A new wedding survey by online coupon service Ebates finds 49 percent of women prefer to be surprised when they receive their engagement ring.

By contrast, 15 percent said they’d want to pick out the ring themselves, and 28 percent preferred to go shopping with their intended and offer feedback. Only 6 percent favored an heirloom ring.

The survey also found:

– Say yes: 85 percent admit that they would accept a proposal even if they hated their engagement ring.

– That may be because they feel they will get a second-chance: 72 percent say that it’s ok to upgrade to a better ring post-marriage.

– A second time around: 42 percent have no problem with a previously-worn ring—even if that marriage ended in divorce.

– Yes, but: 55 percent of Americans think it’s acceptable to purchase a ring from a pawn shop, but 46 percent never would.

The survey also found 31 percent of men plan to spend less than $1,000 on their ring.  A more realistic 45 percent plan to spend between $1,000 and $5,000, 15 percent plan to spend between $5,000 and $10,000, 5 percent plan to spend between $10,000 and $15,000, and 4 percent plan to spend more than $15,000.

(Getty Images)

Rob Bates

JCK News Director