Step 1: This first step seems simple and obvious, but it is often overlooked. Talk with your boyfriend about marriage. Let him know that you would love to have a family. Tell him some of your dreams for your wedding day, whether you want a small intimate affair or a destination wedding. Ask about his thoughts on a wedding, does he want something relaxed or more formal? Most men are not hardwired to think about their wedding like a woman does, so get him thinking about it.
Step 2: Begin dropping hints about the rings you like. Do you like the traditional look of gold, or would your prefer silver. A crucial thing to remember is that saving for and purchasing a ring could be the very thing holding your boyfriend back from a proposal. It is important for you to show him rings that fit within his budget. Our ultimate goal here is a marriage not an expensive ring.
Step 3: Instill confidence that you will say yes to a proposal. Sometimes men don't pop the question because they are afraid of rejection. Start dropping little hints to his friends and family that you will say yes when a proposal happens to come your way. If he is confident that you will say yes he is much more likely to ask.
Step 4: This is my favorite step of all, and sometimes the most effective. Cook for your man. It may sound cliche, but the way to a man's heart is definitely through his stomach. There is a well known recipe for "engagement chicken" that has garnished proposals nationwide. If you follow up this simple meal with a great dessert known as hook-him apple pie, you will have all the ingredients in place to start planning the wedding of your dreams before you know it.
Article written by Tabitha Puckett - Certified Wedding Planner
Here are the links for both recipes mentioned above:
http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2006/07/engagement-chicken
http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2006/07/hook-him-apple-pie
