One of the biggest decisions for those wanting to pop the question is whether you need an engagement ring to propose. Some want to make the entire proposal a surprise, including the ring itself. It’s not only the one popping the question who prefers the surprise approach, either. Many future fiancées love the idea of having a beautiful ring presented in a way that they will remember forever.
On the other side of the debate, some want to be 100% sure that their partner will love the ring. This is often considered the safer option. Although there are ways to avoid disappointment (more on that later), getting the ring after the proposal is the simplest way. Some people prefer to have a say in the ring, which means that an already-made engagement ring may not be ideal.
Proposing Without an Engagement Ring
With all of that in mind, can you propose without an engagement ring? To answer this question, here are a few things you’ll need to know.
The pros…
As we mentioned earlier, the biggest advantage of proposing and then choosing a ring together is the fact that it prevents ring disappointment. This is a very real thing that can turn a romantic, special occasion into something stressful. For the person being presented with a ring that they do not completely love, there is a lot of guilt that comes with having to either say something or live with the ring for the rest of their life. For the one presenting the ring, there is a sense of guilt in being off the mark when it comes to knowing their partner’s preferences. Proposing first and then choosing a ring together is the simplest way to avoid this situation. This will make sure that the ring is something that will be worn and loved, leaving everyone happy. Doing things this way doesn’t have to mean losing any of the romance, either.
The cons…
Losing the romantic factor is the most common reason that most people propose with a ring. The idea of bringing out that box, hiding a ring in a glass of bubbly or planning a fun way to present the ring is extremely romantic for many. Seeing the sparkle of diamonds and knowing what is about to happen is something that many future brides dream about. A super special proposal that does not include a ring can feel a bit underwhelming to those who want to add the surprise element.
What is the best option, then?
Ultimately, it will come down to you and your partner. If you have a relatively good idea of the type of ring your partner will love, go ahead and use the ring in your proposal. If you are not fully sure what ring they would love or you have even the slightest doubt on whether your partner likes surprises or not, it’s best to keep it safe and get the ring afterwards.
Whichever route you decide to take, finding the perfect ring is essential. At Cape Diamonds we offer a custom ring design service along with a collection of premium engagement rings that suit every taste.