Steps to proposing over the holidays

The holidays are a time for many things. People pull out the stops when giving gifts. Families return to time-honored traditions. Loved ones travel across the world to be with those they care about. The holidays are also proposal season. The most wonderful time of year is filled with glittering snow and an optimistic attitude that gives guys the confidence to pop the question. Plan the right proposal for your girlfriend with a few simple tips:

1. Buy the ring

An engagement ring is arguably the most important part of a proposal - outside of the question itself, of course. Find the right ring before you start any other planning. Purchasing an engagement ring online will take a little longer because it must be shipped to you. Give yourself adequate time to shop and order before you plan the big proposal.

Education: Start your ring shopping by getting education. Learn about the four Cs of diamond grading so that you can choose a gem that's within your budget and that meets your needs. Gemstones are graded on cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Cut: Diamond cut shapes are also important. Choose a shape that best reflects your girlfriend's personality. If she likes classic jewelry, buy her a ring with a round diamond. An edgier girl might love an unconventional ring cut like the marquis or cushion. Take a look at the jewelry she wears now to get a better idea of what she'll like.

Go custom: Your girlfriend may have left hints to guide you to the right type of ring. Gather her notes and magazine clippings to bring to the Brian Gavin team. They will work with you to design a custom engagement ring that will match her tastes. Be sure to leave extra time to design and create the ring before you propose.

2. Plan the proposal

You'll need to put some thought into how you want to propose, whether you'll do it in a public or private setting. Use your relationship as inspiration to help you come up with ideas.

Setting: Some women would love a public proposal. You and your girlfriend will become the center of attention for a little while. If you think your girlfriend would like a public proposal, choose a setting that has some significance. For example, pop the question under the community holiday tree where you shared your first kiss. Choose a private setting if you don't think the love of your life wants the attention. A quiet romantic dinner at home could be the perfect place.