How to give him hints

Some couples find it very easy and comfortable to talk about their future plans for marriage. You may discuss how much of your budget is appropriate to spend on a diamond engagement ring.  Your future husband may even ask you what kind of diamond you're dreaming of in terms of shape, carat weight and setting.

But, more often than not, he'll want to surprise you with a diamond. So, here are some ways to give him the guidance he needs – and would, most likely, appreciate. After all, he wants that moment when he presents you with your diamond to be as perfect as you do.

Hint, hint: How to let him know what the perfect diamond is for you.

• Discuss your preferences with your friends and family, since he might ask them for some guidance. And be sure to let them know your ring size!

• Comment on the diamonds your friends are wearing. For instance, you might say “Diane has a really beautiful diamond…the princess cut is so gorgeous.”

• Point out diamonds you've seen in magazines, or tear out an ad showing a diamond you like and leave it on a table where he might see it.

• Next time you're in a mall together, cruise the jewelry stores for fun and comment on the diamonds you see there.

• If you've seen the diamond of your dreams in a jewelry store with him, ask the sales person for his or her business card. If you're comfortable being up front about it, give the card to your intended. Otherwise, leave it in a place where he might see it.

• If you see something you like online, send him a link to the page by email. (Or have someone do it for you.)

• Most important, know what to look for before you make your desire known. Here is a website that will help you learn about what's fashionable and fabulous, as well as how to choose the most brilliant and beautiful diamond you can.  

Here are some ideas on how to determine what ring would be perfect for you . 

Hint, hint: How to let him know what type of proposal you'd like.

Do you imagine him on bended knee presenting you with a diamond engagement ring that will take your breath away? Maybe your idea of a brilliant proposal involves flying off to Ireland and having him ask you to marry him while you're dining at a charming country inn. Or maybe you're someone who likes big, bold gestures—a proposal splashed across a billboard, perhaps, or during a ride in a hot air balloon.

If you have some definite preferences about your proposal, you may want to give him some hints. Then again, you probably want to retain some element of surprise. So how do you subtly tell the man in your life what kind of proposal you'd enjoy without becoming a co-producer of this special event?

One way is to mention the proposals that some of your friends have received. You can use this tactic to let him know what you'd like and also what you wouldn't like. For example:

• Marcy's husband asked her to marry him in her favorite Italian restaurant. He hired someone to come to the table and sing an aria from Marcy's favorite opera. Then he gave her an engagement ring. I think that's so wonderful and romantic.

• Lauren's boyfriend proposed to her at halftime at a football game. He arranged to have his message written on the scoreboard. She thought it was great, but I can't think of anything less romantic or more embarrassing!

• Dana and her fiancé went to a remote Caribbean island and he proposed to her there. She couldn't even get phone service to call her family and tell them the news. I would have hated that!

• Before Matt proposed to Sarah, he told a few of his friends. Someone spilled the beans and Sarah found out ahead of time. I felt so badly for her—being surprised should really be a big part of it.

• Dan cooked dinner for Anne and gave her an engagement ring with dessert. He was so nervous, he burned the food and they ended up having to order a pizza. But I think that's just about the sweetest proposal idea I've ever heard.

See how other famous couples got engaged .