Have the ring, but my mind is blank!

[weabit]

So, I’ve had the ring for several months (white-gold, oval stone and celtic knotwork on the sides), but I still have no idea how to actually propose. I’ve been reading up on proposals for weeks hoping it would give me an idea. Many sound lovely but just aren’t practical for us. We’re both women who are still in grad school, so I don’t have the money to whisk her away on a vacation, and since we currently live in separate apartments with roommates, there really isn’t a way to do a sweet at-home proposal either. She’s a hopeless romantic, with a flair for the dramatic, so I want to do something that will really sweep her off her feet. One of her favorite movies/stories is Beauty and the Beast (I’d take her to Disney if I could, but again, that price thing), so if I could work that in somehow in a tasteful way, I’d like to try (something with roses, books, those motifs). Any advice/help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sun-Shine]

CONGRATS!

Maybe you could somehow incorporate an antique version of the book. They can be purchased on ebay (in the $10-50 range) here is an example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/c-1900-Beauty-and-Beast-and-Other-Stories-Altemus-HC-Book-/160684220731?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item256986a13b#ht_4804wt_902

I received a book like this (100 year old Cinderella), and it was romantic and so different from the artwork in a modern book. There is something so nostalgic (to me at least) about the smell of old books. Plus it would be a sweet souvenir of the moment you proposed. I don't know where you live, but maybe there is some kind of beautiful structure you could place a rose, some candles and the book. There are lots of aspects to that story you could use, castle (or something reminiscent of a castle ), forest etc...

I don't know if that sparks any creativity in you, or is completely off base, but I love thinking up that stuff. You should post a pic of the ring if you have the chance and let us know what you come up with!!! I wish you the very best

 

[missy]

Maybe you could propose in a place that has special meaning to the both of you? Where was your first date? Maybe you could take her back there and propose? There are so many romantic no cost options so do not despair! My dh proposed in the park at dusk on a snowy day so as to recreate the scene of our first date. It was beautifully romantic and he spoke from the heart and that was what made it an amazing proposal. It's not so much where you propose but what you say and feel when you propose. Good luck and congratulations!!!!

Please come back with ring pics!!

 

[weabit]

The book idea sounds nice, I'll definitely keep it in mind. Missy, your proposal sounds wonderful! Unfortunately, our first date and the places important to us are back in Michigan (she moved to Virginia for grad school, I moved to Maryland. We visit every weekend). Her Virginia town is lovely, but we're still getting the hang of a new area.

Here's some pictures of the ring!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/secret1188/IMG_4363.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/secret1188/IMG_4375.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/secret1188/IMG_4378.jpg

 

[wakingdreams53]

I always suggest Hot Air Balloons because they're awesome and romantic and dramatic!
Do you have an anniversary coming up? If not, holidays are always nice. If it's all a surprise, you could say you won two hot air balloon passes and go. They definitely have them in VA/MD.
Unfortunately there are no B-way shows near you performing Beauty and the Beast, but you can still try to make a theme. A single red rose, enchantment, even a yellow dress!
Incorporating something like this would be amazing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/84196304/beauty-and-the-beast-bronze-book-locket..
Adding pictures of you, making the proposal 100% you two. Having a picture of sometime you both love to do inside. And telling this woman you so love everything you want her to hear and asking her to spend her life with you. (although now thinking about it, having two items might get confusing, haha)

The importance of the proposal isn't how crazy you go, it's corporealizing your feelings and making them known. She'll appreciate it no matter what you do, so don't stress too much

Good luck!
Also, Offbeatbride always has some great ideas.

 

[NervousBuyer]

Ice skating / winter fun? Pretty sure there's a scene like that in the movie. Never read the book