It can be awkward, but think ahead and do your part to make things less so.
The first thing I would do is to sit down and think about what you would like out of a relationship. Before approaching him - you need to know what changes that you would want made. Know what you're asking for. Filling out a BDSM Checklist (you can google it - they are everywhere) might surprise you as to what really turns you on. That's even something you could show him and ask him to fill out too (if he's comfortable with it) so you can both see where your fetishes match up.
This shows him that you've thought a good bit about it, done your homework, an are serious about it.
It doesn't so much matter how everyone else has went about it, because not everyone else is in -your- relationship, and you want to do this right.
Good Luck, Sweets
~TSD