Historical clue formulations

• Preparing to propose, by tradition — 2017-09-19
• Begging, perhaps — 2014-08-02
• Waiting for the starting gun, say — 2008-08-08
• Like people in the front row of a group photo, often — 2007-01-26
• How many proposals are delivered — 2006-02-05
• Down after a hand? — 2005-03-12