Getting engaged?

[queazzical]

I've been with my girlfriend for over a year and we both want to get married. We've talked about it before and I know we're both ready. The only problem is I have no idea how to propose. I'm still looking for a ring, but once I find one, what am I supposed to do?

I've thought about popping the question in public, possibly at the restaurant we had our first date at or something like that, but I'm not sure if it's better to do this in private. I'm just worried it might seem too boring to ask her at home. Also, do I need to get permission from her parents before I propose? I don't want to offend them by not asking them first, but I know they'd be fine with it. And what about going down on one knee? Do people still do that or is that considered cheesy?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I seriously have no idea on how to go about this. Please let me know if you have any advice on how to do this...I want it to be romantic and perfect! She deserves it :)

[coccinelle]

I certainly wouldn't do it in public and as you say at home could be a bit boring. My husband proposed to me while I was standing on Hadrian's Wall ! Why not climb a mount or hill nearby where's there's just the two of you and propose on the summit? i wouldn't go down on one knee, definitely cheesy, and if you want to get on the right side of the in-laws, yes, do let them know what you intend to do (you needn't ask) and if there's any objection.
She's lucky having such a thoughtful partner. Good luck to you both.

[Whoever]

Definitely not a proposal in public. It should be a very private romatic moment, perhaps in a beautiful natural setting somewhere - in a wood on a sunny day, on a deserted beach in the moonlight, etc which in later years will be part of your memories. If you want to go down on one knee, that's fine, but only if you feel comfortable about doing it.
As for asking her parents, I think it's still a courteous thing to do, to ask their blessing, even if you plan to marry anyway. It gets your relationship with them off to a better start.
And some advice from a woman - I suggest don't buy the ring first. She might hate it if your taste doesn't coincide with hers, and then she'll be embarrassed about telling you the truth. Make it part of your celebrations to go and choose it together and then you won't get it wrong.
Having said that, I was proposed to on Paddington Station last thing at night just as my last train was about to leave. I barely had time to say Yes before I had to dash down the platform to avoid missing it. And I had to buy my own engagement ring because my husband didn't have a penny to spare. We still laugh about that 40 years later which goes to prove that if you're right for each other, however you propose, everything will turn out OK in the end.

[ChocolatChip]

I agree with most of the comments here, somewhere lovely, romantic and a bit private. Although I think a restaurant would be fine too.
And definately go down on one knee! It's traditional.
And yes, ask her father first, maybe take him out for a drink and ask him there.
As Whoever said, on the other hand, I was proposed to while standing next to my partners hospital bed, fancy eh?
We're getting married in 6 months time :)

[lorla]

Think it's totally dependant on what you think your girlfriend would like....my hubbie took me for dinner at the restaurant we had our first date then proposed in private when we were walking down the river afterwards. He got down on one knee and it was perfect! I love that he did it traditionally and asked my Dad too - but other girls aren't fussed about that. I also loved that it was private moment for us but other girl might prefer a very showy public display - totally depends what your girl is like.