“Tis the Season…” for Engagements

December is the month for engagements, far exceeding any other month during the year. For most people, getting engaged is a first time event, and many do not know what to do, or what is considered appropriate or inappropriate. Thankfully, we live in the digital age, and this information can be easy to find, if you know what to search for. That’s why McCaskill & Company has turned to our friends at The Knot for contemporary engagement facts and etiquette to get you started.

First, you may be interested in the millennial bride. Her average age is 29. 73% have graduated from college and 74% are employed full time.

3 Important Facts you Should Know

Choosing the engagement ring is traditionally up to the guy. In today’s world, however, women have their own opinion about what they want, and that opinion matters. There is nothing more embarrassing or disappointing to a guy than seeing his sweetheart’s face sink in disappointment when she sees that the ring isn’t what she had expected. That’s why it is considered appropriate for the woman to guide her man in the right direction, or to even go look at rings together so as to give him an idea. Avoid that dreadful “…Oh.” of disappointment and get your man on the same page as you. In fact only 35% of brides are not involved and are completely surprised by the choice. 31% actually shopped or purchased together and 34% discussed what she wanted.

The groom typically shops around for an average of three months. If the bride is involved he visits an average of four retailers, and if not, only one jewerly store. In the process he looks at about 27 rings. Brides most important factor is the style while the grooms is more focused on the quality.

The appropriate time to register your engagement party is actually the moment you get engaged. This way, the guests you choose to invite will have time to make arrangements, and find a suitable gift. It is actually considered inappropriate to invite guests at the last minute. People need time to get time off from work, or find a babysitter. The last thing you want to do is make your guests unhappy before even getting to the party. As for your gift registry, this should only be done by word-of-mouth, and only then when somebody asks. Gifts are not mandatory at an engagement party.

Acquainting the parents of the bride and groom has no real tradition, but it is a definite “must do” as far as good etiquette is concerned. Generally, it is the groom’s parents who reach out and invite the bride’s parents out for dinner and drinks, or to go away for the weekend, or even to gather both families together so that everyone can get to know one another. Getting to know who and what you are getting involved with is always a good thing. It prepares you for how to react and respond appropriately, and helps ease tension.

To read more facts and frequently asked questions about engagement, please visit the source at The Knot.

At McCaskill & Company…

We know weddings and engagements, especially in Destin, Florida, and would be delighted to give you pointers on selecting a ring, or other bridal jewelry. Of course, we can’t help ease the tension between families, but we can make sure that you have the perfect rings for your engagement and wedding. We have a wide selection of designer engagement and wedding bands to include Henri Daussi, Kwiat, Christopher Designs, Benchmark, Steven Kretchmer, Oscar Heyman, Louis Glick, Daniel K, as well as our own Signature Collection.

McCaskill & Company is located on the beautiful Emerald Coast within the premier vacation resort area of Northwest Florida. The gallery is located at 13390 Highway 98 West, between Destin and Sandestin, just two miles east of the Mid-Bay Bridge. We are open Monday – Saturday, 10AM – 5:30PM (cst), so stop in or visit us online today!