If you're going to pop the question in 2024, Jack Weir & Sons have some helpful tips for you (and your partner) to plan the perfect proposal complete with the perfect engagement ring..
Here at Jack Weir & Sons, there are few things we love more than big, beautiful engagement stories. Getting engaged is a significant milestone in life, marking the beginning of a new journey as a couple. As we step into 2024, engagements have evolved to be more personalized and meaningful than ever. Obviously we believe the ring is a huge part of the engagement story - it is our business after all, but in this comprehensive guide, we wanted to explore more than just the ring - we wanted to explore how to plan the more exquisite engagement and focus on what matters - creating a memorable experience for you and your partner. We know that the era of cookie-cutter engagements is long gone. Our best piece of advice is to do what feels right to you - embrace what feels special about your relationship and move from there.
First thing? Communication is key. Discussing your future together and ensuring you're both ready for this next step is crucial. While the proposal can be a surprise, the decision to get married should not be. Second thing? Know Your Partner's Preferences: Before anything else, ensure you understand your partner's taste. Would they appreciate a private moment or a grand gesture in front of family and friends? Keep their comfort and preferences at the forefront.
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Keeping Up with Engagement Trends
While we encourage you to build your engagement around your personal relationship, sometimes it’s not a bad idea to use some inspiration to get those thoughts flowing. Instagram and Pinterest are great sources for inspiration, as are fashion magazines, jewelry websites and even your partner's jewelry box.
If it’s helpful, some trends that we are seeing as we move into 2024 are:
More sustainable practices - Eco-friendly engagements are on the rise. Consider sustainable rings (did you know that estate rings are especially sustainable?), local venues, flower seeds instead of confetti and purchasing any accessories for the engagement with intention to use them more than once.
Intimate Settings - We’ve all been witness to a grand gesture in the middle of an NBA game - that moment on the kiss cam when they say YES is truly unforgettable. However, in this era where everything is everywhere, there seems to be a growing preference for a bit more privacy and more intimate, meaningful settings.
Tech Integrations - With technology as impressive as it these days, there’s no reason why you can’t embrace an intimate engagement and then be able to share it with friends and family once you two have had the time you need to enjoy the moment and process the feelings. Zoom is an incredible thing.
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Selecting the Perfect Ring
We may be biased but we think that the engagement ring is a centerpiece of any proposal. In 2024, custom ring designs are more accessible, allowing you to create a piece that truly represents your partner's style. Please reach out to us here at Jack Weir & Sons to help you understand your options and assess what kind of ring you might want to choose. You might want to start here for some inspiration.
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Before you start ring shopping, we definitely recommend taking the time to determine your budget range. The common rule of thumb is to spend three months of your salary on an engagement ring. However, this is just a loose estimate that should serve as an initial guide as you begin shopping. Determine your budget early in the process and stick to it. Remember, it's the sentiment, not the size of the stone, that counts.
Consider if your partner would like to choose it together. If you're unsure about the style, ask your friends or family, or opt for a placeholder ring and choose the permanent one together later. We can certainly help you with this choice - with a wide range of options here at Jack Weir & Sons, we have something for every taste and budget. There are so many engagement ring styles to choose from, and it’s important to ensure that if you are making an investment, your partner is going to want to wear it forever.
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Timing and location are crucial for a memorable engagement. Some things you might want to consider are significant dates, different locations and the surprise element of it all. Anniversaries, holidays and dates with other personal significance can add additional layers of meaning - as can a special place in your relationship - your first date, your favorite spot to snuggle at home, or maybe somewhere you’ve been dreaming to go as a couple. You should consider if this proposal will be a surprise and if so, ensure you are doing all you can to keep it that way!
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Involve Family and Friends (If you want!)
It’s imperative to decide if you want to involve family and friends in the proposal and set expectations accordingly. In 2024, there's a trend towards including loved ones in engagement celebrations, either during the proposal or at a party afterward - but again, this is all up to you and what your comfort levels and preferences are.
Capture the Moment (If you want!)
Is capturing this moment important to you or your future fiancee? Think about how to engage with a photographer or videographer to capture this moment in a way that feels comfortable to you. If you choose to go this route, these keepsakes will help you relive the special moment for years to come - and allow friends and family to get an up close look at the moment, even if they weren’t there! However, sometimes the best photos are the ones that you cherish locked away in your memories - and that is great too. You do not need someone to capture the moment if you don’t want someone else to be around - it is your memories that matter most.
Find Inspiration at Jack Weir & Sons
Planning Post-Engagement Celebrations
Once the question is popped, think about how you want to celebrate. An immediate family gathering, a party with friends, or a quiet evening for two are all great options. Whatever you do - make sure that you are taking the time to enjoy the moment and celebrate the new chapter in your relationship.
Embracing Flexibility
In today's world, it's essential to stay adaptable. Have a backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances, like weather changes or venue issues. The big thing to remember is that nothing is ever perfect - things might not go exactly as expected. Enjoy the chaos, it’s all a part of life. Even if everything doesn’t go perfectly according to plan, remember the purpose of the proposal. The authenticity of your feelings is the most important part.
Planning an engagement is all about staying true to your relationship so you can create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's through a custom ring, an intimate setting, or incorporating the latest trends, what matters most is that the proposal reflects the unique bond you share with your partner. Remember, the perfect engagement doesn't have to be extravagant; it just needs to be genuine to you. By following these tips and embracing the spirit of your love story, you're well on your way to planning an engagement that you and your partner will cherish forever.
We’d love to help you pick out your ring and plan your proposal - please reach out to us whenever you’re ready to start talking about your 2024 engagement!
—--
At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people to celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
We offer in-person and Virtual Appointments and are happy to answer any questions about your favorite jewel.
