Originally posted by Davo:
DO NOT propose the same weekend as the inauguration. You would be stealing the show from her dad, and whether he acknowledges it or admits it, it will bother him. That would be cheating the family and, ultimately, yourself.



I concur with this statement. Although it is a prime oppurtunity to ask for the fathers permission. Girls and their daddy's still tend to like that thing.

As for the ring, you don't always have to do Diamond. My wife hates Diamonds, so her engagment ring was blue Topaz. I was able to get a bigger, better ring for less money too.