way you do propose remember to make it a special memory for you both.

Try hiring a Pinucchia which is a 48 foot yacht and sail around the secluded bays in Cornwall giving you plenty of privacy for you to pop the question.  Afterwards to celebrate, stay at the Hotel Tresanton in St. Mawes which houses twenty nine sea view rooms. www.tresanton.com

If you fancy staying at something slightly unconventional yet romantic, why not try a windmill?  Bradford Old Windmill is situated near Bath.  The former grinding room now contains a round bed with luxury satin sheets ready for your pleasurable weekend.
www.bradfordoldmill.co.uk

Another unconventional romantic place to stay for your proposal weekend is Corsewall Lighthouse in Scotland.  Built in 1815 it still has working functions. It has conservatory which is sea facing with fabulous views and the lighthouse is a four star hotel.
www.lighthousehotel.co.uk

Another city break could please the star gazers.  The Malmaison Hotel which is a contemporary hotel has illuminated walls so you can spell out your proposal to surprise your loved one.  These hotels can be found in most major UK cities, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.
www.malmaison.com

If you feel you would still like your proposal question written rather than said, why not hire a plane which will fly approximately 2,000 feet in the air towing your wedding proposal banner?  This can be held in any high open places for example, Primrose Hill, London.
www.buyagift.com

If you both have a good head for heights then try popping the question on the top of Snowdon or Ben Nevis.  If that sounds like too much hard work maybe a ride in a hot air balloon would be more relaxing. Rides take off from the grounds of Leeds Castle and gently travel over Kent, the garden of England.
www.airborneballoons.co.uk

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground yet still fancy travelling in style, try hiring a classic car like a 1959 Triumph TR3A or an E – type 1963 jaguar in which you can travel at your own pace throughout Sussex.  Afterwards celebrate in style at The George Hotel in Rye, a relaxing way to end a wonderful exciting day.
www.georgeinrye.com

How did it all start?

In fifth century Ireland, a legend states that St. Bridget was frustrated at women having to wait such a long time for their men folk to propose marriage, so she went to St. Patrick and told him this. His reply was to allow the February day of the leap year in which the women who were in love could propose to their men folk.

In England the 29th February was just ignored.  The English men and women assumed that as the 29th February had no legal status, it would also have no traditional status either.  However the situation eventually changed when realising that this date of leap year only existed to help the calendar date. Using this same date could also help with an old and unfair tradition of only letting the men propose.

A new law was allegedly passed in 1288 in Scotland giving permission for a woman to propose marriage to her man that leap year.  There is also a tradition that it was law that if a man refused the woman’s proposal within that leap year, then he must pay a fine. The fine could be a number of things, ranging from a kiss or payment for a pair of gloves or a silk dress.

If you are on this website, you have probably made the decision already and may be wondering about all sorts of questions like, will I get on well with his family and friends? Will my present lifestyle change to suite him only?

These questions,  and many more besides, are natural to be concerned about and important to discuss with your partner.