When it comes to that nerve-wrecking part before you walk down the aisle, there is little that hasn't been done before. Most guys (and gals) are upping their proposal game beyond the clichés – we're looking at you, Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building. If you've been bitten by the love bug (or your love bug has been dropping not-so-subtle hints), here are some unique ways and destinations to pop the question.
For your beach bunny:
Don't: write 'Will you marry me?' in the sand at a non-descript beach
Do: propose while snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
Langford Island has all the makings of a holiday to remember (image: TEQ)
A lad from Texas proposed to his wife-to-be on the ocean floor surrounded by bull sharks in Mexico's Playa Del Carmen. If you don't have the bulls to top that, high tail it to the Great Barrier Reef's Langford Island. Though its reef is somewhat small compared to its Whitsunday neighbours, the kaleidoscopic array of pastel-hued coral has to be seen to be believed. Hold on tight to that ring, though!
For your hungry love muffin:
Don't: propose with the ring in a Champagne flute over dinner
Do: propose to her at Dubai's Ossiano Restuarant
You'll get all the credit without having to get in the water! (image: Atlantis The Palm)
You won't get kudos for any variation of 'ring hidden in [insert miscellaneous foodstuff here]' as quite frankly, it's a dental hazard. Atlantis The Palm Dubai's luxe Ossiano restaurant offers a jaw-dropping view into the hypotonic Ambassador Lagoon. For a pretty penny (as in, roughly $700AUD) you can arrange a skilled diver to deliver a personalised proposal message to your sweetheart from behind the glass during the dessert course.
For your hipster sweetheart:
Don't: propose in sky writing
Do: Map out 'will you marry me?' in Google maps
Skywriting is so 90s (image: Getty)
Sky-writing is, like, so 90s. Take a secret squirrel road trip with your love, but first, plot your route in Google Maps to spell out 'Marry me?' They'll be none the wiser 'til you get down on one knee at your final destination and er, show them what you've mapped out. It's the sky-writing of the digital age. #love
For your forever young:
Don't: propose in front of the Disneyland castle
Do: propose with the help of Disney 'cast members'
There's plenty of love to be found at Disneyland! (image: Ashton Rigg)
Where better place to start your fairytale than the happiest place on earth? You've got a sweep of choices from Tokyo to Paris, but for something really memorable, stick to Disneyland in Anaheim and Disneyworld in Orlando where cast members can organise custom magical moments. Our pick is the Characters In-Flight Hot Air Balloon Ride.
For your hopeless romantic:
Don't: propose at the top of the Eiffel Tower
Do: propose in a luxe hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower
Arguably one of the most romantic spots to pop the question (image: Four Seasons)
Throngs of tourists can be a real mood killer, so forgo the climb up to the top of the Eiffel Tower with the ring. Instead, show your special someone true romance by booking a suite at a swish hotel – the Four Seasons Hotel George V is a definite winner. It will be hard for your loved one to say anything but 'oui' when you're surrounded by luxuries like floral masterpieces, intimate dining settings, chandelier-clad suites and unbeatable views of Paris' cityscape.
For your winter bunny:
Don't: propose in a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park as the snow falls
Do: propose in an igloo
Cuddle up in reindeer hide in Montreal's Ice Hotel (image: Montreal Ice Hotel)
If there's one place that is sure to illicit some cuddles, it's Montreal's famous Ice Hotel. Open between January and March, the themes change each year, but the 25-room hotel is a constant, offering three room categories including free-standing igloos. You'll get high-thermal sleeping bags to keep warm and you can up the romance with a private fireplace and spa! And if you can't wait to be wed, why not take advantage of the village chapel? Yes, it's made entirely of ice too.
