Once you have decided that you want to propose to your partner, the next thing you need to worry about is the cost. Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring cost an eye-watering $2million, Megan Markle’s cost $350,000 and Jennifer Lopez’s cost $1.8million, but you don’t have to break the bank to find the right ring – and organize a meaningful, memorable engagement.

Below, we’ve put together some tips on proposing to your partner on a shoestring budget… 

Choose an affordable engagement ring alternative

It’s natural to want to head to your local high street and spend thousands of dollars on an engagement ring for your loved one, and perhaps you even feel there’s an expectation for you to do so. But the truth is that the cost of the ring really isn’t all that important – it’s being able to show your partner that you care. There are countless alternatives on the market, including the Claddagh ring, which is handmade and hallmarked in Ireland. This ring is designed to represent love (via a heart), friendship (via hands), and loyalty (via the crown). 

Propose from the comfort of your own home

Another area where you can save money is by proposing from the comfort of your own home – you can save a fortune if you don’t hire a venue for your proposal. Most women want to feel special when you go down on one knee, and there’s no more intimate environment than your own living room or bedroom. Planning your proposal in advance means that you can have some champagne in the fridge to celebrate and a romantic meal on the stove – once the proposal is out of the way, you can have a cute night in with your future bride (hopefully!) 

Get your friends and family involved – virtually

Friends and family can get involved in your engagement spectacular by recording videos that you can play on your phone or a TV. In today’s COVID-19 times, the chances are that you won’t be planning a physical engagement celebration, so tell friends and family that you trust and they can put together their own special messages. The best part is, it’s totally free.

Organize an engagement party for the right month

If you are planning to host a party to celebrate your engagement, the month of the year you go down on one knee should be a consideration. Research shows that men are most likely to propose to their partners – and therefore host an engagement party – April, May, July, August, and September, so consider a winter engagement instead to drive down the costs.

Do it without a ring – for the time being

Finally, consider proposing to your partner without an engagement ring. So long as you’ve made the gesture, she won’t care what you give her. You could make your own engagement ring from twine or metal, propose with a memento like a photograph of the two of you, or give her a ring box and promise that you’ll buy her a ring in the future. Ideally, you should be on the same wavelength, here: if your girlfriend knows that times are tough and she is happy for you to propose without a ring, you’re less likely to cause upset or offense when you do it.

Do you have any other money-saving tips? Let us know and check back soon for more!