Private and intimate marriage proposal ideas:  Just the two of you

If you're thinking about proposing, make sure you understand the woman you're proposing to. Is she the outgoing type who loves being the center of attention? Is she reserved or even shy—more comfortable surrounded by a few close friends than attending a big party?

If she's someone who values her privacy and prefers intimate settings, your marriage proposal should be done in a way that respects her personality.

Remember: The proposal, along with the engagement ring, is about her. You might be tempted to have your proposal splashed all over a billboard. But if this would embarrass her, forget it. If you love emeralds but she's got her heart set on a marquise diamond, the choice is obvious. Do you know what kind of ring will delight her? Be aware of hints she may be leaving .

Think about the woman you love and then find a way to tell her you want to share your life with her—a way that is intimate, unique and unforgettable. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Private marriage proposal ideas:  Return to “your” place.

Do you share a favorite spot? It could be a secluded beach, the sculpture garden on your college campus or the restaurant where you went on your first date. A place that's special to both of you could be an ideal setting for proposing. If you're at a restaurant, arrange for the waiter to hand her a “special” menu. When she opens it, she'll read your proposal. Or maybe there's a dessert cart, where you can have the engagement ring strategically placed along with all the other goodies. If you're at the beach, you could present her with a message in a bottle, something like: “I can't keep my love bottled up any longer. Will you marry me?”

Private marriage proposal ideas:  On land, on sea or in the air.

Find a place that reflects your mutual interests. Pack a picnic and plan a day sailing, just the two of you. You could sneak the ring into the picnic basket and make some waves by popping the question at sea. If you're hikers, it should be easy to find a private moment on one of the back trails. Surprise her when she reaches into the backpack for a granola bar and comes up with an engagement ring! If you really want to leave the rest of the world behind, consider renting a hot air balloon and asking her to marry you as the sun sets. It doesn't get much more intimate—or romantic—than that. We have lots more romantic proposal ideas.

Private marriage proposal ideas:  Feast on this.

Here's an idea that guarantees you'll have the moment all to yourselves. Many fine restaurants have small rooms for intimate parties. If you want to go all out, reserve one for an evening and take her out for an elegant dinner in your own private space. Or, if you're a guy who knows his way around the kitchen, make her the guest of honor at your place and create a menu of her favorite foods. Serve up your proposal with dessert—and don't forget the flowers and candles.

Private marriage proposal ideas:  A very happy birthday—or other occasion.

Make her upcoming birthday one she'll never forget. Buy a small birthday cake for just the two of you to share. For a real surprise, place her boxed ring in a large carton with plenty of packing material and have it wrapped in Happy Birthday paper. Imagine her surprise when she discovers what's hidden inside. Incidentally, the occasion doesn't have to be her birthday. If you both treasure the day you met or went on your first date, what better way to mark the anniversary than with a marriage proposal?

Private marriage proposal ideas:  Merry Christmas

You could also make her Christmas merry in ways she never imagined. Buy a tree—any size will do. Adorn it with lots of lights and garlands but only one ornament: a velvet ring box tied up with festive holiday ribbons. Then invite her over for eggnog and watch her eyes light up. If she loves the holidays, she may love some of our traditional proposal ideas.

Private marriage proposal ideas:  Say the word

If she's a Scrabble fan, here's a marriage proposal she might appreciate. Invite her over for a Scrabble game and set up the board in advance. Arrange the tiles to spell out your message. It could be, “You've won my heart. Marry me.” Then present her with her prize: the engagement ring.

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. Know how to make the right choice,

See how the rich and famous propose marriage .

How to get her to say “yes.”