Choosing an engagement ring for your bride-to-be is your first, well, second, major decision at the start of an exciting journey towards the alter and beyond. The engagement ring, how it is selected and presented, sets the all-important tone for that adventure. And, guys, it's up to you to do it right. Here's how:
Before you think about the actual ring, consider two things:

1. Budget: You'll be hearing from everyone, especially your future mother-in-law, that you should allocate two months salary for the engagement ring. That's probably about what you'll ultimately spend, but don't let an old adage ruin your retirement plan. Set a budget that takes into consideration the significance of the event as well as your financial obligations and living expenses. Remember, you're planning for two now.
2. Everything else: In other words, all that will happen once she accepts it.
   • She has to wear the ring for the rest of her life, give one that she can live with based on her personality, activities and profession. Don't propose with your grandmother's ring without making sure your intended loves it as much as you do. Planning a surprise proposal? Then, you'll have to be subtle. Leave the ring in a semi-conspicuous place. When she notices it, try to be nonchalant: "Oh, that?…" explain the history behind it, and try to gauge her attraction (or, heaven forbid, lack thereof) for the ring.
   • It must be designed to fit next to, and compliment, a wedding band.
   • It has to be lavish enough to say you'd give her the world, yet practical enough to "top" as you stack up anniversary rings.
   • What type of wedding do you envision? Of course, wedding plans will be mutually determined, but the ring you give before that process begins will, for better or worse, inform those decisions. In other words, if you think she'll want a traditional ceremony, you'll probably want to stick with a round diamond in a Tiffany setting of yellow gold. Some people, on the other hand, get married jumping out of airplanes, or running marathons. If that's more your speed, try diamonds pave set in platinum. (For more information on setting and diamond selections, see the Create a diamond ring section of our jewelry guide.)
   • Seriously consider the "surprise" proposal before going through with it. Sure it's romantic and fun, but you run the risk of choosing a ring she really doesn't like. Unless you have always dreamed of, and planned for, a surprise, dinner-for-two-strolling-violin-champagne-on-your-knee, wedding proposal, sharing the experience of selecting the engagement ring assures the perfect choice. (It also makes your life a lot easier, guys.)

Now the ring will practically choose itself. All you have to think about is diamonds. We should all have such problems.

• If you choose a diamond solitaire, the size of the diamond should be in proportion to the size of your bride. Don't give a 10-carat stone to a petite woman or a half-carat to a full-figured gal.
• Even though the solitaire is the traditional engagement style, there are no rules. Take a look at some settings with accent stones, or even a diamond pave. Why not make your engagement as individual as she is?
• The shape of the diamond says a lot about her personality. Round diamonds are always in style, but if your bride-to-be is a blue-blooded girl, maybe a marquise or pear is more appropriate.
• Check out "Selecting a diamond" in the Create a diamond ring section of this guide.

They used to say about the old Ford Model-T that you could have any color you wanted: so long as it was black. Likewise, it wasn't long ago that both husband and wife would only wear simple wedding bands in yellow gold, hers slightly wider than his. But, times change, and as the traditional roles of men and women have evolved over the years, the options for wedding bands have expanded along with them. Now, this time honored symbol of love and commitment can be expressed in any you like. Feel free to choose gold or platinum, two-tone or single, polished or patterned, wide or slim, even with or without gemstones. She might want simple gold, while he has his eyes on a diamond-studded band. The two of you can choose different styles altogether. With all these new possibilities, think of the fun you'll have shopping together for the perfect pair of rings that will forever represent your bond and commitment, while exhibiting, and cherishing, the individual flair that brought you together in the first place. Ain't love grand?

Your wedding day is one of the most beautiful and meaningful days of your life. It is one of those rare occasions when family and loved ones gather to share and witness a sacred proclamation of your deepest feelings and solemn commitment to, and for, another person.

The memories of this event will fade over the years, but the gifts you give on this day will last as an eternal reminder of your vows.

Of course, there are many types of ceremonies and traditions, each with its own traditional wedding day gifts, and that will certainly guide your selections. If you are having a modern wedding, or one in which jewelry is appropriate, we have some great ideas.

The day begins with the man and woman exchanging gifts before she is whisked into seclusion to prepare herself for the ceremony.

Groom to bride:

• White pearls: Earrings, a bracelet (for short sleeve wedding dresses) or a 16" strand that will compliment any neckline. The purity of white pearls is the perfect enhancement for her white gown, and is rich with the symbolic history the color holds.
• Diamonds: Say your love is forever again with a classic diamond pendant or stud earrings. She will be dazzling walking down the aisle as the fire of her love emanates in brilliant flashes of diamond light.
• Blue sapphire: For "something blue" consider a matching pendant and earring set. Blue is not only a stunning compliment for her white gown, but it symbolizes the faithfulness to which you both are committing.

Bride to groom:

• Platinum or silver: For a tuxedo wedding, a stunning stud and cufflink set. He probably will have gotten his with the rented tux, and this gift will make it his own. If he'll be wearing a suit, consider a cufflink, tie-clip set with mother of pearl inlay. A beautiful choice with the added symbolic glow from the depths of iridescent pearlessence.
• A watch: The gift of time presented in an elegant dress watch inscribed with a personal message for the years you are about to share. It will also look great with his tux.

The bridal shower and bachelor party offer a golden opportunity to thank your close friends for their support of your commitment and desire for your happiness. Long after the wedding is over, these special friends will fondly recall your day each time they wear your token of gratitude and friendship.

Bride to bridesmaids:

• Fresh water pearls: In either drop or stud earrings, or, perhaps a solitaire pendant. The playful colors within fresh water pearls will compliment any color bridesmaid dress, and will present a united expression of the bridal parties purpose.
• Colored gemstones: Any color you like, selected to match the shades of the wedding, displayed in a delicate pin for all to see.
• For the maid of honor, a private gift presented prior to the rehearsal dinner to acknowledge the intimate bond that this relationship signifies. Keep the theme of the bridesmaid's gifts, but honor the distinction of this special role with an eternity ring or bracelet in white pearls or a shared favorite colored gemstone.

Groom to groomsmen:

• Platinum or silver: Again, for a tux, studs and cufflinks. A suit calls for cufflinks and tie clip. If you prefer something a little more casual, how about a money clip engraved with the wedding date and a simple thanks.
• Gold: Either a lapel pin, cufflinks and tiepin, or money clip. Yellow gold is always a symbol of significant meaning.
• Pearls: An elegant set of South Sea black pearl cufflinks and tiepin; classy and masculine.
• Your selection of a best man, and his acceptance of the duties that role entails, is a declaration of friendship unlike any other. Your gesture of thanks should be one he will proudly wear for a lifetime. An inscribed watch is an excellent selection. Choose one that will compliment the groomsmen's gifts. A black face and platinum band would look great with those South Sea black pearl cufflinks.

You're going to be giving a lot of anniversary gifts as time goes by, and as much as you'd love to give her a bigger diamond each year, tradition only calls for diamonds on the 10th, 30th, 60th and 75th anniversaries. But, don't let tradition stop you from slipping a stunning platinum and five-diamond channel-set ring in the pocket of her robe on your 5th. The point is, give each other whatever you'd like. However, in the event that you love to follow tradition, or if you simply want a little guidance in case the creative juices aren't flowing one year, here's the official list: