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Coming up with the right way to say those four little words – "Will you marry me?" – carries with it a lot of pressure. First, you want to make sure that there's a good chance they'll say yes. Next you need to find the all important ring. And thirdly, you need to choose a location that will serve as the backdrop for your romantic quest.
Proposing to the person you want to marry doesn't have to be spectacularly creative, but it does need to be meaningful. A survey by wedding website The Knot revealed that 31 percent of women would want to be proposed to at their favourite restaurant or one they've been wanting to try, so don't fool yourself into thinking that proposing has to mean jumping out of an aeroplane before landing amidst a giant flash mob dancing to Bruno Mars. A nice, well-thought out restaurant proposal can be the perfect way to ask for your beloved's hand in marriage.
1. Make a reservation
Your proposal needs to appear as though you have gone to a lot of effort, and turning up at a restaurant only to have to beg to be seated isn't a great start. The earlier you book, the better your chance of a great table, so be sure to book as soon as you're thinking about asking for your partner's hand. Some top restaurants require six months notice for a particular table, so if you've got a certain table in mind, it's even more crucial that you get in early.
2. Get the restaurant involved
When booking your table, talk to the restaurant about your plans to propose. They may be able to suggest the most private and intimate table, and may throw in some examples of previous successful proposals. Most restaurants love being a part of proposals, so are willing to offer some pizazz to make the occasion a little more memorable.
3. Make it personal
Try to link your choice of restaurant with something personal to give the proposal more depth. Book a table at the restaurant where you had your first date, book a table overlooking your partner's favourite beach, or choose a cuisine that reminds you of a fantastic holiday. It's also important to pay attention to personal details, such as having the waiter bring their favourite flowers or champagne.
4. Plan what you're going to say
Winging your proposal will only make you more nervous, and preparing something to say ahead of time will show that you are serious about what you're asking. Consider creating a poem, or at the very least detail a few of the things that make your loved one so special and why you fell in love with them.
5. Relax
If you're a bundle of nerves, it's pretty obvious what it is you're about to do. Stay calm, relax, breathe deep. If you've thought it through properly, you've got nothing to worry about. Even if something does go wrong and your schedule doesn't go exactly to plan, don't fret. Prepare yourself for mishaps and don't let a slight change ruin the occasion.
6. Dress the part
While you don't have to arrive to dinner in a tux, you do need to look presentable. There's a high chance there will be photos taken, so pay attention to what you're wearing and practice your "luckiest person alive" grin.
7. Get down on one knee
You might feel embarrassed about dropping to one knee in the middle of a crowded restaurant, but this is a one-time thing and not something you can skip. As cheesy and as corny as you may think dropping to one knee is, it's tradition, and a tradition your partner will expect.
8. Get permission
Speak to your partner's parents before the big day and ask for their blessing if they are a close-knit family. You'll probably want to speak to your families to share the news with them as soon as possible, so try to have them on standby for a call or "impromptu" visit.
9. Be romantic, not practical
No one wants to be proposed to simply because it makes sense logistically, so keep your proposal as romantic as you can. Don't start by saying, "We've been together five years and everyone keeps asking when we are going to get married, so I think we should just go ahead and take the plunge."
10. Avoid the emergency room
You might think it will be romantic to hide the engagement ring inside the dessert, but a trip to the Emergency department probably isn't what you have in mind. Swallowing a ring worth thousands of dollars makes for a funny story, but it's still best avoided.
Looking for the perfect place to pop the question? Here are a few places that are popular with lovers – and for good reason.
For something truly spectacular and memorable, catch a seaplane out to Sydney's Whale Beach and enjoy a romantic meal at the award-winning Jonah's Restaurant. Executive Chef Logan Campbell's menu has a strong emphasis on seafood and subtle Italian influences, and with a cellar that contains more than 6,000 bottles of vintage Australian and international wines, you're sure to find your favourite drop. Known as one of Sydney's best hotel restaurants, Jonah's is certainly the perfect backdrop for a proposal.
Located above the Icebergs Pool with views across Bondi Beach, Icebergs is one of Sydney's most iconic restaurants. The ever-evolving menu has strong regional Italian influences, and the elegant dining room sets the stage for an incredible proposal backdrop. Every member of the Icebergs team is exceptionally friendly, and would be more than happy to help you create a magical moment.
Restaurant locations don't come much better than Catalina, situated on the harbour forefront in Rose Bay. Designed to pay homage to the beauty of Sydney Harbour, diners have unobstructed panoramic water-level views, interrupted only be the comings and goings of a working harbour. As for the food, Catalina's is inspired by the classics – French, Italian, Spanish and Mediterranean, complemented by an award-winning wine list.
Grossi Florentino's is one of the few Australian restaurants where you can still find the kind of service that holds open doors, takes your coat, pulls out your chair and lays a napkin in your lap. If it's help you're after for your restaurant proposal, then Grossi Florentino is the place to be. As well as great service, Grossi Florentino offers opulent luxury, mouthwatering Italian food and one of the best wine lists in the country. With two chef hats and a sommelier known throughout the globe, Grossi Florentino is guaranteed to be an excellent setting for a proposal.
Stepping into Little Truffle, there's no way you would feel like you're in the popular holiday stretch of Mermaid Beach on the sunny Gold Coast. It feels like a comfortable French living room, with chandeliers, floor-length curtains, opulent mirrors and fine art on the walls. The Mediterranean-influenced menu is rich and diverse and the desserts are to die for. If you can't get to Paris, Little Truffle is the next best thing.
Quay offers one of the most recognisable views in Sydney, situated on the dress circle of the Harbour. Globally renowned chef Peter Gilmore is head of the kitchen, and the awe-inspiring menu is continually evolving. Quay is part of the coveted S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list, so booking early is essential, especially if you want a window seat to take in the spectacular sweeping views.
Caffe e Cucina is a little piece of Italy in South Yarra that's been serving traditional Italian food for more than two decades. Well loved by the locals, its intimate and romantic setting is ideal for a proposal, and the family-like feel of the place brings an extra special warmth. Talk to the staff and they'll be more than happy to ensure everything goes to plan on your big day.
With an intimate and private location that's only accessible by boat or plane, the idyllic Berowra Waters Inn is a popular choice for those wanting to pop the question. Head Chef and Owner, Brian Geraghty is more than familiar in making a proposal memorable, but the setting itself is more than enough.
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