Weddings are generally one of the most important events of a person’s life as it marks the beginning of a new chapter with one’s significant other. They are also one of the most expensive events the average person will pay for in their life with the average couple spending up to an estimated $30,000 for their wedding. Thus, weddings are not only an important keystone of one’s life but also a big financial investment. Even the process up to the wedding is an investment with invites, engagement parties, and engagement ring purchases.

When it comes to getting engaged, it’s good for people to be mindful of their approach to the proposal and know when the time is right to spring the question. Assessing the right time will help minimize the chances of having several avoidable expenses and unnecessary stress. One of the main features of any proposal is the engagement rings which many people unknowingly overpay for. According to research from Emory University, it’s been determined that the average price for an engagement ring shapes is an estimated total of $2,500. However, Fortunately, companies like Rare Carat help diamond shoppers to shop smart. According to The Knot 2021 Jewelry and Engagement Study, $6000 was the average cost of an engagement ring. Regardless of the exact figures, it can be conceded by many that purchasing an engagement ring is an investment. So, it’s great for people to be sure before deciding to propose. An even bigger question that surfaces than springing ‘the big question’ revolves around when a person should get engaged. In other words, how soon is too soon to propose?

Better Safe Than Sorry 

Slow and steady doesn’t always win the race, but time does give a person the ability to really assess their situation and make wiser decisions. Sometimes, couples forget that chemistry doesn’t maintain a relationship. Chemistry attracts a person, but it’s not what keeps them. An appropriate time to propose will be when both parties involved have a mutual understanding and agreeance on what is to be expected within the relationship. A fail-proof approach to proposals is making sure that everyone is on the same page. This increases the likelihood of having a successful proposal where the other person says “yes”. Therefore, a sure way to know when it’s time is to simply ask. As obvious as this approach is, some people avoid doing this so as to not ‘spoil the surprise’. Though, doing this will help the inquirer gauge where their partner currently stands when it comes to getting married which is better than being surprised by possible rejection of one’s offer. 

Knowing When the Time Is Right 

When is it the right time? And, how soon is too soon to propose. Many broken-up couples have shared the sentiment that they regret not getting to know their ex-partner fully. When people get so caught up in the Honey Moon Phase, logic and reason tend to be neglected for more favorable feelings of immediate gratification and wishful thinking. However, this almost always proves to be a major pitfall for relationships. It’s important for people to see their partners objectively without the rose-colored glasses. What are their habits? Is it possible to coexist in the same living arrangement with one another? These are but only a few questions people should know and be in acceptance of before proposing as living together is usually a goal for most, if not all, marriages. Furthermore, researchers at the Emory University of Atlanta published a study that found that couples who’d been together for at least three years prior to being engaged were 39% less likely to get divorced than parties who got engaged during the first year of dating. Keeping this in mind, a good rule of thumb for the average person is to wait at least 2 to 3 years before popping the question. 

Marriage can be a beautiful thing when it’s with the right person. By being able to assess the status of the relationship, couples can ensure they’re investing their time, money, and resources into something long-lasting and sustainable. By taking the pragmatic approach listed above, a person can gauge when the time is right to propose to their significant other and increase their chances of their offer being accepted.