When your starting a new generation, and you are waiting for marriage requests via email, here are some things to do to get more marriage proposals.

Clean up the house so that there are no dirt spots, wrappers, or socks.
Pick all the weeds, and gather all the collectibles.
Take a shower, then get off for 20-30 minutes. You should have your first proposal.
If you get a proposal, but reject the person for whatever reason, do the same things then have them work on their job then get off for about an hour.
If that proposal doesn't work out, then do the same thing and wait 2 hours, then 4, 6, etc.

Note: take advantage of first 2 proposals. They will most likely be your best bet.