Consider the personality of your girlfriend (or boyfriend). Some women long for a dramatic, down-on-one-knee proposal with a large crowd of clapping strangers observing the whole thing, while for others, that would be a nightmare. If she's shy, you may want to skip St. Mark's Square and head to a more remote, but equally romantic locale.
Research possible proposal sites before you leave. You could propose on a gondola ride, in a crowded square, in a cathedral, on your hotel balcony or over a sumptuous meal in a canal side trattoria. If you're thinking of doing the latter, check out online reviews of the establishment first. The atmosphere might not be as nice and romantic as the official website makes it seem.
Stake out your list of possible locations once you've arrived in Venice. Your perfect spot might just be closed down for construction or not quite how you imagined it - or you may unexpectedly stumble upon an ideal location.
Prepare the things you'll need to have on hand - most importantly, the ring. You may also want to bring a bottle of prosecco (Italy's version of Champagne) and some flowers or other little romantic items, depending on the spot you've chosen.
Let go of preconceived notions of how your proposal should go. You might trip, get tongue-tied or pooped on by a pigeon at an inopportune moment, but just go with it. Don't keep waiting for that perfect Hollywood moment, because they rarely occur in real life.
