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5 Ways Women Want to Be Proposed To

She’ll say yes if you propose to her like this.

We polled hundreds of women to see if they think these proposal styles are awesome or lame. See if your take matches theirs-so you don’t eff up the big moment.

By Annie Daly

OVER CANDLELIGHT AT A ROMANTIC DINNER

VERDICT: Awesome

It’s cliché for a reason: 73 percent of women say it’s swoonworthy. When you bring a girl to an elegant restaurant, the atmosphere makes her feel really special. Call ahead to let them know your plans, and reserve the most romantic seat in the house, whether it’s overlooking the water, fireside, or a private corner table. Secretly order champagne to be delivered to the table when she says yes.

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

VERDICT: Awesome

It’s not cheesy to propose on this special occasion: 79 percent of women think it’s a great call. Why? Mile-marker days are loaded with sentimental value, and proposing on day one of a new year says that you’re eager to start a new life with her. It doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

Related: The Marriage Mistake Hollywood Women Make

BY HIDING THE RING IN HER FOOD

VERDICT: Lame

Yeah, it sounds like a clever idea: stick the ring inside a cupcake, and she jumps a million miles when she discovers it. But hold up: 86 percent of women would not like to find their engagement ring inside their dessert. Most of them think an “edible” proposal seems immature and silly’ not to mention dangerous (um, what if she swallows the bling by accident?). If she has a sweet tooth, make her a treat that you can both enjoy after the big moment.

IN VEGAS, BABY!

VERDICT: Lame

Proposing by the slots is not hot, according to 71 percent of women. Most want to get engaged in a romantic place’not in some booty-poppin’ club on the strip. Get down on one knee in that wild atmosphere and it sends the message that you don’t take your relationship seriously. Consider popping the question at home or at some other locale, like the beach or a mountaintop, then take her to Vegas to celebrate.

Related: How Long Should You Be Dating Before You Get Married?

ON A SEXY BEACH VACATION

VERDICT: Awesome

Ninety-one percent of women agree that it’s hard to go wrong popping the Q by the ocean. Romantic getaways are undeniably sexy-think bikinis, lotions, sunsets, and fine food and drinks. Add a proposal to the mix and you’ll make it even more special. Oh, and if you can, go skinny-dipping the night of to really celebrate the occasion. Just saying.

ON THE JUMBOTRON AT A SPORTING EVENT

VERDICT: Lame

Flashing your request on the big screen is pretty played out, which is why 64 percent of women think it’s a no-go. While some may appreciate the attention, most find it just plain embarrassing and uncomfortable to react to such an important question on screen in front of tons of strangers. And since it’s probably being recorded somewhere, god forbid her reaction ends up as a “worst proposal ever” video on YouTube! A-game advice: If your girl is an über sports fan and attention seeker, consider giving her the Jumbotron treatment. Otherwise, save face and cash by popping the Q someplace else.

Related: The Secrets Happy Couples Know

WITH ROSE PETALS LEADING TO THE RING ON A RUBBER DUCK IN THE TUB

VERDICT: Awesome

Sixty-six percent of women think going the rose + rubber-duck route is a great way to propose. The combo of the quintessentially romantic roses and the quirky-cute ducky idea makes the entire story fun to live out and to tell, and it shows her you really care about her, since you took the time to plan the moment. To make your proposal flaming hot, line the bathtub with candles.

IN FRONT OF HER FAMILY DURING A GATHERING

VERDICT: Lame

Women are pretty much split on this one. Almost half of them (42 percent) dig it, because they think it shows that you’re willing to go to great lengths to please her. But the rest think the family thing is lame-they feel you’re turning the proposal into a spectacle, not a romantic gesture. If your girl loves to share everything with her family and gets off on being in the spotlight, go for it. But if she’s more of the private type, propose during couple time, and then make a big deal about announcing your engagement in front of her family at the next get-together.

Related: 15 Things You Can’t Do Once You’re Married

ON THE SPOT, RIGHT AFTER GREAT SEX

VERDICT: Lame

Yeah, we know your feel-good emotions are pumped up postsex. But even if you’re so high on her that you want to do it right then and there, 72 percent of women think it’s definitely not okay to propose while basking in the afterglow. Acting so impulsively shows you didn’t put in the effort to plan ahead’ and therefore don’t think she’s worth it. (Plus, she doesn’t want to have to tell her parents, “Oh, he popped the question with his package hanging loose.”) Our advice: Propose with your pants on, then celebrate (sans clothes) after.

IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON

VERDICT: Awesome

A romantic balloon ride is a thrilling, intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is probably why 75 percent of women think it’s an incredible way to propose. And when you’re up in the sky, your emotions are heightened (literally!), so your big moment will seem even more epic. (Just make sure she’ll say yes-if she rejects you, you’re stuck in the air with no escape.)

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