Sparkle! Via Shutterstock.
Frugal brides know the value of a dollar. These are the brides who opt for backyard weddings and skipping a honeymoon. These brides don’t shy from hand-me-downs – everything from the dress to the wedding favors – and, they certainly don’t need the added expense of a high-priced engagement ring.
On average, couples spend $4000 on engagement rings, but frugal brides know that money is best applied to more fruitful endeavors, such as the wedding itself or a down payment on a new home. The following are engagement ring options for money-saving couples.
The engagement ring is a meaningful symbol, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Hand-Me-Down Engagement Rings
An heirloom ring is a timeless family tradition. These rings are great because they’re free, but the best thing about them is their sentimental value. The bride and groom are welcome to consult family members about jewelry, and inquire if there’s a ring that can be gifted for the purpose of serving as the bride’s engagement ring. Another great thing about heirloom rings is their vintage status; meaning: they never go out of style.
Second-Hand Store Engagement Rings
Second-hand rings are great alternatives to full priced rings, so there’s even the chance to score a diamond. Thrift stores are full of wondrous treasures, and it doesn’t hurt that prices are low. Auction sites are another great place to find inexpensive, previously-owned engagement rings, such as ex-boyfriend jewelry that’s sold at a discount because she said, “no,” but the ring couldn’t be returned.
Diamond-Alternative Engagement Rings
There’s no rule that says a diamond is necessary for an engagement ring. Pink amethyst, rose gold, lemon quartz, and birthstones are all great options for an engagement ring. A birthstone, especially, is a great idea for an engagement ring. It’s sentimental, sweet, and inexpensive (unless she was born in April). If possible, the groom should ask his bride what stones are her favorite, and then purchase accordingly.
Diamond Engagement Rings That Cost Less
Some diamonds are less expensive than others. For example, you can score vintage diamond rings for less than something modern. A 1.35 blue round diamond vintage style engagement ring from Front Jewelers costs under two grand. This sparkling beauty has all the charm without the expense, making it a great option for couples looking to save a buck. Additionally, certain cuts are less expensive than others.
The Bottom Line
In an article titled, 6 Big-Picture Alternatives to Buying an Engagement Ring, brides and grooms are reminded why saving on an engagement ring is a good idea. The money can be used to have the wedding of your dreams. Or, it can be used to pay down credit card debt, purchase a family vehicle, purchase new furniture, buy a house, or invest in stocks. The result is a happier future, full of possibilities, and you can’t put a price tag on that.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Thank you for this piece of information, I found it very useful. It helped me a lot when choosing a engagement ring.
I think that we don’t need to spend a fortune on this. So I did a little research and I found a good deal on http://www.randrjewelers.com. My fiancee is satisfied and that is all that matters.
I agree that no one should spend a fortune on a ring, because there are so much thing that are more important. There need to be a piece of jewelry that will seal the deal, something meaningful and modest just to remind you that you have someone special by your side, and for people to know that important fact about someones life.
I am a little bit frugal so this is great for me. My tactic was to look what have the best price, and just pick the one i like. Pretty simple, but very efficient. If I first looked what Iove, one million would not be enough. Just kidding, but I have found something very nice, and I am very satisfied. Ring was very affordable, so my mission is complete.
Great suggestion you have here, I love to save as much as I can, so I am trying to find something that I love, but also the price I love. Something like this is great for me, and I can not wait to wear it. Good news is that I saved enough for wedding and honeymoon.
When my baby asked me to marry him, we didn’t have anything. Only thing important for us was our love. It doesn’t matter what trends dictate, if you can not follow them. Spending fortune on rings is something ridiculous, especially if you can not afford them. I got my engagement ring/promise ring, whatever this year, after five year of marriage, because we now have enough money to buy it, and that doesn’t mean that we haven’t love each other until now.
I completely agree with the article. Engagement rings are more about the symbolism and other aspects of the wedding can be invested in. My partner and I did some research and found what we needed on http://www.diamonddreamjewelers.com and was able to find a wonderful deal!
I agree with you, there are few tricks to save money on engagement ring. I like antique pieces because they have soul, and for me they are prettier than modern ones.
I have two choices, one is to save for new engagement ring, second is to upgrade family heirloom. I will think good before engagement.
Thank you on this advice really helped me to find very affordable engagement ring.
Thank you for great advice on diamond engagement rings.