I pulled this question from the comments section under the post where I first introduced Gary. Well, he’s answered one so here you go Annette!

1. Annette Says:
   February 9th, 2008 at 2:27 pm editGary, I wanted to jump right to some advice. I actually asked my guy to marry me (5/16/2008) but I would like to now to be proposed to so we have stories for our babies.What would be the best way to drop a hint..? I keep telling him it’s something I want from him (utterly romantic) but he so not the romantic type. Even my sisters have told him to set something “up”. Please help.

   Also, one more thing, what would be the best way to incorporate my babe into the planning..? What did you want to do out of all the wedding planning and why..?

   Thank you.

First of of congratulations on popping the question!
How “unbride” of you.
Second of all THAT is your story!

I think every guy out there will procrastinate on these kinds of big decisions until they can put it off no longer. I have so many female friends that figured out a way to get a proposal out of their partner on their terms. Tricks and ultimatums and couples therapy all so that the guy would appear to decide, on his own, once and for all “yes, I will ask the question”. In many cases it comes down to the guy feeling pressure from everyone else BUT their partner. You took the pressure off and did it yourself. I love that.
So tell me, how did it feel to pop the question? How did he react? You see, that may just be the dynamic of your relationship.
Why change now if it’s working. If he isn’t romantic type but you want the fairy tale and the story for your kids why not plan an offbeat engagement party? Can it be at a golf course or at a ball game or at karaoke bar? What if your sisters plan a party with him “behind your back” (wink wink) and the plan is for him to make a speech in front of everyone during dessert. You already have a great story, “I proposed to daddy”. Now what you need is a party, or a getaway or a weekend in Vegas and plan it with the understanding that at some point someone is going to clink a glass and he is going to have to say a little something. Then when he finishes his speech, put him on the spot, slide the ring off your finger in front of everyone, hand it to him and say “ok, now it’s your turn…get on one knee…” A few drinks are going to be required for this one.

Now, regarding the wedding planning, all guys see is a price tag and too many flowers. My advice is, get a list together with options under each category. I know you have it all laid out in your head anyway so start with basics, “Honey, do you want a destination wedding or should we do it close to home…”, “Do you think we should have a dj or a band…” and the really fun one “where do you think we should register”? Don’t spring this stuff on him when he gets home from work or when tv is on. Get some magazines, sit down on the couch and say “I want to show you some fun ideas to get your opinion”.
All of this is so overwhelming, guys like to just point at pictures and say yes or no. Seriously, Justine makes these vision boards and all I have to do is look and grunt. I feel like a caveman.

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