Sorting out the right location, finding the perfect time and lovingly selecting the ring of her dreams are all part of ensuring that “I will” doesn’t become “you wish” when the time comes for you to bend down on one knee. You don’t need to spend a fortune icing her finger with the biggest bling or planning the most elaborate event, but you do need to follow a few simple engagement do’s and don’t’s.

It may not be the 1950’s, but it’s still good manners to seek the approval from your future father-in-law. No bond is stronger than the one between a dad and his little girl, so it pays to keep him included – especially if you want him to help foot the bill come the big day.

With her family sorted, your next move should be to think about when and where the deed will be done. Forget about a booking at a top restaurant or overseas holiday – this is money that she’d no doubt rather be spending on a ludicrously over-priced silk for her dress anyway, so instead try to think back to a place of some significance in your relationship.

Don’t make the big event obvious by asking your partner to clear her schedule and ‘wear something nice’. Members of the fairer sex have a sixth sense when it comes to predicting ‘when he’ll pop the question’. If she even has the slightest suspicion then it can detract from the magic of the moment.

Every girl secretly dreams of the fairytale proposal, but what she’s most concerned about, whether she’d admit to it or not, is the ring. While you might have a heartfelt speech planned declaring your love and commitment, most women just want you to shut up and open that box! Whether you’re a first time ring shopper, or shall we say, a more seasoned purchaser, it’s a good idea to familarise yourself with the all important ‘four C’s’ of diamond selection. London jewellery designer Alice Herald says that you should always focus on the cut of a stone first if you’re struggling to balance the ‘four C’s’ within your some-what limiting budget.

Remember it’s all about picking a ring that suits your partner – so for god’s sake don’t go recycling an old ring from a failed engagement! Don’t stuff up with a ring that doesn’t fit either. If you’re girl’s got slender fingers then don’t insult her with a ring that could be worn on her big toe. You might have to do a swifty and smuggle one of her rings out of the house.

An engagement ring, like any piece of jewellery, is incredibly personal and specific to a person’s own style and taste. If she’s been dropping hints for years that she’s always dreamed of a princess cut set in white gold then don’t strike out with a solitaire set in yellow gold – it’s a surefire way to disappoint come the big reveal.

The best thing to do is pay attention to her existing jewellery collection to check what styles she seems to favour. If you’re still unsure then some ring retailers like Kiwi based 1791Diamonds.com now provide helpful where you can upload a short list of designs online for family and friends to view for approval. If ,like most men, you feel clueless when it comes to selecting a ring style then getting your girlfriend’s best friend to OK the ring is a failsafe way to guarantee the choice you make is the right one.