By Joseph Staples // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
Put a ring on it: Half of all Americans knew they were going to marry their current partner the instant they met.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans in committed relationships found respondents have been together an average of six years, and it only takes two for them to know they want to be with their partner for the rest of their lives.
Couples listed the motivators for popping the question to their sweethearts — which included having an affectionate partner, growing together over time, showing commitment and learning to be better toward each other.
Sixty-two percent of those married with kids said having children played a major factor in them deciding to marry.
Respondents noted they knew their relationship was more than casual dating when their partners introduced them to their friends (67%) and parents (52%).
Commissioned by JamesAllen.com and conducted by OnePoll, the study found nearly two in three of those betrothed (64%) said they prefer to wear just their engagement ring after getting married instead of using a separate band to signify their marriage.
“Humans have given rings to signify love and commitment for centuries, with diamond engagement rings as we know them today rising in popularity in the late 1940s,” said Shannon Delany-Ron, James Allen's chief marketing officer. “Although times and trends have evolved, one thing has remained the same – the significance of engagement rings. They have stood the test of time and continue to be an everlasting symbol of love.”
The tides of tradition are changing in engagement ring shopping: 17% said they’d rather shop for an engagement ring online. Likewise, 64% of respondents said they would instead accompany their partner when ring shopping.
And when selecting a ring, time matters, too. Respondents believe one should save up for an average of five months.
For 71%, a ring’s cost doesn’t matter to them, and more than four in 10 (43%) of couples said they shared the cost of an engagement ring.
Despite these new takes on cost and timing, 71% of Americans in a serious relationship said they would love to have a traditional wedding proposal, complete with one partner getting down on one knee.
To get ring ideas while shopping, people look to their partner’s style (39%), social media trends (26%) and their friends’ rings (22%). And when looking to buy an engagement ring online, shoppers pay attention to price (55%), reviews (37%) and customization options (35%).
Ring shoppers strongly prefer customized rings over pre-set, ready-to-buy rings (36% over 26%).
“Now more than ever, consumers have a choice when shopping for an engagement ring. Over the past few years, there has been a huge uptick in couples shopping for their ring together and wanting more customized options. No longer is the pressure all on one partner to purchase the perfect ring based on a few hints,” added Delany-Ron. “The recipient also wants to have a say in the design of their ring from the band to the diamond. They don’t want the same ring countless people have purchased, but rather a one-of-a-kind piece.”
HOW DO COUPLES KNOW THINGS ARE GETTING SERIOUS?
- Introducing your partner to your family and friends - 67%
- Meeting the parents - 52%
- Buying an engagement ring - 52%
- Labeling the relationship - 46%
- Seeing each other more than once a week - 38%
- Deleting dating apps from your phone - 37%
- Good morning/good night texts and calls - 36%
- Having "expected" plans - 34%
- Showing your partner your favorite hangout spots - 30%
- Visiting your partner at work - 25%