Asking someone to marry you is an incredibly meaningful and special moment—but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. After all, the engagement ring you choose will be a symbol of your love and commitment for many years to come. It’s important to choose wisely! Fortunately, we have put together this guide to make the process of choosing an engagement ring as easy (and fun!) as possible.

Set Your Budget

The first step in the process is setting your budget. You want to find a ring that fits within your financial means without breaking the bank. There are plenty of affordable options out there, so don’t be tempted by those ads that say “two months salary”—unless, of course, your two month salary is more than $20,000! Be realistic in your budgeting and make sure you consider any other costs associated with buying a ring such as insurance or resizing.

Consider Your Partner's Style

When shopping for an engagement ring, it helps to consider your partner's style. Does your partner normally wear jewelry and if so, it it classic jewelry or more modern designs? Is yellow gold or white gold preferred? Is there a fondness for diamonds or other gemstones? Most importantly, consider whether your partner might want to be included in the choosing of the ring or if there is a close friend that could help with the decision. Knowing these personal preferences will help narrow down your search. This is something that will be worn for the rest of your partner's life so you want to make sure that it will be loved. It might help to check out her existing jewelry collection for ideas as well for any insights into jewelry tastes.

Research Rings

There are so many designs out there these days that it can be overwhelming when choosing a ring. Take some time to research different styles and settings before making a decision. It might help if you narrow down your choices first by deciding what type of metal you want (gold, silver, platinum), then looking at stone shapes and sizes. It can help to look at other people’s rings too – maybe even ask them where they bought their rings from! That way you can get an idea of what might look best on your partner's finger.

Work with Professionals

It's also important to work with professionals when buying an engagement ring. Look for a trusted jeweler who can answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction when it comes time to make a purchase. A knowledgeable jeweler will be able to show you different styles and explain the various features so that you can make an informed decision about which ring is best for your partner and your budget.

Have Fun With It!

Buying an engagement ring doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating – it should be exciting! Think about adding a personal touch like having the inside engraved with initials or wedding date or adding a special message on the box or wrapping paper. If you want something truly unique, consider having the ring custom-made with special features such as engravings, gemstones or vintage elements. Remember – this is supposed to be fun!

Congratulations – now that you have gone through our guide for buying an engagement ring, you should feel confident in your ability to pick out the perfect one for your beloved partner in crime! Now all that’s left is for you two lovebirds to live happily ever after…we hope it works out for ya! Good luck shopping and don’t forget—have fun with it! You only get one chance — make sure it counts!