How Many Salaries Buy An Engagement Ring?

A few weeks ago I went to a bachelor party of one of my old time high school buddies, since almost everyone there came from different backgrounds and economical situations it was very interesting to see the group of young men discussing many different issues, from foreign policy to buying engagement rings.
Yes, that is right, one of the main issues of the bachelor party was the dynamics of purchasing a engagement ring. It all started when one of the guys asked the soon to be married bachelor how did he decide on the engagement ring, and if he did it alone or used anyone to help him choose the ring.
This question sparked a very interesting talk between the already married guys, the main issues was not the kind of engagement ring and not the big debate on having a more traditional diamond on the ring or going with the modern no diamond engagement ring, but rather on how much money should be spent on a engagement ring, and more particularly – how many salaries should a young man put into his engagement ring.
Most of us know that there is this unwritten rule that states that an engagement ring cost should be equivalent to two salaries of the future husband. This is was the base of the debate at the bachelor party, and surprisingly enough most of the young men did not think that this is a rule you should abide to.
Today’s reality has many financial burdens on a young man, and this is even worst if you are already talking about a couple. Since most couples live together for some time before deciding to get married, some man find it very hard to deal with payments of the regular daily lives and the financial planning in involved in a wedding proposal and the future costs of a wedding. Add to this the fact that most young man invest a little more in their wedding proposal and do it in a fancy restaurant or on a weekend resort hotel and you got a very stressful financial situation.
The solution is creating a budget for the whole proposal, and trying to keep this budget as close to the real financial ability at the time, or looking for outer financial help on making the marriage proposal of your dreams, and paying for it piece by piece later on, without it causing you financial stress for a few months.
The two month salary rule is not a standard, but getting a fabulous ring that your future wife can show the whole world is, so you should plan this purchase in advance and try to find out financing conditions and standards in the jewelry industry, you will be surprised to learn that some places are very understanding and helpful, and that it might be much easier to upgrade your marriage proposal than what you think.
No matter what you decide to do, I strongly advise you to research the jewelry market online and find out how you can make the most with your hard earned money. Good luck.