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Can a woman propose to a man? Absolutely. Modern couples are turning cultural norms on their heads. Whether they're getting married later, waiting to have kids, or refuting traditional gender roles, couples are doing things their way. While there are fewer rules these days, it's still smart to have a plan in place for your modern proposal. Here are some helpful tips for women proposing to men.

Signs he's ready for a proposal

You want to propose to your boyfriend, but is the timing right? Here are some telltale signs your man is ready for marriage:

  • You've talked about getting engaged.

  • You've begun discussing your future together, including where you see yourself living and how many kids (or not) you'd like to have.

  • You share the same core values.

  • You both make your relationship a priority.

  • You've met each other's friends and families.

  • You can talk through disagreements and find solutions together.

If you've noticed these signs, then you're likely ready to take the next step. But before you make that leap, it's best to get your man's stance on proposals. Does the idea of planning the “perfect proposal” excite him or cause him stress? Is he open to doing things differently? Make sure you have a sense of his feelings on proposals before taking on the planning yourself.

What you need to propose

While spontaneity can be romantic, your proposal should go more smoothly — and be as stress-free as possible — with a little planning. Here's a handy proposal checklist to guide your way:

  1. Get an idea of his ring preferences. (Yes, men can get engagement rings, too!)

  2. Find out his ring size.

  3. Purchase the perfect ring.

  4. Get the ring insured.

  5. Determine the ideal time to propose.

  6. Scout out a good location.

  7. If needed, enlist friends and family to help your proposal go off without a hitch.

  8. Consider hiring a photographer to capture the moment.

How to measure a man's ring size

Determining the correct ring size is essential to any proposal. If it's too tight, it will be uncomfortable or may not slide on at all. If it's too loose, it may slip off. Consult our ring sizing guide to get a good idea of your guy's ring size. And if it's not a perfect fit, don't worry. We can always resize the piece to fit securely and comfortably.

Our favorite engagement rings for men

With so many designs to choose from, we make it easy to find an engagement ring that reflects your man's one-of-a-kind style.

Embrace sophistication with our half-carat diamond ring in 10K white gold. Be bold with our formidable men's 2-carat diamond ring in 14K yellow and white gold. Prefer something understated? Try a single-stone diamond ring in sterling silver or a sleek, polished men's diamond band in Elysium.

Whatever his personality and whatever your budget, we've got men's engagement rings that will elevate the moment and add a stylish edge to his look.

Begin planning that perfect proposal by shopping our selection of men's rings today.