Congratulations, brother!!!
I used my hometown jeweler who's been there forever. I knew what I wanted because I knew what Lisa would like. I found the ring and matching wedding band and then ultimately bought her the matching band for the other side because we both thought it would look better. I never told her I was getting that second band, I just did it out of the blue. She had to stop there to have her ring soldered together and I made arrangements for them to add the other band. She was shocked and thrilled.
I like the idea of the man picking the ring. I think it's his job, not so much a group effort like a lot of couples do. Whatever makes a couple happy is fine of course, but I knew that's what Lisa would expect and she adores what I picked.
Another reason I used my hometown jeweler is because I knew what I should be paying for what I was buying and I knew I could beat him down to the best possible price, comparatively.
I'd bought jewelry there for years, so that made a difference, I suppose.
Whatever you do, good luck, and may you have a long and happy marriage!!!