Re: Questions on proposing marriage and buying a ring...

I have to say something here. Proposing is probably the funnest part.
Especially if you know she will consent. Other men probably sweat
profusely hoping the gal says "yes."  I proposed in a restaurant to my
wife, but I made an arrangement with the owners to make it different.
The restaurant had shows and little plays that are amazing to watch,
like divers and acrobats.
The owners let me be a part of the show, and when I was done with my
act, the spotlight went to my fiance and the speaker let everybody
know who she was. I proposed to her in front of everyone! She loved
it! From what I suspected, women love to be placed on a pedestal.
Maybe your girl is more conservative, but I imagine something
extraordinary will impress her more. Besides, this is a wedding
engagement we're talking about, let's make it memorable! As for the
ring, yeah, get her size from a sister or mother. Surprise her, that's
what I did, and my wife is waaaaaaaay tooooooo picky. Or take her best
friend with you to give you some guidance.  Try shopping online if you
know the ring size, but go a place that tells all dimensions and has
many pictures to show. I always get a pretty high rebate from
http://www.rebatedonate.com  - just make sure you have a paypal
account. Trust me on this. Spend what you can afford!
Good luck!
_tyler_

"Nunya" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> >
> > My GF and I have been going together for 6 years, and it's "understood"
>  that
> > we'll be getting married.  I've decided that I'd like to propose to her at
> > X-mas time, as a surprise.
> 
> Congratulations :)
> 
> >
> > Unfortunately, I'm unsure how to go about this, and need some guidance.
> >
> > 1)  Do I choose the ring myself, ensuring that it is a complete surprise
>  for
> > her when I propose with it at xmas?
> 
> That's entirely up to you and which you feel she'd prefer.  For some women,
> the proposal act itself is as much or more important than whatever ring she
> gets.
> 
> >
> > 2)  Do I propose to her verbally ahead of time, and buy the ring later?
> 
> You can, particularly if you think she'd be one who would want to pick out
> her own ring rather than have you select it.
> 
> >
> >
> > There is a third option, where I can take her "ring shopping", get an idea
> > of her tastes, but this removes the element of surprise - If it comes to
> > this, I'd much rather take a more direct approach.
> 
> You might try asking people who know her well.  Mother, sisters,
> friends...it'll remove the surprise for them but they could be an invaluable
> resource on what she'd like.  More than likely she's mentioned at some time
> or another what she'd like.
> 
> >
> > Also, how much is a reasonable amount to spend on a ring?   I'm thinking
> > $5000-$10000(CDN), but lack perspective on just how much a ring should
>  cost.
> > My girl's not a materialist, but I'd like to give her something above
> > average without going over the top.  What is the average expenditure on a
> > marriage/engagement ring?
> 
> I don't think there is an "average".  The old standard was 2 month's salary,
> but it's just a guideline made up by the diamond industry, not a
> requirement. :)  Spend what you feel you can afford.  www.bluenile.com has
> some good advice for men on selecting engagement rings, you may want to do
> some research there.
> 
> >
> > How is marriage proposed, particularly in a situation where it is already
> > understood we will marry?    Is it done with a ring in hand, or does the
>  ring
> > come later?
> 
> I've seen it done both ways, it's as individual a choice as the couple is.
> Usually a woman will want the ring at the time of the proposal IME.  Just
> make sure you plot out the proposal ahead of time.  Blow her mind if you
> can. :)
> 
> >
> > Which is the more important ring, wedding or engagement?  Proportionally,
> > how much should be spent on each?
> 
> Ouch.  What's most important is usually just what's most important to the
> couple.  How much money to be spent all depends on what you can afford. I've
> seen gorgeous weddings done for anywhere between $1,000 and $250,000.  I
> wouldn't worry about the wedding costs until the engagement is done.  I have
> a feeling she'll have some good ideas on what she'd like to do. :)
> 
> Best of luck!
> -Shell
> 
> >
> >