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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.

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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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