One for the ladies

Sausageroll14

Personally I would keep it relevant to you guys. Somewhere special for you both. A local park with champagne picnic. Save the fancy holidays for post wedding. You don't want to peak early. 

Ring wise. Definitely go second hand and ideally get your partner's input. If she wants something big, remind her it's a nightmare to wear and will ruin clothes, if she wants something expensive offer a match but with cheaper materials. It's a ring at the end of the day. 

I am happily married for over 10 years. The holidays and jewellery are lovely extra bits. Getting the right person, priceless. 

VyEu

I'd want my man to ask me what I want. I don't have a price tag id want on my ring, I'd want it to be meaningful and ideally something which we both like. I wouldn't want to wear something he couldn't afford or id feel guilty.

If he bought the ring on credit I wouldn't be happy. We have the rest of our lives together, you telling me you can't budget for a proposal? I don't mind waiting six months or so if I know it's coming and you need a bit of time to save, fine, and frankly I don't mind covering more of the fun money/discretionary spending in the meantime so you can save. It's a partnership  (while ofc marriage is a financial major commitment)

thriftytracey

I got married in 1983 on a shoestring.  My engagement ring was a yellow Topaz and cost £40.  I did in later years say wistfully I would like a diamond and got a zircon but it is a lovely ring and I really appreciated it and saved money.

Went to Iceland in February 2020 for my 60th.  Never saw the Northern Lights but it was a lovely holiday as we had deep snow.  Had a few trips included in price.

Meals out are very expensive but we were able to go to cheaper fast food type places in Reykjavik, within walking distance, e.g. had fish and chips one night, Vietnamese another night, the lamb stew in a loaf meal etc.  All about £40 for two. On my birthday we ate in the hotel and they threw in a free bottle of wine.