The Knot Reveals the Five New Rules Of Engagement; Recent Poll of 1500 Brides Finds Tradition is Changing, but Bended Knee Remains a Mainstay.

NEW YORK -- Does it really matter how and where you pop the question? You bet your 2-carat sparkler it does. The Knot (www.theknot.com), the most trafficked online wedding resource, recently surveyed 1,500 brides to find out what's really essential to the perfect proposal -- from the ideal ring to whether time-honored traditions still hold true. According to poll findings, new engagement etiquette is emerging. So if you're one of the many Americans popping the question between now and Valentine's Day, don't propose until you've read the following five new rules of engagement from The Knot.

DO GO FOR A BIGGER ROCK: 60% FANCY MORE CARATS, BUT ALSO WANT QUALITY

Of brides polled, 66% ranked size as more important or equally important to quality, while 32% indicated that the quality of the stone takes priority. And 25% said they would not be satisfied with a single stone -- citing that only a three-stone ring will do. Fortunately, 39% still consider a solitaire sufficient.

DO SURPRISE HER: 90% SAY TAKE MY BREATH AWAY...BUT NOT ON THE JUMBOTRON

She may hound you for the ring but when it comes to the perfect proposal, she still wants you to take her breath away. Over 70% of brides polled ranked the surprise factor as vital to the ideal proposal, while 20% said that a bolt from the blue would be moderately essential. Location matters too: Unless your gal is a die-hard sports fan, forget the stadium -- less than 2% of brides listed a sports venue at as the ideal spot to pop the question. Safe bets include landmarks (19%), a vacation spot (14%), at home (13%), and the site of your first date (13%).

DON'T BOTHER ASKING DAD -- BUT IF YOU DO, ASK MOM TOO

Tradition is changing. More than 50% of brides polled said that the tradition of asking Dad is unnecessary or outdated. But of the 47% who do want you to ask Dad for their hand in marriage, 21% said they'd like Mom to be included as well.

DO GET DOWN: 90% WANT YOU ON BENDED KNEE

You might not need to ask Dad, but some traditions just won't die: Don't leave out dropping to bended knee. Though you may think it's old-fashioned, 46% of those polled declared that getting down on bended knee is an absolute essential, while 44% said it was preferable. Only one out of 10 brides said the tradition was corny and outdated.

DO PLAY IT SAFE: OPT FOR A ROUND OR PRINCESS STONE SET IN A WHITE METAL

These days, most couples discuss the ring before the proposal -- so don't be afraid to ask her what she wants. If you wish to pull off a total surprise, play it safe with these guidelines: Opt for a center stone with a classic cut --50% rank round as their top choice, followed by the square-shaped princess cut preferred by 31%. Unless she's told you otherwise, stick with a white metal, which remains white-hot -- 86% listed platinum or white gold as the metal of choice for engagement-ring settings. Take a cue from her everyday style and other jewelry, and note what's popular with other brides: 50% prefer classic/traditional styles, 27% rank contemporary settings as their favorites, and 25% brides want a vintage look.

To schedule an interview with Editor in Chief Carley Roney or another editor at The Knot, or to obtain print-ready images of this year's hottest engagement rings, email The Knot Press Office at [e-mail] or call 212.219.8555. For more proposal pointers and to browse hundreds of engagement ring styles, visit The Knot Engagement Ring Search at www.theknot.com/rings.

ABOUT THE KNOT INC.

The Knot Inc. (OTCBB: KNOT; www.theknot.com) is one of the world's leading lifestage media and services companies. Its wedding brand, The Knot, provides today's to-be-weds with comprehensive wedding planning information, interactive tools and resources, and wedding-related shopping. Its award-winning website, TheKnot.com, is the leading online wedding destination and wedding content provider to America Online, MSN, Yahoo! and Comcast. Its newlywed website, TheNest.com, is the first online destination for the just-married audience, providing newly married couples with targeted relationship advice, living and entertaining ideas, interactive tools for daily life, and a robust community of peers.

The Knot Inc. also offers a diverse collection of wedding planning print publications. The Knot produces a national publication, "THE KNOT Weddings" Magazine, and, through its subsidiary Weddingpages, Inc., publishes "THE KNOT Weddings" regional wedding magazines in 18 U.S. markets. In addition, the Company publishes a wedding planning book trilogy with Broadway Books and a gift book series with Chronicle Books; and produces a televised documentary series on The Oxygen Network and a VOD service for Comcast Cable. The Knot is based in New York and has several other offices across the country.

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