Fall Banquet, arguably the most eagerly awaited SA event of the school year, has graced us with its presence once again. Half the excitement occurring in the weeks preceding the event itself: banquet proposals.

The intense anticipation of who is going to ask whom fills the hallways and somehow intermingles into every conversation in the weeks prior. The art of banquet proposals, literally a competition for the most creative, unique proposal, has been widely interpreted, ranging from dramatic aquarium asks to a casual text.

For all of those still confused about how to ask that special someone to banquet, here are six tips on how to, or not to, get that date. (Side note: these methods are not scientifically proven and are not meant to offend any person.)

1. Don’t ask over text. It may seem easier at first because it doesn’t involve any human interaction, but the banquet event does involve actually talking in person. The way you ask doesn’t have to be fancy, but asking in person shows you care.
2. Don’t ask someone you have never talked to. The person probably won’t accept due to the fact that they don’t know you. If you really want to go with someone, get to know them first so you will have something to talk about at the event.
3. Don’t ask in front of a huge crowd . . . unless you’re sure they are going to say yes. The whole situation can become awkward in seconds. It puts a lot of pressure on the person being asked and in the case of a no, everyone sees it.
4. You don’t have to be super dramatic. Most guys simply ask with flowers, and even that isn’t necessary.
5. Girls, don’t be afraid to say no. If you really don’t want to go with someone or if you would rather go with friends, that’s perfectly fine, but be honest and remember it took someone a lot of courage to ask you. Also, know that if you use the ‘going with friends’ excuse and then end up going with someone else, it looks really bad.
6. And a final side note for everyone: If you accept a banquet request from one person, it’s not polite to accept a request from a more suitable date and then dump the first date. How would you feel if someone did that to you?

Now go forth and conquer the banquet-asking game (perhaps you’ll win the SA’s Most Creative Ask award).