<prompt> Human: Im preparing to propose to my GF of 2.5 years. And I want to put my situation out there to see what PF thinks. I appreciate any constructive advice you might have.Me: 29 yrs old earning about 55Kyr 16.5K student loans, consolidated 6 incl direct debit discount 90mo pmt 4K personal loan 0 425mo pmt used to buy my carpay off other debt from when I was youngdumb 3.5K emergency fund, contributing 200mo 13.5K in Roth 401k contributing 225 to maximize company match 1.5K in Trad. IRA with Vanguard, contributing 125mo 1.6K in Nest Egg fund for RingWeddingDownpayment on house eventually not till we can put at least 20 down, contributing 266mo Budgeted monthly expenses of 1900 including my share of all bills Drive a 2001 vovlo with 120K miles, paid in full Pay off credit cards in full each month Credit Score 700Her: 26 yrs old earning 37.5K 38.5K student loans, consolidated 5.25 incl. direct debit discount, 115mo payment 9.5K Auto loan for a base model 2010 Hyundai 4.9 through credit union -- looking to refinance for lower termrate -- 235mo pmt 1.5K emergency fund, contributing 275mo 4K in 401k contributing 182 to maximize company match Budgeted monthly expenses of 1700 including share of all joint bills 0 balance on credit cards Credit score: 750That said Id appreciate any feedback on the above, but also on the following with our financial situation taken into consideration:My parents want to give us a gift of 15K probably not all together in one chunk to avoid the gift tax. They specified to me that it was how much they were in for on a ringweddingdownpayment as we see fit. I expect her parents will chip in as well, although probably not that much. Ive been shopping for a diamond engagement ring dont bother trying to talk me out of a diamond, I know its a scam business and they arent really rare, and its all a marketing campaign by deBeers and all that... I want to do this for her, and she wants a diamond. She doesnt expect anything outrageous, she doesnt care what it costs... but Ive done my research and Im looking in the 3K-5K range. Well probably have at least 1.5 years engagement so we can continue to save.We dont have overly outrageous tastes, and are both interested in having a somewhat frugal wedding obviously we talk about all of this stuff even though Ive yet to actually propose. We do both have large families; hers is here, and mine is mostly going to be coming in from the other side of the country when we do get hitched. I would not be surprised if we had 150 guests when it was all said an done. Outdoor wedding, buffet style, Ill buy a bunch of liquor and beer for an open bar. I dont think shell want some super expensive dress. I have a friend who is a wedding photographer who will probably do it for the cost of the plane tickethotel for her and her husband. Still, I imagine were talking at least 10K for the wedding, right? I bet if I time things right I can use credit card sign-up bonuses to pay for the honeymoon. Obviously not planning on carrying a balance though.TL;DR: Gettin Hitched!I guess I dont have many specific questions, more or less just looking for outside opinions and advice. I appreciate you taking the time to read if you have.  <response>: Each person can give each other person up to the gift limit per year. This year the gift exclusion is 14K, mom could give 7.5K and Dad could give 7.5K and you have your 15K with no gift tax issue. Or Mom could give you 3K and Dad could give you 4K and mom could give fiance 4K and Dad could give fiance 4K and youd still have your 15K with no gift tax issues. Or they could double their gifts and still be under. Or they could triple their gifts and they could still be under. As long as each gift giver to gift recipient amount is under 14K PER YEAR, you are fine. No gift tax return and no gift. If they want to go over that, they can give up to 5 Million in their lifetime with no tax, but do have to file a return, so I think you are very safe here. 