Well, I would not choose the ring yourself because unless you know exactly what she wants, you
may
end up with a very expensive gift that she doesn't like.  Think of all the wonderful sweaters
and
ties you may have gotten over the years becauses someone got you something they thought you'd
like,
but they didn't bother to ask.

I also would not propose without having a ring.

What I did was as follows.  My wife (firlfriend at the time) and I went ring shopping together.
 We
looked at engagement rings and wedding rings for myself and for her.  We both commented on thigns
we
liked and things we didn't like and stuff like that.

Then, I later went out and bought a ring for her because I now knew what style, color, etc she
would
be the most happy with.  She had no idea when the proposal would come and it was still a total
surprise when it happened.  Just because you go shopping doesn't have to mean it's coming. 
But of
course you aren't giving yourself much time at all so it might be more of a giveaway since you
only
have a month until Christmas,

You could throw her off by NOT proposing on Christmas and waiting until the day after or something
like that just to be unique.


On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 18:46:20 GMT, anon@anon.com wrote:

>
>My GF and I have been going together for 6 years, and it's "understood" that
>we'll be getting married.  I've decided that I'd like to propose to her at
>X-mas time, as a surprise.
>
>Unfortunately, I'm unsure how to go about this, and need some guidance.
>
>1)  Do I choose the ring myself, ensuring that it is a complete surprise for
>her when I propose with it at xmas?
>
>2)  Do I propose to her verbally ahead of time, and buy the ring later?
>
>
>There is a third option, where I can take her "ring shopping", get an idea
>of her tastes, but this removes the element of surprise - If it comes to
>this, I'd much rather take a more direct approach.
>
>Also, how much is a reasonable amount to spend on a ring?   I'm thinking
>$5000-$10000(CDN), but lack perspective on just how much a ring should cost.
>My girl's not a materialist, but I'd like to give her something above
>average without going over the top.  What is the average expenditure on a
>marriage/engagement ring?
>
>How is marriage proposed, particularly in a situation where it is already
>understood we will marry?    Is it done with a ring in hand, or does the ring 
>come later?
>
>Which is the more important ring, wedding or engagement?  Proportionally,
>how much should be spent on each?
>