Popping The Question for Cheap: Discount Diamond Engagement Rings and More

You're young, poor and in love, and it's summertime in New York City. This is the time of your life, right? Viva la Vie Boheme!

But that sweat running down your back isn't just from the heat. Your heart is set on asking her to marry you before the leaves change again. You'd be delighted to spend every cent you have on the perfect ring, the horse-and-carriage, the fancy dinner, we know, but the fact is, you've got to make rent. It's a down economy and this town ain't cheap.

She never has to know you read this article, but in the end, she'll be happy you did. We're going to give you insider tips on everything from discount diamond engagement rings to decadent desserts that will insure you'll win her hand, her heart, and keep the debt collectors blissfully out of the whole affair.

1. The rock.

There's a huge selection of discount diamond engagement rings online. Pretend you were breakfasting at Tiffany's or walking through a flea market by the Seine if it's important to you, but our advice is to save the romantic stroll for the proposal. Buy online from a reputable diamond dealer that specializes in clarity enhanced diamonds and get a bigger diamond than you could ever afford otherwise.

2. The date.

Summer in NYC offers magical events for free. Our favorite combines classical music and fireflies. Cuddle up on a blanket for The New York Philharmonic Summer in the Parks and the soundtrack of your proposal is taken care of by the world's finest orchestra. Sneak wine in thermos, pack a romantic picnic, and you've got drinks, dinner and entertainment covered in one charming swoop.

3. Start spreading the news.

After her happy-tears yes and some canoodling there in the grass, once you've packed your picnic and blanket and slowly made your way out of the park, walking arm in arm along lantern lit paths (she doesn't even want a horse and carriage, because do you know how those horses get treated?), she'll want to look at that ring in some light.

Gee, where are you going to find bright lights in NYC?

You'll never want to do it again, except for when your out-of-town relatives visit, or years later when you come back to visit with your own little brood, so we suggest a stroll through Times Square, where she can admire her brand new diamond under the bright lights of Broadway. While you're there, maybe you'll want to step up on a soapbox and proclaim the news to the world? Go for it. It's the one place you can pull it off without being any more of a nut job than the next guy. And everybody loves a lover. Maybe they'll even toss a dollar in your hat.

4. Sweets for the sweet.

Since you had your picnic dinner in the park, you can afford a little bit of fancy restaurant, after all, to make it official. Make a reservation for dessert at a restaurant you know she's dying to get into. If you need a little help, check out a city guide like Time Out New York. She can show off her left hand in a setting where they don't even know discount diamond engagement rings exist (or more likely they do, and they're keeping it a secret just like you).