SO you've decided to take the plunge and go for broke by asking the beautiful love of your life to marry you.

You've got the romantic occasion planned to perfection, right down to the finest detail, and have spent what seems like the best part of a millennium deciding exactly what to say while down on bended knee, practising to your heart's content in front of the mirror.

But have you remembered the most important thing of all?

Have you actually bought the engagement ring?

Many loved-up proposers go around in circles when it comes to choosing the right finger adornment to help woo their beloved and persuade her to walk down the aisle with them.

After all, not only must the ring be a statement and declaration of love and commitment to a lifetime of happiness together, it must also reflect their partner's personality, style and taste, so they feel proud and comfortable flashing it around and showing it off.

Then there's the other major consideration, of course.

Quite aside from the whole look and wearability of the ring itself, exactly how much ought you to be spending?

Is ransacking your savings and inheritance from Grandma the order of the day, or is it better to hold back, show a little more reserve and get something a bit less "blingful"?

According to recent research, this is one key area where couples are likely to disagree, so menfolk, please take careful note.

A study by Platinum Guild International found that the average British male plans to splash one and a half month's salary slipping a stunning ring on his bride-to-be's finger.

Just 15 per cent would put aside two month's wages, while a stingy one in five admit they'd only fork out a week's worth of cash.

Two thirds of the men quizzed for the research said they'd buy the ring before popping the question, which means getting the size right is extremely important.

You don't want to ruin the big champagne moment by squeezing onto her finger a ring that's too small, or having to hunt around for something to secure one on that's annoyingly too big, so make sure you do your research before you head off to the high street.

If your lady has a ring she wears on her engagement finger, sneak it away and take it to the jeweller with you, or make an impression of it in some soap.

Alternatively, you could get a bit of paper and draw a line round the inside of the ring, or simply push it down onto one of your own fingers and mark the spot it stops at with a pen.

No matter how well you know your lady and how in tune you are with what she likes and looks good in, chances are you will still struggle when it comes to choosing things for her to wear, including jewellery.

So don't be afraid to ask friends and family (who are capable of keeping a secret) for advice and input on ring style and design.