I need some advice/opinions...My boyfriend and I have been dating since we were in high school (~ 10 years). We've done all of the transitioning such as going to college, long distance relationships, moving in together, etc. I finally feel like we are in a GOOD space and we've discussed about getting married. Last December we started looking for rings and we picked one out for me. Since then, he's started paying for "my" ring and we've picked one out for him. About 3-4 months ago we set a wedding date. This is where it gets a little fuzzy for me....I've informed my closest friends and both of our parents and some family members are aware. We set the date for October 17, 2014, which will be our ten year anniversary. I didn't want to get ahead of myself and start planning, but it kind of happened anyway. I didn't want to plan our wedding at the last minute and end up not getting everything we wanted or anything remotely close to what we wanted. Sooooo....Now I'm in full fledge planning mode BUT I’m a little afraid to do certain things i.e. dress shopping because I DON'T HAVE MY RING just yet. However, we will be booking our venue in next month (fingers crossed that he likes the one I LOVE). I know that the ring is coming, but I’m not exactly sure when (hopefully by the end of the year). My question is: Am I overthinking the ring situation?, should I continue planning since we are set on OUR date? Does this happen (planning without a ring) more than I'm thinking? I know that the commitment is definitely there and that the wedding is definitely happening on 10.17.14. When should I start dress shopping? Should I wait on the ring? Is it that important? WHY AM I HOLDING BACK?