It’s no secret that an engagement ring is one of the most beautiful gifts a girl can receive.
While some brides have known the ring they wanted since they could walk, others have scoured Pinterest for the perfect ring. Many of us are familiar with the “three-months” salary rule, but does that have to be the case?
Ring: The Alexandria
According to The Knot, the average engagement ring is $5,900. Mind you, that’s just the average. Some brides have rings clocking in upwards of $10k. It comes as no surprise then, that hundreds of brides are choosing to forgo the bling and choose a more affordable ring. If you’re thinking about buying an affordable engagement ring, here are 10 amazing things you can experience.
Ring: The Belle
1. A downpayment on your dream house
If you’ve both been dreaming of buying that one house on the hill, put your saved money towards your dream home. Instead of starting your new life in debt, you’ll feel one step closer to your picket fence and 2.5 kids. Or 0.0 kids, whatever you prefer.
2. The most unforgettable honeymoon
While your ring might have a hefty price tag, unforgettable memories are free. To be fair, it takes money to make those memories but you get the point. A trip to Bora Bora sounds a lot better than a diamond ring, but that’s just our opinion.
3. Celebrate your 1st anniversary in style
You might decide to have a lowkey honeymoon and then a killer first-anniversary trip. This is the perfect time to visit that beautiful all-inclusive resort you’ve had your eye on for the past six months. When it comes to vacation, a little extra cash can certainly go a long way! Even if you're not planning on going away for your 1 year, splurging at that ritzy, upscale restaurant you've been stalking on Yelp will be possible with the extra money you pocketed!
Rings: The Rose
4. The ultimate backpacking adventure
If you both bonded over a love of hiking, this may be the perfect adventure for you. Take your saved cash and go on a true backpacking adventure under the stars. You can camp your way through your favorite national park or rent a van and drive across the country.
5. Tickets for the music festival on your bucket list
Music lovers unite! If you can’t agree about what band to see, how about you just see them all? Kidding. However, you can see a variety of bands at some of the country’s biggest music festivals – particularly the one you've been telling yourself you'll attend for years but have never had the cash to splurge. Plus, now that you're married you have a permanent festival buddy. Hearing your favorite song live with the love of your life? Not much compares.
6. Redecorate your home
Although you may love your partner’s five-year-old carpet and dresser, getting married is the perfect time to invest in new furniture. With all the money you will save on a ring, there will be plenty left over to give your new home a face-lift. A new couch? Painting the walls? Upgrading to a California king bed? You can do it all!
7. Cruisin' around in a brand new car
Just think, nothing can make your new husband and home more complete than a new car. While you may love the car that got you through college, it’s never a bad time to get some new wheels. You can drive around with your new partner in style, and you won’t have to worry about any surprise problems.
8. Multiple weekend getaways!
Let's face it. Sometimes a two week vacation once a year just won't cut it. Instead, take the money you save on the ring and plan out mini weekend getaways throughout the year! Whether you decide on a staycation in the next city over or you decide to jump on a plane for a long weekend, you'll have enough funds to keep the adventures coming.
Rings: The Sadie, The Star Light
9. Start your small business
This goes out to everyone who’s held off on starting a business “because it wasn’t the right time.” There’s no time like the present, and now you’ve got the support of a new spouse and extra cash on hand! Take a chance on yourself and start that business!
10. Do a wardrobe overhaul
Finally, we all have items in our wardrobe that need a serious update. Take the time to go through your clothes and see what you can get rid of. Once you’ve done that, a shopping spree is in order! You can start your new life by literally putting your best shoe-clad foot forward.
