Wedding Ideas

My Trio Rings continues to bring you information about the best places to propose around the country. This post is part of the My Trio Rings Precious Places series, which uses Mashable's Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged list for inspiration. 

If you live in Seattle and love the romance of a grey day, or galoshes in the rain, then you safely propose at any time of year. But if you would like to propose marriage in the sunshine, then summer is the time to do it, when you can count on many warm and sunny Seattle days.

The Best Places to Propose in Seattle

1. Check on the forecast, grab your diamond cluster engagement ring, and head to Pike Place Market. Hold hands as you wander the shops and stalls in search of the freshest fruit, baked goods, cheese, and wine for an al fresco lunch along the Puget Sound that includes a surprise course – diamonds!

2. For a more weather-proof dining destination, consider getting reservations at the popular restaurant Maximilien, near Pike Place Market. If the weather is nice, you can sit on the patio and enjoy the waterfront. If the weather turns, you can still enjoy a romantic meal indoors, with regional specialties prepared with a French twist.

3. If sitting down for a meal together at a nice restaurant doesn’t land on your list of best places to propose, then you may wish to consider walking around the shops and galleries of historic Pioneer Square or the bookstores and antique shops of the Queen Anne neighborhood, then finding an appropriate bench. Or you may prefer the idea of bringing your diamond cluster engagement ring along on a horse-drawn carriage ride along the stunning Seattle waterfront.

4. Does your girlfriend make you feel like you are on top of the world? Your ideal proposal spot may be at the top of the Seattle Space Needle, 600 feet above the city. Call ahead to find out the least busy times to visit this popular tourist destination, and make a plan to pop the question surrounded by gorgeous views of the Seattle city scape.

Do you live in the Seattle area? Share your proposal story with us!

Choose a diamond cluster engagement ring and start planning your perfect proposal today!

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This post is part of the My Trio Rings Precious Places series, which uses Mashable's Top 10 Cities for Getting Engaged list for inspiration. 

Milwaukee may be known more for its beer than its romantic destinations, but if you're ready to propose, the lakeside city just might surprise you with all that it has to offer. 

Where to Propose in Milwaukee

Against a beautiful outdoor backdrop

Milwaukee Riverwalk is one of the city's most beautiful walkable areas. Three miles long, it stretches through the heart of downtown and features public sculptures, scenic views, and restaurants and breweries. Take a 360-degree tour online and pick out the spot where you'll present her with a stunning diamond cluster engagement ring.

Consider bringing an evening picnic to watch the sunset at South Shore Park in Bay View. Eat a romantic dinner together at one of the picnic tables and go for a leisurely walk on the beach. When the moment is right, kneel down in the sand and pop the question. 

If you're ready to propose in the spring or summer, Bradford Beach is a perfect choice. Enjoy the sunshine together, sip a tropical drink at the tiki bar, and splash around in Lake Michigan. Take a stroll on the soft sand and find the right moment to ask her to marry you.  

During a romantic dinner

Lake Park Bistro is well known as one of the most romantic restaurants in Milwaukee. Reserve a lake view table at sunset and choose from the extensive wine list. Whatever you order from the menu of French cuisine is sure to be delicious, whether it's filet mignon or fresh fish. The terrace is a beautiful place to present a diamond cluster engagement ring after the meal and ask for her hand.

A three-course dinner cruise on Lake Michigan is a beautiful place to propose. The Edelweiss has several options for two-hour cruises, where you'll enjoy a three-course meal with wine while gazing at spectacular views of Lake Michigan at night.

If you're ready to propose to someone who loves Italian food, make a reservation at The Pasta Tree. The restaurant has won many awards for Best Italian Food and Most Romantic Restaurant in Milwaukee. The homemade pasta melts in your mouth, and the secret garden patio will make you feel as if you're actually in Bella Italia. 

Before you propose in Milwaukee, select a diamond cluster engagement ring that she'll love -- without straining your budget.

Popular culture tells us that every woman fantasizes about her perfect wedding and her ideal diamond cluster engagement ring from childhood. And popular culture also teaches us that most men are not quite so quick to dream about marriage. But whatever the truth is, guys, you are planning a wedding now, and you are looking forward to creating a life with the woman of your dreams. You’ve shopped for a diamond cluster engagement ring for your wife-to-be. You’ve planned the perfect proposal. So here’s the question – have you thought about your own affordable wedding ring?

How to Pick an Affordable Wedding Ring for Men

1. Choose a Coordinating Ring

If you’ve already selected a beautiful diamond cluster engagement ring and matching wedding band for your bride-to-be, or if you have already chosen a bridal ring set together, then you may have an easy decision ahead of you. My Trio Rings offers three ring sets for purchase that include an engagement ring as well as wedding bands for the bride and groom. If you like the men’s wedding band that coordinates with your fiance’s set, then your decision is as easy as ordering the coordinating affordable wedding ring.

2. Decide on a Price Range

If you are having a hard time deciding on a wedding ring, and you are on a very tight budget, then the easiest thing to do may be to first narrow the possible ring options to a more manageable pool to choose from by simply eliminating any rings that don’t fit into your target budget. If you wish to stay under $300 for your wedding band, for example, then My Trio Rings offers five different ring choices in that price range, and it is up to you to decide whether you prefer a style that is more simple, more modern, or more organic.

3. Determine Your Style

If you’re like most guys, you may not have spent much time contemplating jewelry before. If this is the case, then you may need to take some time to narrow down your affordable wedding ring style choices. Do you prefer yellow gold or white gold jewelry? Are you more classic or contemporary? Do you prefer straight lines or curves? Do you prefer a lot of diamonds or just a few? If you can narrow your search, then it will be easier to know when you have found the right ring.

Start shopping today! 

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This Valentine's Day, don't think roses -- think rings! There is still time to buy a diamond cluster engagement ring if you want to propose this year on Valentine's Day. Whether you decide to buy a single engagement ring or a trio wedding ring set that includes an engagement ring, start coming up with your creative proposal ideas now. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

5 Creative Proposal Ideas

1. Buy a dozen roses for your girlfriend. Tie the roses with a ribbon, and slip a diamond cluster engagement ring onto the ribbon as you tie the bow. When she takes the flowers from you, she should brush the ring with her fingers.

2. Turn a casual coffee date into something more by hiding a diamond cluster engagement ring on the saucer under the cup when you carry her coffee from the counter to the table. She will see the ring when she lifts the mug to take a sip. Consider getting the barista involved by requesting a heart-shaped swirl of steamed milk, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.

3. Give her a book for Valentine's Day. Before you wrap her gift, cut some of the pages out, and tape the ring inside. When she opens the book to flip through politely, she will find the diamond cluster engagement ring hiding inside!

4. Create a treasure hunt with clues that will remind her of special memories that the two of you share. When she reads the final clue, follow her to where you have hidden the engagement ring, and get down on one knee to propose to her.

5. Arrange a night of dinner and dancing. Request a special song from the DJ. When the love song that you requested is played, take her left hand and slip a diamond cluster engagement ring onto her ring finger while the two of you are dancing.

What are your creative proposal ideas?

Photo credit: Corey Ann