“Proposing marriage during the spring symbolizes life and growth,” says Michelle Williamson, co-founder of The Heart Bandits, a marriage proposal planning service. “This is a time where you’ll be growing and starting a new life together.

It’s a new beginning.” Michelle and her partner, Marvin Velazquez, recommend the following guidelines for proposing in the spring:

Pre Game: Find the right time to ask her family members for their blessing.

Plan: Don’t plan a proposal based on your likes. Proposing at a sporting event in front of thousands of strangers may not be her idea of the best marriage proposal. Make it personal; don’t use generic ideas you find on the Internet or in a book. Make sure your proposal includes special memories or inside jokes from your private moments. Create the plan, choose the ring, pick the date, reserve any vendors or venues, and decide on all the logistical details of the proposal. If you’re proposing outdoors, have a backup plan in case of rain. If you’re relying on children or pets for help, expect the unexpected and consider alternatives in case things don’t go as planned.

Cost: Excluding the price of the ring, proposals can range from no cost to $100,000, depending on how lavish your style is.

Involvement:  Asking for help is okay. This is one of the most important days of your life and there is a lot of pressure to make this moment perfect. Get a female perspective; consult with her friends. Hiring a marriage proposal planner may help.

The Ring: This is the center of your proposal, unless you’ve had a conversation with her and you know she doesn’t want one. Type depends on her style and your budget. Choose something nice that signifies your love but doesn’t set you back financially.

Flowers: Your best bet is to know her favorite flower if you want to include some in the proposal. Long-stemmed white calla lilies are beautiful and romantic. Gardenias, stargazer or Casa Blanca lilies, and peonies are also great choices. And you can’t go wrong with red roses because they symbolize love, no matter the season.

Destinations: Get an idea of a place she’d love to go. Maybe it’s local or maybe it’s somewhere she’s never been. Cancun, Paris, Venice, Schloss Neuschwanstein, Niagara Falls, New York City and Southern California are wonderful and romantic proposal destinations.

Locations: A hot air balloon ride; scenic hike; sunset cruise; upscale restaurant with a nice view; outdoor restaurants with a view of the water, skyline, mountains or rose gardens; an outdoor day spa or a winery are always great places.

Dress: Dress comfortably and in your style, but appropriate to the proposal activity. Nice slacks and a collared shirt or dressy jeans and a blazer may be fine.

Focus: Avoid distractions so you don’t give it away. This is about the two of you and the moment. Avoid anything negative.

Have Fun: Even though this time is stressful, this is the one part in the wedding process the man has complete control. Enjoy it, embrace it and celebrate your future.  

Social Network: Deciding to share the happy news is up to you and your fiancée. You may choose to keep it private and bask in your own happiness for a few days or you may choose to let everyone know about it right away. Make the decision as a couple.

Spoiler Alert: Don’t leave a trail behind. Make sure to hide any receipts, emails or other evidence of ring shopping or proposal planning.

Everyone will want to know how you proposed. “The story of your engagement will be told over and over for the rest of your lives,” Michele adds.  “It’s the first chapter in the book of your marriage and life together.  You need to make sure it is amazing.”