If you’re at the point in your relationship where you think it’s time to take that next step, buying an engagement ring and planning your proposal are two big hurdles you’ll need to jump. Luckily, we’ve broken it all down into easily digestible steps so you can focus on the importance of this time rather than being stressed! Here’s everything you need to plan the perfect proposal.
Step 1 – Find the Engagement Ring
Searching for that perfect ring might seem like a daunting task, but when you’re resourceful and a little bit sneaky, it’s easier than you might think.
If your significant other has simply shown you or sent you the exact ring that she wants, then your life will be a lot easier. If she hasn’t, then it’s important to talk with her closest friends or family members to see if she’s shown her dream ring to them. Another great tactic is to take a look at her Pinterest boards to see if she’s shared a specific style of ring.
Thankfully, in this day and age, it’s much more commonplace to talk openly about engagements and for the female to share her desired ring directly with her partner. However, even if she does this, she might have simply shared pictures and not direct links. If that’s the case for you, here are some tips for finding the best retailer and securing the ring.
- Decide on if you want to buy online or in-store. If you’re shopping for a ring amidst COVID, you might not have another option than to go through an eCommerce jeweler.
- Do your research on brands. Read through 3rd party reviews, look at their value props, and make sure they have a return policy you’re comfortable with.
- Share the images you’ve been given with a diamond expert from the company. They should be able to help you decipher what style of ring it is and find one in their catalog that matches.
- Figure out which diamond you’re going to get. Often times images of engagement rings all have the same size diamond and this might not be the carat weight you actually want to get. This will really come down to your budget and what diamond shape she wants in the setting.
- Know your options when it comes to diamonds. Recently lab-grown diamonds have become an increasingly popular mined diamond alternative, as the only difference between the two is their origin. Not to mention, lab-created diamonds can be up to 40% less expensive, so you can get a bigger or better stone for the same budget.
Step 2 – Set a Date, Time, and Place
We’re not talking about the wedding quite yet. Before you can get to the aisle, you’ll have to plan the actual proposal!
The date you choose should be after you’ve received the engagement ring, as you wouldn’t want to plan a big surprise proposal just to find out your ring wasn’t going to arrive on time.
Once you have the engagement ring, decide where you’ll be getting down on one knee. Is your S/O a beach lover? Maybe you’re both really into hiking. Or maybe you enjoy the finer things in life and have weekly date nights and new/local hot spots. No matter your preferences, it’s important to keep them in mind when figuring out where to propose. It’s also key to think about if your partner would want an intimate/private proposal or something more public. And finally, decide how you’re going to celebrate and share your engagement with friends and family after it happens. Maybe you set up a group Zoom call or you have a small gathering after she says yes.
Step 3 – Plan Out What You’re Going to Say
So you have the ring, you know where and when you’re going to ask and you think you’re all set…wrong! The last step to planning a proposal is to at least give a little bit of thought to what you’re going to say! Are you going to give a speech or keep it simple? You don’t want to get down on one knee and go blank on what you’re going to say to the love of your life at that specific moment. Jot down a few ideas in a note on your phone and take a quick read over it before you get to the proposal location. You’ll thank us later.
Extra Tips
- Make sure her nails are done before the proposal day
- Set up a camera to capture the moment or have someone hiding close buy to snap some pics
- Wear something that can discreetly hold the engagement ring
- Plan more than just the actual proposal…you’ll want to celebrate after
