Proposal Planners Help Slay the Big Moment—Here's How To Find One
While marriage proposals were once a precursor to the main event (aka the wedding day), nowadays, proposals can be spectacular and memorable events in their own right. You can make a marriage proposal as jaw-dropping, luxurious and over-the-top as your heart desires. The tricky part? Planning it all. Enter a proposal planner. Like a wedding planner, proposal planners help plan out the perfect proposal's logistics. Curious to learn what working with a proposal planner entails? Keep reading to learn about the basics of what a proposal planner does, the cost of hiring an engagement planner and tips on finding a proposal planner.
What Is a Wedding Proposal Planner?
As mentioned, marriage proposal planners can help plan every detail of the proposal from start to finish, helping remove all the stress so you can focus on popping the big question. "This includes personalizing the proposal idea to the couple's relationship and story, booking the necessary vendors (location, photographer, videographer, rentals, florist, etc.), handling custom décor and design, putting together a timeline for the proposer and vendors, and overseeing the proposal is seamlessly set up the day of," explains Heather Vaughn, founder and CEO of The Yes Girls.
As for the types of proposals, they can help plan, Michele Velazquez, co-owner of The Heart Bandits, says they can be as small and intimate or as grand and over the top as you desire. Vaughn says that can look like private, luxury proposals on a beach or rooftop all the way to proposals that include various events and steps throughout the day—think an island excursion with a private jet to transport friends and family to the proposal. In other words, the sky's the limit with the help of a wedding proposal planner.
What Does a Proposal Planner Do?
Again, a proposal planner handles all the details you can think of (and the ones you probably wouldn't think of). "A great proposal planner can help you create a proposal idea that tells your unique love story and then bring that proposal concept to life with flawless event planning and execution," Velazquez says. "They will present you venues that fit your budget and vision, bring appropriate vendors on board, shop for any props needed, and most importantly, manage the team they build from start to finish. They also will think of all of the things that could go wrong and then make sure there is a plan in place to ensure those things don't happen."
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Proposal Planner?
As with all wedding-related costs, hiring an engagement proposal planner rates vary depending on the vendor, location, timeframe and proposal set-up service they provide. To give you a ballpark figure, Velazquez says typically, proposal planning packages range from $1,500 to $2,000, not including proposal expenses for things like booking a venue or props. Vaughn agrees, adding that packages can range from DIY options starting at $499 to $2,200+ for luxury, custom proposals featuring all the bells and whistles.
Proposal Planners You Need To Check Out
To start your search for a proposal planner, here are two worth checking out that offer worldwide services.
The Yes Girls
About the company: Established in 2008 and dubbed "the world's original marriage proposal planners," you're definitely in good hands with The Yes Girls team. They've helped plan over 4,000 one-of-a-kind marriage proposals and partnered with luxury venues such as Montage, Waldorf-Astoria,and Ritz Carlton to bring their client's vision to life.
Why You'll Love Them: The Yes Girls can help plan not just proposals but also re-proposals (hello, ring upgrade!), anniversaries and extra-special date nights.
The Heart Bandits
About the company: Also known as one of the original proposal planning companies, The Heart Bandits, founded in 2011, works with clients around the world. "We've planned proposals for celebrities, professional athletes, authors, busy executives and college students alike," Velazquez says.
Why You'll Love Them: The Heart Bandits' specialty is planning proposals that are unique and personalized for the couple. So rest assured, your proposal won't look like a copy of proposals you spot on social media.
How to Find A Proposal Planner Near You
If you're wondering, how do I find a proposal planner near me? The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a great place to start. Simply look in the Wedding Planners section, and choose the "Getting Engaged" filter. You'll be able to read reviews, view photos and contact proposal planners that you're interested in working with. Vaughn also suggests searching Pinterest and social media, particularly under hashtags such as #proposalplanners or by location such as #napamarriageproposals.
Furthermore, Velazquez says it's important that you like the proposal planner's style. It's also vital to research and ensure the proposal planner is reputable and has experience. So, check how long they've been in business and read online reviews to see what past clients say about their work. "A marriage proposal is usually a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you want to make sure the team you choose can handle an event of that magnitude," Velazquez says. "Emergencies can come up, and you want a team that has actual event planning experience so you know they can calmly handle anything that does come up."
To help expedite your search for a proposal planner near you, here are a few proposal planners in major cities across the country.