Are you ready to propose? 4 things you should do before popping the question

Many couples choose to marry after a period of courtship. This may be due to religious convictions or personal values. Others opt to marry for legal reasons. Spouses can be covered on their partner’s health insurance and it can simplify the process of establishing your partner as your legal beneficiary.

Whatever your reasons for considering marriage, there are some important steps to take before you get down on bended knee to ensure your proposal is perfect. 

1. Discuss the Future

Talk to your partner about your hopes for the future. Have a clear understanding of where they see your relationship heading and how they feel about marriage. Some people are reluctant to get married, or may not be ready to make that commitment yet. If you propose before they’re ready it may cause conflict in your relationship. 

It may be crucial to discuss your intentions with your partner’s family if your partner is close to their parents or siblings. Your partner may be influenced by their family and may not feel they can commit to marriage without the support of their closest relatives. When appropriate, ask for their blessing before you propose. 

2. Understand Their Expectations

Some people have specific ideas about what the perfect engagement looks like. A private person may be overwhelmed and uncomfortable if you propose in a crowded restaurant or at a football game. An extrovert may prefer a public proposal with all of their friends present. Others may dream about a romantic stroll on a beach at sunset before their partner gets down on bended knee. 

There may be other issues that your partner wishes to address before you get engaged. Talk about whether or not you want to have children. Discuss your career goals. Consider where you want to live and work. You may have to identify an effective compromise if your partner plans to work overseas and you want to stay in the neighborhood you grew up in. There may also be health factors that need to be considered, such as allergies to pets or asthma. You may have to make lifestyle changes to accommodate your partner’s medical needs, and your partner needs to be assured you are prepared to do this before you get engaged.

3. Buy a Ring

Your partner may have specific beliefs that will impact the decisions you make when you’re buying a ring. Most people opt for a diamond ring when they propose. Many diamonds are mined in war-torn regions and the cost of the diamond may be used to fundmilitants who oppose the government. Other diamonds are extracted from mines that are unsafe, leading to deaths and injuries that could be avoided. 

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in laboratories. They are real diamonds that are indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Read Agape Diamond reviews to inform your decisions before you buy an engagement ring. You may also want to invest in matching jewelry and purchase earrings, pendants, and bracelets that complement the engagement ring you choose. Environmentalists and activists will appreciate a beautiful ring from Agape Diamonds that was ethically sourced. 

4. Review Your Finances

Many people are waiting to get married and have an established career. One of the advantages of waiting to marry is that you are more likely to have your finances in order. With an established career, you may already have savings to cover a downpayment on a house and have a vehicle. You or your partner may also have debts. Review your expenses and be realistic about your finances. Student loans, credit card debt and car payments will add to your monthly budget. You may also have to pay higher health care premiums and alter your insurance policies. 

Weddings are expensive. The wedding industry generated $300 billion in global revenue in 2015. In addition to the cost of the rings, wedding costs typically include venue rentals, food, invitations, entertainment, a bridal gown, tuxedos, flowers, decorations, a marriage license, and ministerial services. Determine what expenses may be covered by family members and what costs you will be responsible for to ensure you can produce a reasonable wedding budget and afford the wedding of your dreams without accruing debt.