Traditional marriage proposal ideas for your traditional girlfriend

Does the woman in your life enjoy close relationships with her family? Does she adore old movies or snuggling up in front of the fireplace with a good book?

If any of these qualities describe her, she may be a traditionalist—something you may want to think about when you plan your proposal. If she's loves doing things the old-fashioned way, chances are she doesn't want to read your proposal projected on a movie screen or have you pop the question in a hot air balloon.

But what does she want? She may feel it's very important to share this special day with her family. She may even want you to ask her father for her hand in marriage.

In this fast-changing world, there's something comforting about doing things in time-honored ways. We have some traditional marriage proposal ideas so you can make your proposal meaningful and memorable. We also have basic marriage proposal advice that every man can use.

Traditional Marriage Proposal ideas:  Family ties

If you're spending an upcoming holiday with your girlfriend and her family, this could be a great time to propose. Let's say you're invited to her parents' house for Christmas dinner. If she's especially close to her family, this could be an ideal occasion—since her loved ones will be nearby to share in the happy moment.

If you go this route, consider the best way to proceed: Have you discussed marriage with her, and are you confident she'll say yes? What woman wouldn't love an engagement ring as a stocking stuffer?  Or you might want a quiet moment together, away from the others. Go for a walk or sneak out to the back porch. Then pop the question. Mom, Dad and the others may even be close enough to hear her cries of joy. See more private and intimate marriage proposal ideas .

Traditional Marriage Proposal Ideas:  Daddy's girl

The custom known as “joining of hands” dates back to ancient Rome , when the groom gave the bride's father a coin that symbolized the purchase of the bride. The bride would then pass from her father's hands to the groom's. Many years later, in our own modern society, it was considered a gesture of respect to ask the bride's father for permission to marry.

The notion may sound ridiculously outdated, but the custom hasn't disappeared altogether. If she still lives with her parents or if she and her father are especially close, it's not a bad idea to ask your future father-in-law for his blessing. Of course, today, you're just as likely to ask both parents. After, all you want to get off to a good start with your mother-in-law!

Traditional marriage proposal ideas:  On bended knee

There's some history behind this practice, too. It began in the days of chivalry, when it was the knight's custom to get down on one knee to show servitude to his lover. Is the woman in your life someone who yearns for a knight in shining armor? You could rent the hardware for a really theatrical proposal. Want more marriage proposal ideas guaranteed to make an impression ?

Whether you're in armor or simply enamored, looking up into her eyes from bended knee sends the message that you put her on a pedestal. What traditional woman could resist that?

Traditional marriage proposal ideas:  Say it with roses

Some things just go together: burgers and fries, stars and stripes, diamonds and roses. If your lady loves flowers, then say it with flowers. Hint: Try to find out if she prefers red, white or pink. Pick up the roses from the florist, and personally inscribe the card with an appropriate message: “Will you marry me?” should suffice, but you can get more creative if you want. Place the boxed ring inside with the card and the roses before the florist affixes the ribbon, and you're on your way. If your traditional girlfriend has a romantic side, we have more great romantic marriage proposal ideas.

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. Give her the ring of her dreams.