Page Title
When It Comes To Engagements, Manners Matter
Contact:
Allison Grenesko
Edelman
312/240-2725
allison.grenesko@edelman.com
Margie Healy
Korbel Champagne Cellars
707/824-7715
mhealy@korbel.com
Korbel Champagne
Cellars and Author Peter Post Weigh in on
What’s
Important When Popping the Question
Guerneville, Sonoma County,
Calif., June 23, 2004 – Marriage proposals are modernizing
into an “anything goes” mentality, which is evident
by the growing “reality TV” show trend, and the
increasing number of Americans who have been engaged and married
multiple times. With this, long-standing customs – such
as asking for the father’s permission and getting down
on one knee – are often considered optional, and in some
cases, old-fashioned. In fact, a recent proposal survey 1 conducted
by Korbel Champagne revealed that 68 percent of Americans agree
there’s no right way to propose marriage. So what does
this mean for the long-cherished “Marry Me?” moment
and are there still “rules” to follow?
According to etiquette expert Peter
Post, author of “Essential
Manners for Men,” (HarperResource) “A marriage proposal
is a declaration of love, and it’s important that men consider
manners when it comes to this important moment.” He explains, “Although
traditions are changing, there still remain important etiquette
guidelines to keep in mind when popping the question.”
To help all suitors prepare a perfect
proposal, Korbel and Post weigh in on today’s most-discussed
etiquette issues:
Marriage Proposal Traditions: Etiquette Answers
Issue 5 – Value of
the Ring?
Does it not mean
a thing if you can’t afford the“bling?”
- Presenting a ring is a long-standing tradition symbolizing
promised love, but keep in mind that what you spend isn’t
a measure of your love. Many men feel pressure when buying
a ring and end up purchasing something they can’t afford.
Your ego isn’t worth falling into debt, but since her
happiness will make you feel like a million bucks, you should
find a happy medium. Do some undercover research to find the
kind of cut and band she wants, and purchase the nicest stone
you can afford. She can always adjust the style later.
Issue 4 – Meet the
Parents?
Let them know you’re ready
for the lifetime commitment
- This is one of the most common “etiquette” questions
and an area where the rules have changed. The concept of “asking
permission” may seem old-fashioned, but the modern equivalent
isn’t – declaring your intentions and talking with
your future in-laws about your life and career plans is a sign
of respect. You can do this before or after you’ve popped
the question.
- When you have “the talk” with
your future in-laws (be sure to include mom too), do it in
person or on the phone if distance is an issue. This is not
a topic for e-mail.
Issue 3 – Need the Knee?
Strike a comfortable pose
- This tradition dates back to the days of knights and chivalry,
and was once considered a sign of servitude to the lover. Getting
down on one knee still evokes romance and tradition, but if
you think you’ll be too nervous to stand, much less get
down on one knee, choose a pose that is comfortable for you.
Issue 2 – Romance Rules?
Sincere romance is the way to her heart
- Decide on what your intended will find sentimental and memorable,
and incorporate some meaningful gestures into your proposal,
such as popping the question at her favorite restaurant or
while playing “your
song.”
Issue 1 – The “Will You” Words?
Say the words she wants to hear
- Does your speech have to end in “Will
You Marry Me?” You
can customize your question—but be sure to plan your
words carefully if you stray from tradition, especially since
you might be nervous.
- Spitting out “Do you wanna?” or “Let’s
do it…” while you’re on one knee is unlikely
to fulfill your girlfriend’s expectations. You’ll
regret not planning ahead if you flub this line. Remember,
she’s been dreaming of this moment since childhood, so
make her dreams come true.
Leave the Etiquette to the Experts
As etiquette guidelines evolve with
the times, doing it right can be confusing, which is why Korbel
is helping men make their ultimate “Marry Me?” moment a reality. For the third
year in a row, The Korbel Perfect Proposal Contest invites Americans
who are ready to propose to submit their dream proposal for the
chance to see it brought to life by Korbel, complete with an
exclusive round Blue Nile Signature Engagement Ring (created
from among the top one percent of all diamonds in the world).
Judges will select three winning proposals based on creativity,
originality of concept and sentiment/romantic theme, and Korbel
will make them a reality just before Valentine’s Day, 2005.
One of the three finalists will also be selected as the grand
prize winner and receive an unforgettable seven-day honeymoon
cruise to Hawaii or the Caribbean on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Last year’s grand prize winner,
Justin Ramedia, of Tampa , Fla. , proposed to his
girlfriend, Beth Striplin, at The Rink
at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Ramedia and
Striplin have already set a wedding
date for March, 2005.
“Two of our past winning couples have already been married,
and two more have set wedding dates – this reinforces our
belief that The Korbel Perfect Proposal Contest is making a difference,” says
Gary Heck, Chairman and President, Korbel Champagne Cellars. “Proposals
are special, emotional moments for people, and because champagne
is often associated with these memorable moments, it makes sense
for Korbel to help bring dream proposals to life.”
Visit www.korbel.com for
more information on The Korbel Perfect Proposal Contest, including
Official Rules. Entries will be accepted at www.korbel.com or
via mail until Nov. 1, 2004. Contest is open to U.S. residents
22 years of age or older, where legal. (Void in California and
where prohibited, certain restrictions apply, no purchase necessary.
See Official Rules for details.)
Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne
Cellars has been a part of America’s greatest celebrations for more than 120 years.
Korbel has been a supplier and licensee of the 1996 Olympic Games,
the exclusive champagne of the past five Presidential Inaugurations,
a supporter of Team Dennis Conner for the 1995 America’s
Cup and the first global sponsor of Times Square 2000 – a
sponsorship that lasts through 2007.
Korbel is an Official Supporter of the 2000, 2002 and 2004 U.S.
Olympic Teams and the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Korbel is the number-one selling premium méthode champenoise-produced
champagne in America.
Blue Nile ( www.bluenile.com),
a leading online retailer of high quality diamonds and fine jewelry,
offers consumers a better way to purchase jewelry.
Blue Nile has received top honors from such respected publications
as TIME, Forbes,
and Real Simple, among many others for product quality,
customer service, and consumer satisfaction. Blue Nile provides
an exceptional collection of more than 35,000 diamonds, and classically
styled jewelry selected according to high standards of quality,
beauty and value. Cleanly designed and easy to navigate, the
site offers the in-depth education necessary to make informed
purchases with confidence. All Blue Nile jewelry is delivered
free of charge, and guaranteed and returnable within 30 days.
Blue Nile is based in Seattle.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has consistently changed the face
of the cruise industry and has pioneered a number of industry
firsts including Freestyle Cruising, which offers travelers
a more relaxed, resort style cruise experience with complete
flexibility and non-intrusive service of the highest standard. NCL
is also the leader in roundtrip seven-day cruising from U.S.
and Canadian ports, offering its popular Homeland Cruising program
seasonally from Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando (Port Canaveral), San Juan,
Seattle and Vancouver, and year round from New York, Houston
and Honolulu. NCL recently announced its new brand, NCL America,
under which its U.S. flagged ships will operate. For more
information visit www.ncl.com or
on AOL at keyword: NCL.
###
Celebrate Responsibly.
1 Source: Korbel Study conducted by
Harris Interactive from May 27 – May 30, 2004 . The telephone
survey was completed nationwide among 621 Americans age 25 through
60. Data were weighted to known norms for age, sex, geographic
region, and race. The margin of error is +/- 3.9 percentage points.
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