Is it best to take the ';head-on'; approach or go about the subject cautiously when discussing marriage?

I know it's different for everyone. Im just asking to see how other people handle their big discussions!Is it best to take the ';head-on'; approach or go about the subject cautiously when discussing marriage?
I think that talking about it openly is important, but it's even more important not to push your partner to anything. So discussing it would be ok, while trying to persuade him/her would be very wrong, in my opinion.