Oh, I think I missed the "pop the question" focus to the original post's inquiry. What a fun chance for creativity you guys get figuring out how to do that one. Ultimately I return to my original response for the heart of my answer still, which is to pay close attention to the woman and focus on being sincere.

So if you have a woman who feels uncomfortable with a lot of public attention, propose in a very private setting. If, on the other hand, your woman would feel good to have an audience as you profess your undying love to her, and if you could feel comfortable with that as well, then maybe an elaborate proposal in a fancy restaurant, with the staff in on the event and participating in some way to turn it into a public celebration that includes whoever is there. I personally would hate that, but it's totally about what makes the two of you feel appreciated and celebrated in your desire for union. You can consider similar questions regarding how big a ring and what type, a straightforward request or something written, hidden, or decipherable, etc. You just have to know her, which presumably you do, and we don't.

Personally I can say, as a for example sharing, that I would enjoy anything that feels like it comes from his heart. I would like my boyfriend to have it be the most romantic moment of HIS life too. So I couldn't really say, "do it like this to benefit me." It would have to work for us both as a really intimate life event. I might like a somewhat public setting, but preferably among friends not strangers. It is nice to have that public declaration of love, yet also nice to have it be a private moment that is for the couple and not for the world. Depends on a lot of factors. I would definitely like a beautiful ring, preferably with a simple and elegant setting including sapphire and cubic z. (I avoid diamonds because of the many deaths and horrors associated with their mining). I might like to be dressed up at the time and feeling really beautiful, not coming in from the yard in jeans, but then a sunset surprise at the end of a daylong hike through the woods might also be just right.

I'm really trying here to come up with something but everything I think of I see the opposite as beautiful too. Again, I keep coming back to the same conclusion I started with. If its from the heart and reflects you both in its intimacy and joy, it will be a moment you both will always treasure.

I wonder if our definition of romance changes as we get older? I have to say that after 6 plus years of no dating, I would not turn down flowers or the like if the guy and I were really connected.