Asking someone to spend their life with you is no small question, and there is a lot to consider before you both say I do. From finding the right ring to planning the perfect proposal, a lot of work goes into taking this next step.
In this article, we will include a complete checklist for choosing an engagement ring and what to do before proposing.
Decide on the Perfect Engagement Timeline
Every love story is unique, and yours is no exception. When deciding on the perfect engagement timeline, you will want to follow your heart, as well as your mind. If you find you and your partner discussing your future together, it is likely the right time to pop the question. Whether it has been six months or six years, when it is clear you both want to take the next step, it is the right time.
Learn How to Pick an Engagement Ring
These tips can help you to find the perfect engagement ring for your future spouse!
What is a Good Budget for an Engagement Ring?
The amount of money that you decide to spend on an engagement ring will vary based on what is realistic for you and how much time you have to save. In the United States, the average engagement ring costs roughly $6,000. However, you can find rings for a wide range of budgets to show your love.
When shopping, you will want to learn how to buy an engagement ring on a budget that works for you. While many people consider lab-grown diamonds because they can be more cost-effective, they are not always the investment that many people think of when compared to natural alternatives.
Decide on a realistic value for the engagement ring, and start saving!
What is a Good Size Diamond for an Engagement Ring?
There is no right or wrong decision to make when selecting a diamond size for your beloved’s engagement ring as long as you know they will be happy with it. Typical sizes can vary based on personal preference and even location. While the average diamond engagement ring size in the United States is about one carat, engagement rings in Europe tend to hover around 0.5 carats instead.
How to Choose an Engagement Ring Style
When you first begin shopping for an engagement ring, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are several styles available, and that can make it difficult to choose just one. Although it certainly helps if you know what your significant other will like, you can always simplify the decision by looking at the more popular options. Learn about the most popular diamond engagement ring shapes in 2023!
If you are unsure how to choose an engagement ring band or how to choose an engagement ring setting, you can always get help from a jeweler who can share insights as well. When in doubt, you can invest in the most expensive diamond cut available to show your love.
Finding Ring Size Without Her Knowing
Finding or knowing the perfect ring size is one of the trickier parts of shopping for an engagement ring. After all, you don’t want to accidentally tip them off to the fact that you are planning to propose!
There are many ways to find a ring size without your future spouse knowing, including:
- Secretly measuring one of their other rings
- Asking a friend or relative to discreetly find out
- Take a picture of their hand and yours to a jeweler
- Tie a string around their finger while they sleep
- Ask them early on “just in case”
Can you choose an engagement ring without knowing the size? Yes, but you will likely have to work with a jeweler to correct the size after the fact. Since not all rings can be resized equally, it is best to have a general idea of which size is the right fit or to work with a professional to ensure a good match.
Know What to Do Before You Propose
There are three very important parts to any proposal–time, location, and the proposal itself!
Figure Out When to Propose and Where to Propose
Before you can ask the person you love most to spend their life with you, you need to decide on a time and a place, like the best places to propose in Baltimore. The timing can vary based on when you feel most comfortable, but it can also be influenced by the location and weather as well.
Where you propose is a decision that only you can make, but it should be a place that feels magical or holds significance. You can propose at a beautiful restaurant, where you had your first date, out in a natural space, or at a place where you two often bond. Figure out where you want to remember your special moment!
Decide What to Say When Proposing
Figuring out what to say in a proposal speech can be very intimidating, but it is important to remember that a proposal should always come from the heart. In most cases, you will want to explain why you are choosing them to be your partner for life. Tell them what makes them special and when you first realized that they were the one for you.
For inspiration, you can always find proposal speeches online!
Find the Perfect Engagement Ring for Your Future Spouse Today!
No matter when it is or where you are, a proposal is always the perfect moment. As you decide on what your proposal will entail, dig deep to reflect on the love you have for your future spouse, and make sure they know why they are the only one for you.
To find the perfect engagement ring to ask with, explore our collections at Samuelson’s Diamonds. We have been supporting engagements since 1922, and it would be an honor to help you too!