Ryan Seacrest has ignited a conversation about the value of engagement rings, suggesting couples might be better off investing in experiences rather than expensive jewelry.
During a recent episode of his radio show On Air With Ryan Seacrest, the 51-year-old host questioned whether the traditional engagement ring is worth the significant financial investment. "A lot of couples are saying, 'Hey, is the engagement ring really worth it?'" Seacrest remarked. "What's the average cost? $10,000? Think about what you could do with your partner for $10,000."
Seacrest noted that many modern couples are adopting a more practical approach to engagement expenses. His co-host Sisanie Villaclara pointed out that historically, engagement rings were often simple bands rather than the elaborate diamond rings popular today.
For Seacrest, the choice is clear. "When I meet my human, and it's that time, we're gonna have experiences together," he explained. "We're gonna focus on building our bond. Doing things together. We're gonna go on adventures together. That's what we're gonna think about. We're not thinking about jewelry."
"We're thinking about adventures and building something together, and that's what we want to do. That should be the priority."
The American Idol and Wheel of Fortune host, who has previously dated Aubrey Paige, Julianne Hough, and Shayna Taylor, revealed he once came close to proposing but ultimately decided against it. "I did get close and I didn't do it," he told Kelly Ripa in 2017. "It was the right move, but I love the idea [of marriage]."
Seacrest humorously explained his hesitation about marriage, saying, "I have this thing that I don't want to screw it up, and a lot of times, they get screwed up. I figure the longer I wait, the older I'll be, the closer to death I am—so I can get it in and not screw it up."
While Seacrest's perspective challenges traditional engagement norms, his comments reflect a growing trend among couples who are reconsidering how to best allocate resources as they begin their lives together.