What's the best way to get a girl to say "yes" when you propose? First, flowers - a nice bouquet for a start. Better yet, stage it in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, with a Christmas Toyland centrepiece display, no less.

And that was what Mr Benjamin Lim, 29, did yesterday after he got permission from the authorities.

The surprise proposal, with the attendance of about 20 friends and family members, took place at about 10pm after the dome was closed to the public.

Mr Lim went down on one knee and popped the question to his girlfriend, Ms Clarice Choong, 26. How could she refuse? She said "yes".