There are a million ways to make a marriage proposal go smoothly. Each person is unique and what pleases one may not please another, so we are left with a vast amount of choices. However, there are a few things that you should not do which is a much shorter list. I will review these things so you do not find yourself in hot water, or worse - not engaged!

We have all seen the movies where the man comes running into the train station and catches his girl just before she gets on board. The train is being held up, there is a huge crowd of people surrounding them, everyone is peering out the windows. Then he confesses his love for her and proposes to her at the train station. Before you get those tears streaming down your face realize that this also can cause embarassment. If she has not told you that she wants a public proposal then do not do it. Instead, sit down with her and make it an intimate, romantic night or event. Most women are going to want that special moment and you only have one shot at it, so do not screw it up.

When eating at that nice restaurant, do not place the ring in the food. You have no idea how many times people eat things without really looking at them. After all, when is the last time you inspected your burger before each bite? she can chip her teeth or even worse, swallow the ring. I do not know about you, but I think getting that ring back is going to be a pain in the butt.

The ballgame may seem great to have your picture up on the megatron, but again, this is a public place. Having you and her on the big screen for all sports fans to see draws alot of attention. If she has not mentioned anything like this before, then you should steer clear.

Avoid proposing at family gatherings. Seriously, unless you know all of the family members there, the intoxication levels are extremely low, and she is very open and close with each family member there, then do not do it. That is a large amount of pressure to drop on her in front of her family, especially if she is not ready to say yes.

Make sure the both of you are ready to take the next step. Everything is bunnies and butterflies during the first few months of a relationship. If you give her a marriage proposal too early the both of you could end up in a very awkward situation down the road. You have your entire life to be together, there is no need to rush things. If you think she will not be around in a few months to ask her, then you should not ask her anyway.

This is a surprise right? Well then do not expect her to just throw the ring on her finger, jump for joy, and say yes right away. Think about what you are asking her. You want her to commit herself to you for the rest of her life. That is a bit more serious than asking to borrow a few CD's. If she does not say yes, but does not say no, then you are still on a good path. If she needs time, give it to her. The last thing you want to do is pressure someone into saying yes.

Please, for your own sake, really consider the above information. I tell my audience all the time that you only have one real chance at this. If you blow it on the marriage proposal, you cannot take it back. This moment is all about her, so always keep her in mine when you are planning how to propose.