Engagement Ring Etiquette: 5 Big Questions

The results are in! We surveyed 2,800 women about engagement ring etiquette – what are the rules for getting engaged, and which of those rules are meant to be broken?

Table of Contents

Engagement Ring Etiquette: “The 2 Months’ Salary Rule”

There’s an age-old myth that you’re supposed to decide how much to spend on the engagement ring based on how much you’d earn in two months. However, when we actually asked, 69% of women disagreed. The engagement ring etiquette consensus: a ring should cost whatever you can afford – the relationship is the most important thing.

engagement ring etiquette 2 months salary

Read on: How Much to Spend – How to Budget – How to Make Your Ring Look Bigger

Engagement Ring Etiquette: Forgo the Flash Mob

It might be best to stay away from dramatic and/or jumbo-tron proposals; 56% of women surveyed said they prefer an intimate proposal with just the two of you, while 28% said they want something small with close friends and family. Only 4% told us they’d rather go big than go home.

Read on: How to Propose – 10 Essential Proposal Tips – Proposal Inspiration

Engagement Ring Etiquette: Who Proposes?

So when it comes to heterosexual partnerships, are guys always supposed to be the ones to pop the question? In this modern age, survey says… mostly yes. 79% of women said the guy should propose. On the other hand, 12% said they have no problem with a woman proposing to the man, while 9% said they’d only propose if their guys waited around for too long.

engagement ring etiquette women proposing

Read on: Winter Proposal Ideas – Summer Proposal Ideas – Unique Places to Propose

Engagement Ring Etiquette: Have Your Sparkly Say

Collaboration is key! 84% of women surveyed said they’d be happy to drop hints, provide pictures, or tell friends/family about the engagement ring they prefer. Might as well make it a date night activity; 15% of women surveyed said they want to look at rings with their partners. Meanwhile, only 3% of women said they’d keep it straightforward and tell their partner their exact ring choice.

engagement ring etiquette women collaboration

Read on: Engagement Ring Shopping: Collaboration vs. Surprise – Keeping the Ring a Secret – Virtual Ring Try-On

Engagement Ring Etiquette: Splitting the Cost

The answers to this one were surprisingly split – 58% said they think their partner should save up and pay for the engagement ring alone, while 42% are open to sharing the check (with 26% adding the caveat that he can’t afford it on his own). Looking for the absolute best engagement ring option for your budget? We’re here for you, 24/7 – chat with customer service now.