The engagement period is a busy and exciting time where the engaged couple get to plan their wedding day and prepare for married life.

If your engagement will not come as a shock to your parents, it is customary for the man to ask your father for your hand in marriage. Although it is traditional for the man to seek permission from his future father-in-law before proposing, most men today propose first and then, as a mark of respect, ask for permission. They will then be assured that their daughter will be well cared for and your decision will be seen as being made responsibly. Getting your parents on-board at this time should make the rest of the wedding day planning much simpler and less stressful.

The traditional way of making a marriage proposal was for the man to make his appeal to his bride-to-be on bended knee. Today though, men usually opt for something a little less spectacular and in many cases it is simply agreed by mutual consent. However, your proposal will remain a special and memorable event forever and it is worth taking the time to think of a way that is either romantic and or unique. However you decide to propose, the words that still remain most popular are simply 'will you marry me?

Depending upon circumstances, it is usual for the engagement period to last between six and eighteen months. However, anything less than six months will probably not allow enough time to arrange a traditional wedding with all the usual trimmings.

It is traditional for the future groom to give his future bride an engagement ring as a visible sign of their love and commitment.  A ring with one diamond, known as a diamond solitaire, is still the most popular choice. As well as looking stunning, diamonds are the hardest substance on earth and it has since the fifteenth century symbolised security and strength. However, couples are increasingly opting for something different and are incorporating other gemstones, both precious and semiprecious, in their ring to add additional significance. Before you go shopping for a ring, decide upon a budget. That way you will be able to concentrate on rings that you can comfortably afford.

When buying a diamond ring, you should be aware of a few basic points regarding how diamonds are valued. That is, the Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. A diamond's cut indicates its shape and how well the diamond has been cut to that shape. Clarity is the measure of a diamond's purity and how much and how many flaws it has. A diamond's colour refers to how yellow it looks. The most expensive diamonds are clear while the less expensive have a yellowish appearance. Finally, a diamond's carat measures its weight. One carat is 200 milligrams and there are 100 points to a carat. When comparing rings you like of similar price you may wish to ask about these properties. The ring's band does not have to be gold. There are attractive alternatives such as silver or platinum. You may wish at this stage to give some thought to the design, colour and style of your wedding ring as you may wish the rings to match.  Your jeweller will be happy to give you further advice about your engagement and Wedding rings and will be happy to show you many examples and ideas that fall within your budget.

Most couples celebrate their engagement with some form of party for family and friends, which is traditionally hosted by the bride-to-be's parents. You may decide to have a small gathering at home or throw a large party. Whatever you decide upon, it is customary for the bride-to-be's father to make a short informal speech followed by a toast to the happy couple. Alternatively, you may just want a private dinner for the two of you or jet off and spend an exciting and romantic holiday together. The choice is yours.