The Proposal CONCIERGE An Publication Congratulations. Actually, hold that thought. You’ve just made a big decision, but there’s still plenty of work to be done, and decisions to be made. The where. The when. The how. The what to say to her parents. And, of course, there’s the small matter of what exactly CONGRATULATIONS.you’ll be sliding onto her ring finger when she says yes. We can help. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Forevermark toActually, create holdthis trustythat thought. guide to You’ve making just sure made everything a big decision, goes accordingbut there’s to still plan—no plenty ofmatter work what to be your done, plan and might decisions be. Inside, to be you’llmade. find The where.tips on Thewhat when. to wear, The how.what toThe say what and, to of say course, to her whenparents. and And, how of to course, get down there’s on onethe smallknee. matterWe’ve alsoof what consulted exactly anyou’ll all-star be sliding (and all-female)onto her ring team finger of experts when shefor theirsays adviceyes. on the perfect proposal. (Hint: if it involves the phrase “Look at the scoreboard,”We can help. youWe’ve might teamed want up to with reconsider.) our friends at Forevermark to create this trusty guide to making sure everything goes It’saccording all inside to Theplan—no Proposal matter Concierge—everything what your plan might you be. need Inside, to knowyou’ll findbefore tips making on what your to belovedwear, what the tocenter say and,of your of course, universe. Yourwhen journey and how begins to get now... down on one knee. We’ve also consulted an all-star (and all-female) team of experts for their advice on the perfect proposal. (Hint: if it involves the phrase “Look at the scoreboard,” you might want to reconsider.) It’s all inside The Proposal Concierge—everything you need to know before making your beloved the center of your universe. Your journey begins now... We have to ask: are you sure Which about this? I’ve never been so sure of any- Yep. ring isthing in my life. Congrats. Who’s the right for lucky girl? you? My high school sweetheart. This girl I’ve The love of my been seeing for life. We met a while. last night. Six How long is months. a while? Cool. How’d A year or Let’s just say you meet? two. a while. Burning School/work/ Man. through friends/online... Was it love at first sight? Cont. There was definitely a How’s she spark. feel about that? Yes. That’s great. Tell us, is she adventur- ous? Sure. Let’s just say she’s ready. What? I can’t hear you over the engine of Well, she SHOWSTOPPER this jet we’re says no about to jump rush, but... out of. Okay. Big family? Do pets count? Okay, brass Huge. tacks: how long do you think she’s been Big dreaming of this wedding, moment? EXOTIC then? Nah. What do you I honestly guys think don’t know. Only since Oh, yeah. about she was a eloping? girl. Well, it’s Oh, one more The probably thing: what’s her Notebook. been longer favorite Ryan than you Gosling movie? think. TRADITIONAL Drive. Right! Okay, Blue you can do Valentine. this. Wrong. The Rules #1 YES, YOU HAVE TO GET DOWN ON ONE KNEE. THE Diamond GLOSSARY You can ask her friends. Consult your old pal Google. But if you don’t know the lingo before you shop for a diamond, you might as well be fumbling in the dark. Behold, all the keywords and phrases to drop when searching for the perfect ring. BAGUETTE BEZEL THE BRILLIANCE CLARITY A rectangular- SETTING BRILLIANT The intensity at The presence shaped diamond When a diamond which white light (or absence) of often used to CUT reflects or, simply, blemishes and is set inside the The most popular complement larger how brightly the inclusions on and mounting and shape of polished stones. Named diamond shines. within the stone. the outer metal diamond. It has after the crusty Pro tip: you don’t It ranges from F is pushed over 57 facets that are French loaf that it want a dumb (flawless) to I3 the edge of the perfect for catching closely resembles. diamond. (diamond-speak for diamond. It’s a the light just right. “yikes”). Given the subtle and classy (If you’re thinking rarity of flawless move. In certain she’ll absolutely diamonds, we circles it’s referred love this, you’re like to think of to as “the thinking right.) man’s setting.” an inclusion as nature’s birthmark. THE Diamond GLOSSARY color CUT DIAMOND EMERALD Facet Pretty much what Much like a butcher A mineral made CUT A cut, polished it sounds like. The cuts a steak to of compressed A rectangular cut surface on a rarest stones have maximize flavor, carbon. Known to of a diamond with diamond. More no color. Nitrogen a diamond is produce smiles of parallel rows of facets, when cut traces give most cut to maximize untold brilliance, facets. properly, equals diamonds a faint sparkle and shine. tears of untold joy greater sparkle. tint of yellow. It’s You should seek and the kind of jaw- They’re similar to nature’s lemon out a beautifully dropping moments MARQUISE personalities in that twist. cut diamond that only beautiful A boat-shaped regard. with the same crystals born from diamond. zeal you bring to molten rock can Proposing on FIRE your quests for deliver. See also: a an actual boat: MÊLÉE 1) The distribution porterhouse. girl’s best friend, optional. Small diamonds, of colors in a the soles of her under a quarter of diamond. 2) The shoes, Neil, et al. a carat, used for passion that seems HEART PRONG augmentation. Like to always arise in SHAPE SETTING having a strong the company of INCLUSIONS supporting cast. Not a trick A popular setting diamonds. Any impurity found question. It means for engagement within a diamond. heart-shaped. rings. The stone “Flaw” is a little is set on four or table harsh when talking The largest facet on OVAL CUT six prongs in a Yes, it’s oval- about precious a diamond. Choose PAVÉ high position to shaped. It also stones. wisely. When several maximize exposure. has 56 facets... stones are set (Trust us, she’ll like Traditional, yet still together directly that.) spectacular. PEAR SHAPE into the metal. A diamond shaped See also the like the delicious micro-pavé, when fruit. (You totally the stones are nailed that one.) especially small. The Rules #2 THOU SHALT NOT GO VIRAL. ADVICE FROM DO THE Do ask the parents, or the father, for their daughter’s hand. It’s a nice gesture of maturity that, I believe, the bride-to-be will appreciate. FAIRER Do propose in a location with low noise volume. There’s nothing less romantic than screaming as you’re exchanging romantic, heartfelt words. Also, you want to be able to hear the answer. SEX Do be a gentleman—ask for permission, have a ring and propose on one knee. We asked an expert panel of women who have received proposals for advice, Do cater your proposal to the woman. It’ll show. If she’s thoughts and general lifesaving (or at spontaneous/untraditional, have the ring on you and propose at least proposal-saving) dos and don’ts. To some ridiculous, perfect moment. If she likes things manicured, our surprise, they answered... then plan it out. Do make eye contact. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many guys start looking at the floor, or worse, a table of women next to them. Do be in the moment. If the proposal makes her emotional (or, for that matter, makes you emotional), just go with it. If the proposal makes you both laugh, then go with that, too. Do genuinely and specifically compliment her the moment you see her on the day of the proposal, not just during it. She’ll remember it and it’ll mean more in hindsight. Do have a camera with you. (A smartphone will come through in a clutch.) Ask a bystander to take your picture together after the proposal—you don’t have to explain what it’s for if you’re keeping the proposal low-key. Some years down the road, you’ll want to have that visual memory. Do your homework on the ring and what she likes—find someone you can trust and talk to, and go with quality. Do prepare yourself for wedding planning to possibly start 30 seconds into being engaged (depending on the girl, of course)... Do remember that this story will be told over and over and over for the rest of your life—make it personal... and epic. ADVICE FROM THE FAIRER DON’T SEX Continued... Don’t propose on a Jumbotron at a sports event. (But you knew that already.) Don’t put the ring in food or drink. It’s gross to pull a ring out of a chocolate lava cake and stick it on your finger. Or to awkwardly slurp down your champagne to get to the ring on the bottom like it’s some kind of liquid Cracker Jack box. Also... there’s the possibility of actually putting the thing in your mouth accidentally. That’s not fun for anyone. Don’t overthink it. Those YouTube videos with marching bands, flamethrowers and Cirque du Soleil acrobats flash-mobbing a girl who’s about to be proposed to? That’s just crazy.