What is the very first step when you have decided you will pop the question to your girlfriend? Some men may jump into thinking about the proposal and how that will go down, but other men will obsess over finding and paying for the perfect engagement ring. This entire process can take up to a year in order to make sure everything goes as planned and finances are available to make it happen in the first place. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, make sure you read this article.
First things first: Make absolutely certain this is the woman with whom you would like to spend forever! Do not feel pressured by your friends or family members. Only you should make this decision.
Next, you will need to establish a budget for the engagement ring. Do not freak out over this because you can find a perfectly fine ring for far less than you think! Figure out what you can afford to spend without going into debt and stick to it. Also, some jewelry stores offer financing for their bigger ticket items. This can be a great idea, but make sure you completely understand what the interest rate is on such a purchase. I know it is painful, but take the time to do the math and figure out exactly what you will have paid when it is all said and done, including the interest plus the original price of the diamond engagement ring. You will likely be appalled at how much extra money you will pay over the course of a year or even 6 months! If this is the case, then you need to determine how long it will take you to save up for this ring for it to save you money in the long run.
Next, you will need to figure out what style of engagement rings your girlfriend prefers and what size her left ring finger is. Use her friends to help you with this one.
By now, you should have already been thinking about how exactly you are going to drop to one knee and propose. This should be a place that is special to you both. Some good ideas are the location of your first date or any place you love to frequent together. Also, try to keep the crowds at bay. Believe it or not, most women do not like being the center of attention when accepting an engagement ring.
First things first: Make absolutely certain this is the woman with whom you would like to spend forever! Do not feel pressured by your friends or family members. Only you should make this decision.
Next, you will need to establish a budget for the engagement ring. Do not freak out over this because you can find a perfectly fine ring for far less than you think! Figure out what you can afford to spend without going into debt and stick to it. Also, some jewelry stores offer financing for their bigger ticket items. This can be a great idea, but make sure you completely understand what the interest rate is on such a purchase. I know it is painful, but take the time to do the math and figure out exactly what you will have paid when it is all said and done, including the interest plus the original price of the diamond engagement ring. You will likely be appalled at how much extra money you will pay over the course of a year or even 6 months! If this is the case, then you need to determine how long it will take you to save up for this ring for it to save you money in the long run.
Next, you will need to figure out what style of engagement rings your girlfriend prefers and what size her left ring finger is. Use her friends to help you with this one.
By now, you should have already been thinking about how exactly you are going to drop to one knee and propose. This should be a place that is special to you both. Some good ideas are the location of your first date or any place you love to frequent together. Also, try to keep the crowds at bay. Believe it or not, most women do not like being the center of attention when accepting an engagement ring.
