Should you go ring shopping together?
That is the modern engagement question!
Now, more than ever couples are facing the dilemma of whether they should discuss their engagement ring plans with their partner, or let the ring and the rest of the proposal experience come as a surprise.
In theory the element of surprise in a proposal is what makes it so romantic, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right route for every couple!
Technology and social media seem to be big contributing factors causing couples to discuss ring plans. More and more couples are seeking inspiration for what ring they want online.
From Instagram, to Pinterest, to Facebook… the list goes on! With these external media influences at our fingertips the amount of options for potential ring styles has exploded. And this media influence isn’t only affecting the kind of rings we’re looking at, but the types of proposals we expect or plan as well. It seems as though these platforms are raising the engagement standard as a whole.
Fifty, heck… even fifteen years ago couples didn’t see their friends getting engaged on social media and they also weren’t busy pinning their favorite diamonds on Pinterest. Times have changed and for some couples that means a more open-minded approach and even the possibility of a discussion about the engagement process.
Since your ring is supposed to last a lifetime, most guys get nervous when it comes to picking out a ring blindly. Or just guessing what you would like. Let’s face it ladies, guys love directions. After all they want to get a right…the first time.
Often, when I work with guys getting ready to propose, their main stressor is not how much is this going to cost. Their biggest doubt is if she is going to like it or not. Men like to see their women happy!
With that said, this is truly a personal decision for every couple… There is no cut and dry answer for which approach is best. What we have done is create this handy checklist to help you determine which approach might suit you and your significant other better and lead to a successful and fulfilling proposal process!
— Fiancé A
You’re fiancé to-be is…
- Very particular about details. Small things matter!
- A planner who always likes to be prepared! ·
- Always adding to their Pinterest account.
- Confident in their strong sense of personal style
- Someone who enjoys being unique
- Open with you about their desires for their engagement ring.
— FIANCÉ B
You’re fiancé to-be is…
- A free spirit
- A lover of surprises
- Easy going when it comes to most things
- Spontaneous and up for adventure
- More simplistic in their lifestyle
- Romantic in more of a whimsical way
IfFiancé Asounds more like your significant other that you should strongly consider including them in the ring buying process and/or proposal plans. This fiancé type feels more secure when they are in the loop and there is a strong chance that they have their eye on a specific ring.
You don’t have to tell them exact details, but letting them know you value the relationship enough to take things to the next level and also know them well enough to ask their opinion will help ensure the process runs smoothly for both of you.
She will get the exact ring she has been dreaming of and you leave a lot less to chance..
If Fiancé B seems to be more of a match than you may want to proceed with the traditional standard and keep the surprise alive! Your fiancé will value the ring you choose simply because you picked it for them and the sentiment is what will matter above all. So long as you stay true to your heart and keep in mind their personality this fiancé type will be thrilled no matter what.
If you’re on the fence because you feel like your fiancé falls somewhere in the middle we recommend talking with their friends and family.
There is a strong possibility they will be able to help you decide whether you should open up the conversation with your partner or they will guide you in the right ring buying/proposal direction. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like taking the time and making the effort to get your soon-to-be-fiancés loved ones involved!
We are seeing a trend toward more and more couples going Engagement Ring shopping together. At least in the early stages.
What we have found seems to work well with a lot of our sweet couples that we have worked with is when she is brought into the design part of the process. We go through her likes and dislikes and sometimes even go as far as designing the whole ring together.
Once the details are all sorted out and the ring begins being made, the bride-to-be will step out of the process altogether and let him take over.
It is a compromise of sorts. She gets a ring she will love, but he is still able to plan the actual proposal and make it s surprise.
Any way you decide to do it is up to you. Just remember, when it comes to love there is no perfect answer… but what is done in love is always done well!
Either way, get in touch with us and let us help you fall in love with finding your dream ring!
