Marriage proposal ideas guaranteed to make an impression

With marriage proposals, as with everything else, expectation is all. And some women have great expectations when it comes to that special moment. How do you know if the woman you love requires a proposal that's designed to get a reaction—from her and maybe from innocent bystanders? Has she dropped some hints?

You may want to consider impressive marriage proposal ideas.

If she loves hoopla and being the center of attention, read on. If part of the joy of this occasion includes being able to recount the experience to all of her friends in minute detail—take note.  If she thinks big, this is the time for you to think big, too. We have a few impressive marriage proposal ideas, but you probably know what it takes to impress the woman you love. Still in doubt? A close, trusted friend of hers may be able to help.

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  On cloud nine.

Rent a hot air balloon, take along some refreshments and maybe a bottle of champagne; and don't forget the engagement ring. If she's an early riser, you can watch the sun come up together. If she's a night owl, sunset is a better choice. If she's someone who likes surprises and who—of course—isn't afraid of heights, proposing marriage in a hot air balloon may be just the thing. You can bet she'll have her head in the clouds for a long time.

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  A magic moment.

No matter what form it takes, a marriage proposal should be a magic moment—but here's one idea that takes this to the extreme. As a special treat to her, hire a magician to perform—with the rabbits, the white doves, the scarves and all the usual paraphernalia. As the last trick, he can make her engagement ring appear out of nowhere. Won't she be amazed—and thrilled!

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  Treasure hunt.

Is the woman you want to marry a fun-loving type? To keep her guessing (for awhile at least), create a treasure hunt or a scavenger hunt just for her. The last clue will lead to her own personal treasure—a sparkling engagement ring. (Make sure it's in a secure place!)

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  Charm her.

Here's a great idea for a woman who owns a charm bracelet. Buy her a special charm and have it engraved with the words “Marry me”—or another suitably concise message. When she accepts, present her with a ring. Alternatively, you could create a “gift certificate” on the computer redeemable for a diamond engagement ring that you can pick out together. It's not every woman who receives two special pieces of jewelry in one day. She undoubtedly leads a charmed life. Want more ideas for private and intimate marriage proposals?

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  A site to behold.

If you have some experience developing websites—or want to hire someone who does—you can create a special web page with your proposal on it. What else goes on the page is up to you: her picture or a photo of the two of you, an image of an engagement ring or the exact ring you've selected for her. Add anything else that captures the essence of your relationship. Next time you're with her, sit down at the computer together, type in the URL of your proposal site and take your high-tech romance to the next level.

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  The journey begins.

If she loves to travel and cost isn't an issue, consider taking her on a romantic trip and proposing while you're there. There's a world of possibilities—maybe at the top of the EiffelTower, on a gondola in Venice or the beach in Antigua. But you don't have to leave the U.S. to find a romantic spot. The San Francisco Opera House, the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Cinderella's Castle at Disney World or a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park are great places to propose—as long as they're places she'd enjoy. We have lots of romantic proposal suggestions.

Impressive marriage proposal ideas:  Sweet talk.

If the woman in your life is mad for chocolate, here's a treat that's sure to please. Buy a beautifully boxed assortment of fine chocolates. Remove some of the chocolates and replace them with her boxed engagement ring. Imagine the look on her face when she sees it nestled between the bonbons! Proposals don't get much sweeter than this. If she's watching her weight, we have other great ideas for traditional proposals.

Very public marriage proposals.

A word of caution: Not every woman wants to share the occasion of her proposal with the outside world. But there are some who love bold statements, grand gestures and being in the spotlight. Here are some impressive marriage proposal ideas to inspire you.  Ask her to marry you—and make your intentions public at the same time.

• Good morning! If your girlfriend wakens every morning to her clock radio, here's a suggestion that's sure to rouse her. Place an ad that includes your proposal on the station she listens to, and make sure it's scheduled to air just a moment or two after the alarm is set to go off. Be there in person after the ad airs, preferably with ring in hand; otherwise, she's likely to think the whole thing was a dream!

• At the movies: This one is for women who are avid movie buffs. Rent ad space for your proposal at a theater and invite her for a night out at the movies. Get there in plenty of time to buy popcorn before the ads begin. After your proposal has run, present her with a ring. Hooray for Hollywood!

• Be a sport: If your girlfriend shares your enthusiasm for a particular sports team—and if she'd enjoy the spectacle of a proposal in the middle of 600 or maybe 60,000 strangers—you might want to consider this idea. Arrange to have your message displayed on the scoreboard at half time. And have her engagement ring with you to really drive the point home.

• The sky's the limit: You can hire a small plane to sky-write your proposal. Invite your intended, and maybe some close friends or family, for a beach outing or a day of sailing. After she sees her proposal spelled out in the sky, take her even higher with the engagement ring she's always dreamed of.

Give her the diamond engagement ring she's been dreaming of.

The most thrilling moment of any marriage proposal is the offering of a dazzling diamond engagement ring. How to make the right choice .

Get other tips on how to make sure she says “yes”.