What to Know About Planning Your Epic Skywriting Proposal

A proposal for a love as sky-high as yours.
Plane creating a heart in the sky
Photo: aappp | Shutterstock
Ariel Taranski
by
Ariel Taranski
Ariel Taranski
Ariel Taranski
The Knot Contributor
  • Ariel writes on a variety of wedding-related topics for The Knot.
  • She has previously worked for Southern Bride Magazine, Miss Design Berry and other woman-owned wedding brands.
  • She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis.
Updated Jan 02, 2025

Does that cloud look like an engagement ring to you? If you want to write your message in the sky before getting down on one knee, then a skywriting proposal is the perfect way. There are so many moving parts to this big moment, like figuring out what to say when you propose, where it should happen and who else will be involved. And having a skywriter is one of those proposal trends that never goes out of style. We spoke with Cristina Jacuzzi, owner and event producer at The Sky Writers, for tips and tricks to help you plan this one-of-a-kind marriage proposal. So, let's take a look at the ways you can turn the sky into your own canvas for this epic engagement.

In this article:

How Much Does a Skywriting Proposal Cost?

For skywriting, Jacuzzi says pricing begins at $3,500, and that includes one plane flying for up to five characters. "Each additional character is $200. Hearts and happy faces count as two letters," she says. Skytyping is another option, and this is done with five planes flying in formation with computer-generated text in the sky. This gives you 25 letters visible at once for up to three to seven minutes each, costing around $17,500 for up to 250 letters. However, this is dependent on location, so you could spend anywhere between $3,000 to $5,500 for skywriting and $15,000 to $20,000 for skytyping.

Tips For Planning A Skywriting Proposal

Planning your proposal can be a lot of fun, and you can make it into something truly memorable for both of you. Here are a few tips to consider for this ultra-romantic skywriting marriage proposal idea.

Check the Weather Forecast

For a skywriting proposal, you want to ensure you have a clear sky and not a lot of wind. Jacuzzi says, "We need a blue canvas to put the skywriting in the sky, or partly sunny skies will work too. If it's cloudy or raining, we talk to the client about doing this on another day." Be sure to coordinate with your skywriter on potential dates and reschedule if needed due to weather.

Choose a Special Location

Whether you're taking a trip for this proposal or doing it locally, be sure to pick a special viewing spot (especially one without any obstructions, like tall trees or buildings). You can even make the spot more romantic with some champagne and flowers or a photographer to capture the moment.

Personalize the Proposal

Tailor the proposal to your future spouse and what they enjoy. Maybe there's a certain TV show or movie they love. Incorporate it into the skywriting or background of your proposal. Play their favorite song as you get down on one knee, or decorate the spot with balloons, confetti and rose petals. The sky is truly the limit.

What Your Skywriting Proposal Should Say

One great thing about skywriting is that the whole city will know that someone's about to get engaged. However, it's important to note that short and sweet is better for this proposal idea. As our skywriting expert, Jacuzzi notes, "When skywriting via a single plane, less is always better since it takes approximately 90 seconds a letter to create each letter." Here are some ideas for what your skywriting message can say so that the anticipation doesn't last too long.

  • Will you marry me?
  • (A heart with your initials inside)
  • [Name], marry me?
  • Marry me + (a skywriting ring)
  • Be my forever?
  • Say yes?
  • Be my wife/husband?

5 Skywriting Proposal Ideas

For a love written in the stars, take to the skies to declare your intentions. A skywriting proposal is a story you'll share for many years to come, but it's also important to help set the scene beforehand. Here are some exciting ideas to make your engagement a whole occasion.

Picnic in the Park

What's more romantic than a picnic for your proposal? Pack up your favorite foods, like a charcuterie spread or chocolate-covered strawberries, and be sure to keep an eye on the sky. You can also book a luxury picnic service to make it even more special (and help offload the planning so you can focus on the "just said yes" moment instead).

Weekend Getaway

If no local companies do skywriting or skytyping, how about planning a getaway to a city that does? This way, you and your S.O. can have a fun and memorable vacation before the big proposal. Whether you choose a city landscape, an intimate countryside retreat or something in between, there are many ways to make your engagement story unforgettable.

Scavenger Hunt

Send your love on a scavenger hunt before leading them to the location for the skywriting proposal. You can incorporate some of your favorite spots around town or notable areas where you met, had your first date or even your home together. Then, when they arrive at the final location, an X in the sky can mark the spot of your proposal.

Day on the Water

Whether you live near a lake or a beach, this idea is perfect for a wide open space to view your skywriting proposal. Rent a boat for a day on the water, or spend some time on the sand before your marriage message pops up in the sky. This is a great way to relax or have some fun and really catch your spouse-to-be off guard for the proposal. Jacuzzi recommends being mindful of a thick marine layer during the day so that visibility isn't compromised.

Proposal With a View

Give your S.O. a bird's eye view of the skywriting marriage proposal by taking them to the top of a building, hotel balcony or rooftop. See if there are any special rooftop bars or restaurants you can book a reservation for at the moment of the proposal. You can make it even more special by having a waiter bring out champagne and dessert afterward to celebrate.

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