Just in time for 'Proposal Season,' Korbel Champagne Cellars and Blue Nile Offer Tips for Creatively Avoiding - and Recovering from - Potential Marriage Proposal Blunders

GUERNEVILLE, Sonoma County, Calif. /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to seeking advice on coordinating the perfect marriage proposal, it's common to find that "planning ahead" is the number one tip. However, according to the proposal experts at Korbel Champagne Cellars, even the most detailed blueprint remains subject to the trials of Mother Nature, Murphy's Law, fate and even traffic jams. With Proposal

Season kicking off Oct. 1 - as the majority of marriage proposals occur during the last three months of the year - it's officially time for those about to pop the question to listen up and heed this important advice: devise a plan for a creative, heartfelt and romantic proposal . . . but don't forget a back-up plan.

Experts Advise to Expect the Unexpected Take the case of Chicagoan Barry Tarter, who arranged to pop the question onstage one night at a local jazz club, confirming his proposal plan beforehand with the headlining performer. The scheme moved forward as planned until Tarter missed his cue.

"We hadn't agreed on exactly what the singer would say to get me to the microphone, and I was so nervous that even when she said 'Is my friend Barry in the house tonight?' that I didn't respond."

As the night wore on and his girlfriend Dina became more restless in the crowded club, Tarter almost needed his own ambulance when the singer who had arranged his "Marry Me?" moment suffered an unexpected asthma attack onstage and was picked up by the paramedics.

"Thankfully I snuck away and found another musician to help me pull it off later that night, but my idea would have been spoiled if he hadn't cooperated."

After hearing hundreds of similar proposal stories and helping thousands of couples celebrate their engagements, Korbel and leading online jewelry retailer Blue Nile have partnered to provide tips on avoiding nine other top proposal "Marry Me?" mishaps.

Public Display of Affection: Having a crowd witness your proposal, whether it takes place at a sports arena or family dinner, can be overwhelming for your intended if her idea of a dream proposal calls for privacy. Proposal expert Jason R. Rich, author of "Will You Marry Me? Popping the Question with Romance and Style," advises, "make sure your bride-to-be isn't too bashful - or won't be too shocked - to accept a proposal in front of others."

Stage Fright: Since she'd never expect it of you, you decide to surprise your fun-loving girlfriend by performing a song at her favorite piano bar - in front of a packed house. Can you imagine her response when you get onstage so nervous that you can't even remember her name, let alone what you wanted to ask her? Don't push your luck if you're not a natural in front of crowds. Make sure the club can set aside a VIP table and arrange a private proposal - just in case.

One-Upped: One Blue Nile customer planned to propose at the city's top restaurant on Valentine's Day, but got upstaged twice as two other guys just tables away popped the question to their girlfriends before him. Romantic spots - such as intimate restaurants or landmarks - are perfect for memorable proposals, but they are popular on holidays such as New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day. Avoid competing for proposal time by having a back-up plan (or date) in mind so your evening, and your proposal, aren't upstaged. (Luckily for the would-be Romeo, he and his girlfriend had a secret place that held special meaning for them, so he whisked her there after dinner to ask for her hand.)

Dessert Displays: Creatively presenting the ring in a chocolate box or on an ice cream sundae can make for a memorable dinner, but be forewarned that mixing diamonds and desserts is risky. This type of proposal requires very detailed instructions for the waitstaff so the dish does not get bussed away to the trash before you ask the question, or that your girlfriend doesn't swallow the surprise along with her dessert.

Slow Going: Many guys discover too late that the jewelry shop they plan to buy the ring from doesn't have the right one in stock, or that the diamond setting process could require four to 10 days. Allow time for research, budgeting, ring selection and delivery, and plan to have the ring in-hand at least three days before the big event.

Practice Makes Perfect: Proposals equal pressure, so it's common to accidentally slip up during the big speech. Expert Rich advises developing a list of ideas, sentiments and emotions that you'd like to convey as you pop the question. Practice a few times in advance so your moment is natural and the words flow confidently.

Keeping it Confidential: If you take the traditional path and ask your intended's father for permission, it's important to speak with him privately to ensure your surprise isn't shared with others. Relatives or friends could unintentionally leak the news or send signals to the future bride before you pop the question.

Weather Woes: From snow in springtime, to hurricanes in the islands, some of the most breathtaking proposals - such as on helicopter rides or ski slopes - go awry due to unpredictable weather. Scott Gottlieb didn't have a back-up plan in Lake Tahoe when a cloudy day ruined his hot air balloon ride proposal for his girlfriend Lauren. "I ended up asking her at the arcade, and had the man behind the ticket booth hand Lauren the ring when she went up to redeem her prize." Although it was unexpected and charming, "it wasn't the proposal story I wanted us to have." When weather is involved, always expect the unexpected.

Wrong Rock: According to the 2003 Korbel proposal survey, almost eight out of ten (77 percent) Americans feel the engagement ring is most important when making a proposal. To ensure that the ring on her hand makes her heart skip a beat, go undercover to research her size and preferred style (both in metals and cut) before shopping. Asking her friends for tips or sneaking one of her favorite rings to the jeweler will get you started. For a built-in guarantee, shop at Blue Nile, as rings can be returned within 30 days for a full refund.

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.

Source: Korbel study conducted by StrategyOne from May 2 - May 4, 2003. The telephone survey was completed nationwide among 1,000 Americans. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent.