Around 6 million Americans are either expecting a marriage proposal or planning to propose this Valentine's Day, according to a study conducted by American Express and released by Business Wire. That's up from 4 million people in 2012.
The most popular proposal setting among those surveyed is a romantic vacation or weekend getaway, followed by dinner at a restaurant. Still, more couples are planning on proposing over an intimate at-home meal (15 percent are opting for this, up from 8 percent last year).
See Also: Anti-Valentine's Day Events for Single and/or Bitter New Yorkers
Couples aren't necessarily willing to spend more money to pop the question. On average, the study says, "Americans feel $2,410 is an appropriate amount to spend on an engagement ring, on par with last year."
Affluent Americans, on the other hand, said they are willing to spend up to $5,658 on a ring, which shot up from just under $2,000 last year.
When it comes to V-Day presents, Americans, and men in particular, are willing to spend more this year. "Merchants should see moderate growth in Valentine's Day spending," says David Rabkin from American Express. "More couples say they plan to spend, and spend more to make the day special. Topping the list are gifts, dinners out and going to the movies."
However, while men are planning on spending more, nearly a third of women in relationships say they think the holiday is overrated, while another third "say it's a fun holiday, but not a major occasion."
But this doesn't necessarily mean you should skip the chocolates and flowers; 35 percent of women still feel that "it's an important day to celebrate their relationship with their significant other."
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