This year, love is in the air, but so is pressure—serious pressure. If you thought 2024 was the final call for marriage proposals, 2025 is here to completely finish us. Proposals are dropping like hit singles, and if you’re single, wahala be like bicycle. Screenshots are flying, and friends are forwarding proposal videos with captions like, “God when?”
Now, let’s get to the real issue—how much should you save for an engagement ring? Should it be two to three months’ salary like they say, or should you be smart and customise your budget? And if you’re self-employed, should splurging on a ring affect your business capital? Let’s break it down properly, because love is sweet, but being broke is not romantic.
The Traditional Rule: Two to Three Months’ Salary
Old-school financial wisdom says you should spend two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring. Sounds straightforward—multiply your salary by two (or three), and that’s your budget.
But let’s be real, cost of living in Nigeria is moving mad. The economy is not smiling, and you still have rent, food, fuel, and small flexing to think about. So dropping ₦600,000 on a ring when you earn ₦200,000 per month might just leave you sipping garri with no sugar after the proposal.
Instead of blindly following outdated rules, let’s talk about what actually makes sense for you and your wallet.
A Modern Approach: Customise Your Budget
Forget societal pressure. Instead of thinking in months of salary, think in terms of what you can actually afford. Here’s a smarter way to approach it:
📌 Step 1: Set a realistic budget that does not destroy your financial stability.
📌 Step 2: If you have a ring in mind, break the cost into small savings goals over a few months.
📌 Step 3: Do not go into debt for a ring—the wedding and marriage itself still need money.
For instance, if you want to buy a ₦300,000 ring, saving ₦100,000 per month for three months is a better plan than emptying your account overnight.
And let’s be honest, a beautiful and meaningful ring does not have to cost your life savings. Your partner will appreciate a ring more if it comes with financial peace of mind.
Should Buying an Engagement Ring Affect Your Business Capital?
Now, if you’re self-employed, this is where it gets tricky. Should you dip into your business capital to fund a ring? The short answer: absolutely not!
Your business is your lifeline. If you start using your business money for personal expenses, you might soon be out of business. What’s the point of proposing with an expensive ring if, six months later, you’re struggling to pay rent or keep your business running?
A good rule of thumb:
📌 Never touch the money that keeps your business alive.
📌 Separate personal savings from business capital.
📌 If you can’t afford the ring right now, save gradually—don’t risk your hustle.
Love is not about how much you spend on the proposal, but about building a secure future together. And if your partner truly loves you, they won’t want you to wreck your business for a shiny ring.
Balancing Love and Financial Stability
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to go broke to impress your partner. Many successful couples started small and built their dream lives together. Instead of focusing only on a flashy engagement, think long-term:
💡 How will you afford the wedding?
💡 Do you have savings or investments together?
💡 Are you financially ready for married life?
If the answer to these questions makes you nervous, maybe it’s time to focus on financial growth before buying that ring.
Affordable Ring Alternatives
If ₦800,000 for a diamond ring is looking like Yahoo Yahoo, there are stylish and meaningful alternatives that won’t put you in financial wahala:
💍 Gold or Silver Rings: Timeless, elegant, and much more affordable.
💍 Gemstone Rings: Moissanite, Morganite, Nigerian turquoise, Topaz, or Garnet give a classy look at a lower price.
💍 Custom-Made Rings: Local jewellers can design unique rings at a fraction of the cost.
💍 Family Heirlooms: A sentimental and cost-saving option—just make sure Uncle Tunde hasn’t proposed with it before.
Love is Priceless, But Financial Wisdom is Key
At the end of the day, the value of an engagement ring isn’t in the price tag—it’s in the love and commitment behind it.
📌 If you can afford an expensive ring without financial strain, great!
📌 If you need to save over time, that’s fine too.
📌 If your business will suffer because of a ring, rethink your priorities.
Love is priceless, but being financially reckless is not cute. Whether you save two months’ salary, three months, or a few scattered naira notes, the most important thing is financial security for you and your future spouse.
So before you say “Will you marry me?”, ask yourself “Can I afford this wisely?” If the answer is no, adjust your budget—because love should be sweet, not financially stressful.
Go forth, propose wisely, and may your love story be as beautiful as your babe. No pressure, just smart decisions.
