With one in five wishing their proposal was, well, better, if you’re thinking of popping the question this Valentine’s Day, you better make it count.

If the ring-marole is giving you a headache, our beginner’s guide to proposing like a pro should give you a head start on marital bliss.

Know The Answer

What do game show hosts, a good lawyer and a man who gets a resounding yes to his proposal have in common? They already know the answer before they’ve asked the question.

While the way you propose should be kept under wraps, you should be pretty certain the other person will say yes (and mean it).

This is one part of your relationship that you don’t want to have to do over again. If you’re not sure on the answer, ask yourself if you’re rushing ahead because it’s what you think you should do, not what’s best for the both of you.

Surprise Surprise

The stakes are high and, assuming they say yes, every single detail of your efforts will be told and retold to every family member, colleague, waitress, checkout person… so, yes, the pressure is on.

Don’t drop hints, however tempting it may be, and don’t try and scope out ideas. As ‘unofficial best man’ website ThePlunge says: “If you talked about getting married last week, then when you say, ‘Hey I was thinking maybe we could go on a hot-air balloon ride together?’ there’s a decent chance [the other person will] crack your code.”

Keep your cards close to your chest. Don’t tell too many friends. Lie if you have to.

Tailoring Is Not Just For The Wedding Day

If there is even a grain of uncertainty in your mind, then Do. Not. Do. The. Proposal. In. Public. Not only will it be uncomfortable if the other person says no, but they might be pressured into saying yes when they don’t really want to. A lifetime of awkwardness because you wanted to get down on one knee at the Manchester derby – not worth it.