Marriage Proposals and Engagements
Who Proposes These Days?
While it is still customary for the guy to propose marriage to the girl, it is becoming more and more acceptable for the woman to propose to the man. Either one can seal the engagement by offering an engagement ring to the other, however, as men don't always like flashy jewelry, they can receive another symbolic gift like a dress watch, money clip or good quality wallet.
If you are going to surprise your girlfriend or boyfriend with a very costly gift such as an engagement ring, as much as you are hoping for a positive response, be sure that there is a good return policy from the jeweler. Sometimes the surprise doesn't go the way that you expect or your beloved accepts the proposal but the ring looks awkward on the wearer.
A couple may also enter into an engagement mutually, in which case they may go to the jeweler or shop on the internet together for a pair of engagement rings and/or wedding bands. Showing deep love and commitment with an expensive engagement ring or rings prior to marriage is OK whether or not the wedding day is distant or around the corner. However, receipt of an engagement ring by the bride-to-be, while traditional, is by no means required, especially if funds are limited.
The wedding rings or bands to be exchanged during the wedding ceremony, on the other hand, are usually simpler in detail and more often are without the diamonds or other gemstones found on engagement rings.
Weddings and Romance has many more articles that may be of interest to you, such as our articles on Wedding Receptions and The Wedding Ceremony.