Every woman has some sort of an idea of what kind of ring she wants on her finger when the man of her dreams finally proposes marriage. Our mothers, friends and the media have all shaped our ideas of what that perfect, special ring will look like. However, before you start planning your big day and setting up appointments for wedding dress shopping, why not spend some extra time thinking about the design and style of your engagement ring?

While you may have already memorized the four Cs of diamonds, it’s also important to consider your own personal style. There is a nearly infinite amount of design options when it comes to your engagement and wedding bands. These rings are tokens of your marriage, and considering that you will wear these pieces of jewelry every day, it makes perfect sense that you will want the most ideal cut, color, carat, clarity and beyond.

If you are searching for your first engagement ring, here are a few things to consider to make for a seamless shopping experience.

1. Know your budget. You may find the perfect ring while shopping around, only to find out that it’s more than your allotted budget. Some couples spend so much money on rings, wedding arrangements and their actual wedding day that they are left with piles of debt and empty wallets. Instead, figure out a budget and stick with it. You definitely don’t want to start your marriage with an enormous amount of debt.
2. Get your man involved in the process. Some men have the idea that engagement ring shopping should be secretive, but if you don’t mind ruining the surprise and making your voice known, maybe shopping with your soon-to-be-husband isn’t such a bad idea. Some men have no real idea of what you want in a ring. Helpful cues and discussions with friends and family may help him out before shopping, but your guidance will be much more helpful.
3. Decide if you want a traditional band or an untraditional ring. While a gold band and a princess-cut diamond ring may work for others, your distinct style may guide you in a different direction when examining all of the different styles of rings. For instance, colored diamonds are becoming a popular trend. You might also find that sapphire engagement rings are more your speed. Maybe you have an avant-garde approach to jewelry and prefer a black diamond. Or perhaps the idea of a non-diamond is what you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t be afraid to be different. This is your ring and you should be happy with it, no matter the color, stone or size.

If you want to break away from tradition, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be involved in the ring-purchasing process. Your wedding bands are one of the first investments you will make as a new couple, so you should be 100 percent happy with the ring he proposes to you with. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and give opinions.

About the Author

Caitlin is a bridal expert who specializes in quirky weddings. She loves the idea of non-traditional engagement rings that include gemstones, colors and other features. She hopes to convince brides to think outside the box a bit and get involved in the process of picking out their dream rings.