Valentine's Day Proposal Tips From Wedding Experts At Ruth's Chris Steak House

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 230,000 American couples will become engaged this Valentine's Day, with a large percentage of those proposals taking place in romantic restaurants. "We average about 100 proposals a month – even more on Valentine's Day, because we make sure Ruth's Chris is one of the most special places for popping the question," says Ruth's Chris Steak House wedding planner and catering manager Misty Deflitch.

" The most memorable proposals I've witnessed are those that were sweet, personal and most importantly planned in advance, like a gentleman who created a scavenger hunt for his fiancee that led her to our dining room where she found her ring," she says. For anyone thinking about dropping down on bended knee, Misty suggests these tips:

• Make reservations and notify the restaurant in advance of any special requests, such as:
  • Do you have a favorite table? Ask for it.
  • Pre-order a favorite bottle of wine or champagne so that it is waiting at your table.
  • Not sure about the most romantic table or bottle of wine? Call the GM ahead.
• Ask the hostess to pass your camera to the server to snap photos of the big moment. The restaurant can even help spread the news by posting pictures on its fan page.
• Keep ordering simple to calm nerves. Most restaurants offer a Valentine's Day special for this very reason. At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we are offering an 8oz. Caribbean Lobster tail with a sizzling 6 oz. filet for $44.95.
• Pop the question over dessert. At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we often write "Will You Marry Me" in chocolate on the dessert plate. Toast with an after-dinner cordial.
• Ask the host for a romantic after-dinner suggestion, such as a ride in a horse drawn carriage (which can be arranged in advance.)
• If she is like most brides, she'll want to start planning right away. The wedding professionals at Ruth's Chris Steak House can develop custom plans and menus for every wedding-related event.