24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas

So you've finally found the love of your life and you want to ask her to marry you. Looking for creative ideas and inspiration? Look no further. 

First think of her. Some women prefer public proposals and statements. It gives them a strong feeling of belonging to you. Others prefer a discreet intimate private proposal. Consider her favorite songs. The places she loves to go. The books she loves to read. The movies she frequents. The character she adores. The things she loves to do.  

This is a list of actual engagement ideas from actual event by friends and family. The best thing about this list is it does not require a lot of help.  At the right place at the right time, you can pretty much do it all yourself.

DIY Proposal Ideas Quick List

1. After weekend lunch on a sunny day he proposed at a water fountain. When she accepted, they jumped in.

2. On a snow winter night he proposed at a theater watching her favorite romance movie. They played in the snow on the way to the car.

3. On a starry night in early spring he proposed at an art gallery before a work of art she fell in love with.

4. He proposed at her favorite restaurant. He had the waiter drop the ring in her wine glass and asked her to remove it before pouring.

5. He proposed by taking her to a toy store and handing her a stuffed bear with the ring box in it's arms

6. At a Spring Fair on a craft table was her favorite quilt. After opening it up and revealing engagement rings, he proposed.

7. After a fun day on a sandy beach by the ocean while the sunset he promised may more days like these. He then proposed.

8. After getting completely soaked under a tropical water fall he opens his hand and reveals the ring.

9. He sang and danced "Singing in the Rain" style. Then opening an umbrella that read "Will You Marry Me?" he proposes.

10. He proposed in an airplane flying over her hometown. As she looked out the window he says "You are my home. Will you marry me?"

11. He proposed in a limo after a Broadway show. Quoting the words of a beloved character she he opens up the ring box and proposes.

12. He proposed in a park on a bench while violin, guitar and flute were playing a request. Singing the song being played he rests on one knee. Opens the box and asks for her hand.

13. Laying on the grass under the stars during the performance of her favorite song at a outdoor concert he proposes.

14. While dancing to her favorite song he proposed in the middle of the dance floor.

15. He asks for her hand while strolling in the park. With one hand he holds hers. With the other he shows an open box.

17. He asked after a very good candle light dinner on an apartment roof top overlooking the city.

18. After a cruise dinner they walk to the bow of the ship and he asks "will you marry me" under a full moon.

19. After watching her favorite dinner theater play, the acting group sang a song at their table while he asked her.

20. A mime showed him how to ask her silently and he copied him superbly.
21. He proposed on horse back. When she said yes he lifted her up on the saddle and the two rode off into the sunset together. He used a stepping stool and the horse was led by a professional trainer.
22. He proposed to her while they were riding horse and carriage.

23. At a family reunion after telling a touching story about a couples loyal love and enduring marriage he proposed.
24. After they successfully completed a community outreach project he proposed.

In all these actual events she said "Yes!" What helped? Taking the time to get to know her. Making the most of the things that mean the most to her. Some forethought and preparation. Good timing. Thinking ahead.

Above all show her that you're putting her welfare ahead of your own.

"Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person"

Wether you propose in private or in public, make it something special that says, I know you and I love you. Will you be my wife?

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Congratulations October Brides and Fiancées

It's time to say congratulations to all you October brides and fiancees. May your weddings be as memorable and engaging as you planned. The October birth stone is Tourmaline:Opal. 

The October flower is Marigold. Marigolds make excellent cut flowers for both live and dried arrangements. For live bouquets, cut newly opened blooms early in the morning and immediately set the stems in a jar of warm water. Marigolds are great for dry arrangements as well and therefore make the ideal keepsake flower.

Brenda and I will enjoy our October wedding anniversary at Virginia Beach. We look forward to the October festivals, harvest fruits, desserts and cuisine. 

Great October activities include: A fun fall foliage country driving trip. Head due north to see leaves of gold and orange, red and purple. Stop for a fresh-pressed apple cider, caramel apple treats and tasty pumpkin or sweet potato pie. This is a great time of year for wine tasting, cheese olive and crackers.  

Each Fall (usually in late October), Farmers Market celebrates the harvest with a great, family-friendly festival. In addition to crafts and entertainment, these festivals features several bands and special acts for children and the young at heart. Fall Festivals offers very special activities including a petting zoo, balloon and wood sculpting, reef making, baking contests and more. Find the best warm eggnog at country cooking restaurants and festivals. enjoy the seasons bounty together.

Congratulations To April, May and June Brides

A special shout out and congratulations to all our April, May and June Brides and Fiancees. 

It's a season of love, growth, giving, letting go and coming full circle. As you plan your wedding remember to capture the essence of guidance given, wisdom shared and nurturing from parents, guardians and all those special supportive people in your life. With that sentiment here is a gift from me to you. My newly released musical score, "On Your Special Day."

"On Your Special Day" by Mark Askew

On Your Special Day

Last year I composed a musical score, "On Your Special Day", for a family drama, It centered around a celebrated relationship between a father and his daughter. On the eve of his daughters wedding day a father sits at his piano reflecting on giving his daughter away. The score would carry us through the life of the child leading to the father daughter dance. This music video of real people and events in my life conceptualizes that. 

I had the pleasure of playing the musical score and similar video for a group of 60 last month. The tears and smiles told me it struck a cord in them as well. I hope it does the same for you.

Like making wedding keepsakes, family slideshows and scrapbooks? Get My Keepsake Wedding Planner available on this blog page.

Congratulations February Brides and Fiancées

February is the month that stands in between promises made and then fulfilled. It stands between two seasons, winter and spring. Between resolutions spoken and those acted upon. Between the seeds preserved under a blanket of frost and snow and the sun and showers that beckons them to sprout.  

It's a month of renewing vows and commitments. It's a time to fondly look back and reminisce all the while making more warm memories. It's a season for contemplation, seeking guidance and direction. It's the month for planning out the year or a lifetime. 

If this is the month he popped the question or the season he said I do, congratulations to you. May your marriage be prosperous and forever new. Our gift to you is the 7 Day Countdown Wedding Planner Bookmark. Enjoy these practical reminders leading up to the big day. 

For those who want to plan from start to finish and beyond we wrote the book on wedding planning. Get the book My Keepsake Wedding Planner, everything you need to know to plan a memorable wedding ceremony, reception, wedding night and honeymoon.

Congratulations January Brides and Fiancées

It's the month of January and many are starting off the new year with  a "Yes" and an "I Do."

If that is the month he popped the question or the season he puts a ring on it we want to say congratulations to you. Now's the time to start planning for the next twelve months be it a wedding or a wish of marital bliss. That said here is a wedding gift just for you. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/502221795917841983/

Take your time reading the articles on this blog and you'll have everything you need to get off to a good start.
Not sure where to start planning your wedding? We wrote the book on wedding planning so you have everything you need to plan a memorable occasion. Find the book at Google Shopping.

Looking for great wedding ideas? Start with the addicting wedding idea presentation boards at Pinterest. You'll find gowns, photo ideas, beautiful cake designs and wedding decor and attire color swatches that bring it all together very nicely. http://www.pinterest.com/bestweddingbook/.

What Kind Of Love...

Last month a dear friend of mine celebrated 60 years of marriage.  I remember him saying not long after that he was still getting to know his wife. What kind of love has that much staying power? What kind of love goes beyond just sticking around or tolerating each other? What kind of love keeps on loving right to the end? 

This proves that every couple no matter how long they have been together must take the time to break new ground.  Not just finding and defining some new characteristic trait or quality about the other, but applying what has been learned to better the relationship and strengthen the bond.

Over the past 7 days Brenda and I took the time to talk about our lives together and the direction it has been taking over the past 10 years. Much has been accomplished helping newly married loved ones remain grounded and their households become more functional. We've encouraged them to take an individual assessment of themselves in order to determine if they are really being true to self and to their union.

There comes a time when we all must decide to do an about face, look back from where we have come and look ahead to where we are going and adjust the sails and point the rudder toward our intended destination. What else is there but to stand at the helm and drive on undeterred and undistracted until the goal has been reached?

The Lesson: Instead of going with the flow, which is so easy to do, we at times have to cut through the oncoming waves. Swim upstream against the tide. Break against the wind. Ride into the storm in order to break new ground.  We come out of it realizing that what we thought we had is nothing in comparison to what we now have because of what put into it. An ancient book filled with conventional wisdom calls it loyal love. 

What is loyal love? It's the kind of love that is aware that it must be tested. It prepares itself to be tested in order to learn to endure. And as it is tested it seeks to prove itself loyal. With each storm it is like a barnacle that remains attached no matter how fierce the weather. It is like the entangled weeds of the sea. Unshakable. Loyal love holds on in order to complete a well defined task and purpose in relationship to the object of love. 

Congratulations November Brides and Fiancees

If you were proposed to this month or were married congratulations November brides and fiancees.

Who doesn't like a warm sticky cinnamon bun fresh out of the oven. A hot brewed aromatic coffee made from roasted coffee beans. A fluffy blanket and a warm body to cuddle on a cold frigid night. A hand to hold and arm to cling to during a noon stroll. This month is all about true commitment and the little things couples do that add warmth, spice and stickiness to their union.  I'm 52 years of age and my wife Brenda is 53. We have been married for 33 years. No previous marriages. We recently celebrated our Anniversary October 25th 2013 surrounded by the most beautiful fall foliage ever.

While we both enjoy event planning like reunions and family night as well as speaking and officiating weddings ceremonies. Brenda is the more outgoing free spirit and organizer. I am the creative one who happens to like to write. I enjoy working on projects and parties with her, but I don't mind spending long hours working alone in the home office. My wife on the other hand is the kind of person who likes to get out and go. That said, we could easily miss spending meaningful time together. To remedy this we make it a  point to call each other each day and ask how the day is going and explain what we are doing and the progress  we're making.

We plan our meals and exchange an expression of endearment before ending the conversation. She calls me Booh. I call her Baah. In addition we don't let anything get in the way of our Friday evening date night. Because we are both frugal we will plan something simple like a picnic and stroll around the reservoir or listen to oldies but goodies in the car with the top open. Or watch a movie or two at home sharing a bowl of popcorn or chips.

Brenda engages in secular work in addition to community work. She said, " I deeply appreciate it when Mark does the cooking, serving and dish washing. It makes me feel that I'm cherished and appreciated and that my share of the work is not taken for granted. Our little dates keep the tenderness, closeness and warmth in the relationship. I love it when he holds my hand even if he's just walking me to the car."

Mark runs an online business and does much in the way of ministering to a local congregation. A work spanning three generations. In addition his parents are dealing with the challenges that come with aging.  He said, "My aging parents have been ill for some time now, requiring multiple operations and ongoing nursing. This can take a toll on a person. I really appreciate it when Brenda accompanies me to visit my parents. She contributes a lot in the way of being empathetic and upbuilding. It makes me feel supported and that I'm not alone dealing with this challenge."

Mark and Brenda are also authors of the book Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Guide and Keepsake and the book My Keepsake Wedding Planner.  Mark says, "Brenda does not know it but she started these book by compiling event planning notes useful templates and documents for her  gatherings. I just added content based on our life's experience.  The fact that we both worked on several projects together makes me feel that we did not come together based on mere attraction put to make two parts a whole. Focusing on our similarities and being empowered by our differences gives us a kind of oneness. I love that about us."