With less than a month to go before the big Valentine’s Day, it’s time to start thinking about how to execute the best and most romantic proposal ever to occur on the big 2/14. But how do you make sure your proposal is NOT cliche? Here are some easy ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Forget going out for dinner! Cook for her!

Let’s face it. Everyone and their lover will be out that night, waiting in long lines to get into the best and yummiest restaurants in town. Why do the norm when you could make your dinner extra special by trying your hand at the culinary arts? She’ll definitely appreciate your effort. Not really the cook? Order fancy take out and set the mood with candles, flowers, and the whole she-bang! Nothing sets the mood for a heartfelt proposal like a quiet setting with just the two of you.

2. Forget the over-the-top build-up! Catch her off guard!

Valentine’s Day is known for over-the-top declarations of love.  So, why not take it 180 degrees in the opposite direction? Take this guy for instance. The day starts simply enough and you find out early on in the video that he got her gift certificates for miniature golf. Totally UN-ROMANTIC. But then fast forward and he starts serenading her before popping the question at minute 7:20.

3. Don’t try to hard! Do something fun!

Fanciness can only go so far. Why not do something fun like a scavenger hunt or some other kind of fun game to set the tone for your proposal. Take this guy, for example. He sets up a dart board with heart shape balloons on it. When she pops the balloons, she sees the secret message: “Will You Marry Me!”