Pop the perfect question

Google "worst marriage proposals" and you'll come across horror stories and YouTube videos of men whose declarations of love were disastrous.

From a gynaecologist pretending to "pull" an engagement ring from a woman's vagina to someone proposing in the supermarket cold drinks section, good intentions can have bad results.

It is scenarios like these that Pippa Stewart, founder and owner of The Perfect Proposal, works to avoid. The Cape Town-based entrepreneur's startup provides a service that helps clients plan the perfect wedding proposal.

"Guys who come to me want to spoil the girl and do it properly. Some people say our service is impersonal, but it's not. They simply want to make everything amazing for their girlfriends."

Stewart has helped put together about 30 proposals, all with "yes" as the answer.

There are six wedding proposals in the pipeline, one involving a helicopter, fairy gardens and a wine farm. But all proposals are special, says Stewart, whether they're simple picnics or something more extravagant.

"Summer is more popular, but winter proposals are as beautiful."

Stewart would like to roll the service out to more parts of South Africa. Until then, those outside Cape Town can order "The Perfect Box", with items to help put together the perfect evening, whether it's a marriage proposal or not.

Clients fill out a Q&A detailing everything from the history of the relationship to their intended fiancee's favourite colours and flowers. Prices depend on the idea and range from R400 to R30000.

Stewart says South African men are undercover romantics.

"Afrikaans men are the most romantic," she says.

THE 5 WORST KINDS OF PROPOSALS

DRUNKEN PROPOSALS

Being drunk can boost your confidence, passion and spontaneity, but don't be fooled into thinking a drunken proposal is the way to woo your lover. A vodka-fuelled attempt to win the heart of the one you love will result in embarrassment, disappointment and regret the morning after. Wobbling while trying to balance on one knee, dropping the engagement ring and slurring your 'romantic' words do not a perfect proposal make.

SOCIAL NETWORK PROPOSAL

Skype, Facebook and e-mail are all good if you are far from your loved one and want to get the message across, but when you live together or near each other, there is no excuse to pop the question via a social media platform. A pour-your-heart-out handwritten letter to your darling, bring it on. But a sub-140 character proposal? Not.

FAST FOOD RESTAURANT PROPOSAL

You went to a burger bar on your first date? Shared a pizza on your first anniversary? Sweet. But when it comes to whipping out a diamond ring, make sure there are no onion rings in sight.

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INSIDE FOOD

Why would anyone want their hard-earned sparkler to get greased up inside a burger? Or sticky inside a chocolate cake? Not only does food taint the beauty and purity of an engagement ring, it's also downright dangerous. What if your loved one choked on the ring in her glass of champagne?

PUBLIC PROPOSAL

Asking someone to marry you is one of the ultimate personal things a person can do. Why ruin it by sharing it with anyone else other than your husband-or wife-to-be? Public transport, shopping centres and sports games are all out of the question, unless you want a rabbit-caught-in-headlights reaction from your partner. And if you don't get the answer you were hoping for it won't only be the two of you who know. - Huffington Post