When a friend of mine got engaged, her fiance gave her an engagement watch instead of an engagement ring. 
At the time, I thought it was so bizarre. Not very romantic and who uses a watch these days? Everyone tells time by their cell phones. But it was perfect for her – she considered it practical, stylish and sophisticated.
Lately I have been hearing about more and more couples who are bucking tradition and skipping the engagement ring altogether. When money is tight, it might actually make sense. You can put a couple thousand dollars toward a house, honeymoon or the wedding itself instead of diamond bauble. Definitely practical but certainly not romantic.
So, what do you think? Do you love the tradition of the engagement ring? Or would you rather your husband-to-be got down on one knee and presented you with airline tickets or a savings account deposit slip?
Photo credit: James Allen
