You are planning to ask the big question sometime soon, but have no idea how to go about it. Creating unique wedding proposals can be a challenge but it can definitely be fun as well.

The more you think about it, the more confused you become. You only know that you want to wow her with a unique marriage proposal. This memory is after all supposed to last a very long time. Don’t worry!

Following are some pointers to consider. Making use of this can get your mind going to come up with some unique marriage proposals.

1. About being cozy, romantic and personal.

Sit down and really think about special traits your partner have. Something that sets her apart from everybody else. Something that makes her really unique.

You will certainly score big time when your proposal is not only memorable but that it will convey the message to your partner that you know her well and also appreciate her uniqueness.

Write down moments and places that are special to both of you. What is close to her heart, does she love the beach or the woods? What does she really like to do? What makes her go “soft”? Thinking about things like this and really tuning in to what makes your partner tick, will give you inspiration to help you find creative marriage proposal ideas.

2. Incorporate the “out-laws” and friends

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together or how well you think you know each other, there will always be little things and events about the other person that you didn’t know about. Talk to your partner’s friends and family to dig up something really special and maybe forgotten. This may not give you a great idea for a marriage proposal, but it can get your mind going and lead to something extraordinary.

And you partner will be touched that you went to so much trouble to find unique marriage proposals.

3. Discover the jaw-dropping factor

Let’s face it this is a monumental moment for both of you. You want to surprise her (within limits!), you want your proposal to be something different from what has been done before and most of all: It must be romantic. The words of a song say: “How will love survive in such a graceless age?” Need I say more?

We NEED romance, especially in this graceless age. Your partner will not only appreciate the romance, they will certainly love you more for it. It is way more important than the ring or any other engagement token you may exchange.

Tell her best friend about your idea and see what she thinks. If the “wow” isn’t strong enough, start over. Fact is if her friends and family are not surprised or excited about your proposal then chances are your partner won’t be either.

Go on, you can do it! I’m sure you can come up with some unique marriage proposals. You’ll be glad you did!

Timing may not be everything but when it comes to delivering that all-important question, getting the timing right can mean a whole lot. Twenty years from now, do you want your marriage-proposal to be a funny but endearing story – or the most romantic moment of her life? When she tells her girlfriends about your marriage proposal, would you rather they giggle or swoon? If you’re going for romance rather than comedy, read on for some unique marriage proposal ideas that make the most of perfect timing. 

Propose at an unexpected place and time.

Were you thinking of making your marriage proposal over a lovely dinner at a fancy restaurant? That’s all very sweet – but why not pop the question when she’s least expecting it? While many guys think it’s romantic to do the whole fancy dinner-champagne-get-down-on-one-knee-with dessert thing, there’s a lot to be said for a less “staged” marriage proposal.  

Once you get past the preconception of a fancy restaurant as the ideal setting for this special occasion, you’ll find there’s a whole world of possibilities – and most of them are far less expensive than that $200 dinner you thought was de rigueur. Here are just a few “unexpected places” and ways that you can propose to your sweetie.

-          Take a hike – literally. If you live near a beautiful vista, plan a Saturday or Sunday afternoon hike on a mountain trail. Scope it out ahead of time so you know the perfect place to take a break. Feel free to be corny in a beautiful setting. Tell her you’d give her the world if you could, then ask her to accept your heart – and your proposal.

-          Be a kid for an afternoon. Head out to the local playground. Push her on the swings. Hang from the monkey bars. Be a goof – then tell her that she makes you feel like a kid and you want to feel like this for the rest of your life.

-          Propose at the top of the world – or at least the top of the Ferris wheel. The local county fair or carnival offers so many opportunities for romantic, memorable and almost free marriage proposal ideas. Propose in the golden carriage on the merry-go-round with the calliope playing in the background, or tip the Ferris wheel attendant to stop the ride so you can propose at the very tippy-top of the world. 

Those are just a few quick marriage-proposal ideas to spark your imagination. Use them as a jumping off point to come up with your own unique marriage proposal idea – one that she’ll remember forever as the most romantic day of her life.