So I plan on popping the question to my girlfriend in Rome,and I have an idea of maybe hiring some musicians..violinist, etc. to come by and play for her right before I propose. I've been searching online but I can't find any place where I can hire musicians...maybe an odd request, but can anyone out there help me out with this?

Shabass,
One idea would be to email your hotel where you will be staying. They always helped my wife and I with tickets, or were able to arrange tours for us. Some restaurants have live music. Another idea would be to contact a travel agent that specializes in Italian vacations.
Good luck, hope this helps, Louie.

Where are you popping the question?

I will be doing this at the Trevi Fountain.

That's a good idea about the hotel, I think I'll take advantage of that.

Have you thought about some quieter place like the Hotel Raphael on the rooftop near sunset with the wonderful views of Rome? Its very romantic! Trevi is pretty packed with tourists,guys selling everything,mimes and in my opinion would be missing the moment.

Or depending on your funds-how about the hot air balloon that is tethered at the Borghese Gardens which you go up for a wonderful view of Rome?

You know, you are right about that. I didn't arbitrarily pick Trevi, it's just that she keeps talking about how that's her favorite placein Rome. There are tons of people though. I'll put some more thought into the location but I still need to make sure I can have musicians available.

>>I will be doing this at the Trevi Fountain.<<

I can well understand that the idea is attractive, but the reality is that you will be surrounded by mobs of people, all jostling each other, and you may not even be able to hear your musicians, let alone your girlfriend's reply!

There are quiet and pretty piazzas in Rome. Try googling for an image of Piazza Mattei, for example.

I think it is a much better idea for a spontaneous (or seemingly so) quiet, romantic moment with just the 2 of you.

a couple of ideas for settings.

- how about a dusk/evening stroll up the capitoline hill (to the right of Victor Emm. monument, overlooking the lit up forum & colosseum.

- if you are taking a day trip to Tivoli /Villa D'este gardens, a quiet moment overlooking the valley or enjoying the gardens.

- if you are catholic/religious, then in a quiet side chapel in St. Peters or one of the many beautiful churches in Rome. Or from the dome on top of st. peters. This would add a spiritual element, if you/she are so inclined.

How about the overlook at the Borghese just above the Piazza Popolo a little before dusk? It would be easy to have any musicians stay back in the garden area until you've actually popped the question ... and what a wonderful backdrop of the city.

If you like the idea of proposing at a fountain, the Piazza Navona has a lovely fountain, and there are MUCH fewer people there, particularly at night. You could go there after dinner one night and it should be a more romantic place than the Trevi.

These are all really great ideas, you are all really helpful!

I agree with the others that warn against doing it at the Trevi. Much too crowded and noisy. Your musicians might not be able to get close to you. I think the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona is still under reconstruction and blocked from view. There are two other fountains in the Piazza that may not be covered, but they aren't as magnificent. The Ponte San Angelo at dusk is lovely and almost deserted. What a view of the sunset behind the dome of St. Peter's and the Tiber. Plenty of room for musicians too.

Nix the idea of Piazza Navona as it is still under construction and all of Rome is there with the various artists at night.
The "wedding cake" aka Victor Emmanuelle is also under covering and renovation.
The hotel that I stay at everyweek in Rome has renovated their rooftop and it is gorgeous at nighttime. Where are you staying at? Is it possible to have a private type dinner on a rooftop of your hotel overlooking Rome that could include the musicians,etc.? That way it would be more intimate and memorable than sharing it with a thousand stangers and lots of noise and commotion. Just a thought......

If your girlfriend's favorite place in Rome is the Trevi Fountain and she can forever tell her friends that's where you proposed - go for it. So what if it's crowded - no one loves romance more than the people that will be around that fountain probaby. I agree with Rescue - check with the concierge at your hotel - they should be pretty helpful. If they're not - the concierges at the De Russie are amazing - call them and tell them you're thinking of honeymooning there but you need help with the proposal first. (Via del Babuino 9 | 00187 Rome |
Tel: +39 06 32 88 81 | Fax: +39 06 32 88 88 88
www.hotelderussie.it/index.html

If you have no luck, let me know. Our guide in Rome was terrific and he has a friend that works in the oldest violin shop in the city. I'll try to get some more info for you from him. Good luck!

shabass,
Your girlfirend has let you know that the Trevi fountain is her favorite place in Rome, so I wote for the Trevi fountain, and I have a feeling that even if you are surrounded by a thousand people at high noon, she'll hear your proposal loud and clear!

If you do go with the Trevi idea, you can have it pretty much to yourself if you go very early in the morning, say before 7 am.

I say Trevi but not at 7 a.m. unless you're already awake from jet lag. I vote for the other end of the day, the more romantic hour of midnight. There will be some people but not the huge daytime crowds. And I'd ditch the musicians and keep this as intimate as possible. Ask her to spend her life with you ... in Italian! The ring will eliminate the need for translation.

This sounds familiar. Did I see it in a movie?

Another vote against hiring musicians but you obvioiulsy know your fiance better than I do...

I once stayed at a hotel right across from the Trevi Fountain (I could toss a coin from our window!) and it did get quieter after midnight then the crowd picked up again around 7:00 am.

So a late night proposal after a good dinner sounds just about perfect to me, without the music, that is.