By Becca Jones

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—proposal season! You might be wondering what’s up (cough cough, the cost, cough) with all the engagements when scrolling through Instagram. Here, The Knot uses their 2019 Jewelry and Engagement Study to answer this burning question. Let’s get to it!

Whether it’s old Saint Nick, delicious Thanksgiving spreads, or the clean slate of the New Year, 37 percent of couples get engaged between November and February, according to The Knot. And with engagements, of course, comes bling.

Now, Marilyn Monroe taught us “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” So, how much is a “best friend” really worth? According to The Knot, $5,900 is the national average cost of an engagement ring in 2019. Despite this almost $6K figure, The Knot tells us one in three proposers spend a chunk of change less, between $1,000 and $4,000. (More honeymoon cash? Yes please!)

Speaking of honeymoons and location, more than half of proposals take place in private—51 percent, according to The Knot. How about sentimentality? Think where you spent your first date or shared your first kiss! Makes sense, as one in five engagements occur in locations significant to the couple’s past, according to The Knot.

Nearly half of those getting down on one knee think the act is a complete surprise to their partner. 33 percent of those being proposed to, however, admit to having had a hunch. Hey, when you know, you know!

As one might hope, 87 percent of engagements are planned out ahead of time, according to The Knot. But some, taken by love, just can’t wait. 13 percent of proposals are spontaneous, day-of decisions.

Lastly, if you’ve been dating for more than two years, get your manicure ready—according to The Knot, 71 percent of couples date for more than two years before getting engaged!