Should You Pay for Your Own Engagement Ring?

According to various internet sources, rumor has it that Jessica Simpson paid for her own $100,000 engagement ring. Due to the rough economy, things are changing. Couples are now paying for their own weddings, instead of depending on their parents to pick up the bill. Should you buy your own engagement ring though? Here are some of the things that you will want to take into consideration before deciding whether or not you will contribute to the cost of your engagement ring.

Should You Marry a Man Who Can't or Won't Buy You a Ring?

The first question that you should ask yourself is whether or not you should really marry a man who is unable to afford an engagement ring. Contrary to what some couples may think, being married is not always cheap. If he cannot afford to buy you a ring, will he be able to contribute to the cost of a mortgage or rent and utility bills? Perhaps he simply is not ready to get married yet.

There are also some men who do not feel that they should have to pay for an engagement ring. They feel that if a woman really wants to get married bad enough, she should have to pay for the cost of the ring. Afterall, he is "getting nothing" out of it. It is important to consider whether or not you really want to marry a man who really refuses to pay for your engagement ring.

Do You Want a Really Expensive Engagement Ring?

If you are asking for a very expensive engagement ring, this may be a legitimate reason for why you would contribute towards it. The amount that your boyfriend should spend will ultimately be determined by how much he can realistically afford. For example, if he is able to afford a $3,000 engagement ring but you insist on having a $14,000 engagement ring, he may want your help financing it - or may ask you to wait longer so that he has time to save. It is important to remember that it is not the amount that he spends which matters most, but chipping in if the ring is expensive can be fair.

Are You More Able to Afford an Engagement Ring?

It's not that uncommon for women who earn a significant amount more than their boyfriends to pay for their own engagement ring. While your boyfriend might not struggle financially, he simply may have more debt than you do. If this is the case, paying for your own engagement ring may be realistic. If you feel comfortable with buying your own engagement ring for this reason, it is important to make sure that it does not make your boyfriend feel emasculated.

Ultimately, the decision to pay for your own engagement ring will be yours to make. Although some may feel that this is "pathetic" and that you should not marry a man who is unable to afford an engagement ring, there are certain situations when it may be realistic. If you want a pricey engagement ring, chipping in for the cost may even be fair. Before going this route, it is important to make sure that both you and your boyfriend feel comfortable with the idea. If one of you doesn't, it's ideal to consider other alternatives - such as him paying for it on his own or, in some cases, leaving the relationship.