Proposal Planners? Has It Come to This?

To specifically answer your question as to whether men are spending $5K - $15K to plan their wedding proposals, the answer is yes. Admitingly, most are not; but some are. The question is not whether they are doing it; rather why are they doing it?

In my experience, there are various reasons. One, most men want that special moment to be memorable, unique, and significant. Two, most women want the same. In recognizing that a memorable and unique proposal might require the gathering of outside resources, including coordinators, vendors, and industry specific professionals, they choose to hire proposal planners, or, at the very least, event organizers. Furthermore, when some men lack the necessary skills to plan for such an endeavor on their own or carry significant schedule restrictions in their professional lives, they choose to enlist the services of a pro. Additionally, women put more and more pressure on men to blow away the previous proposal their girlfriend experience, and so men realize they can’t pull it off on their own.

Is this choice inappropriate? Let’s look at what is happening today. In a recent survey, 80% of women admitted their proposal was embarrassing and it was obvious he had made to attempt to plan for it. Since 50% of marriages will end in divorce, doesn’t it make sense to do all that you can to make the foundation of it as memorable as possible, in order to give your as best chance as possible? Men (and women) today have more disposable income but less time. We are bombarded with media fantasy and somehow want our “fair share”. This is just one more way to respond to market demand.

As someone who caters to this niche, you might say my opinion is biased. Perhaps. But I witness reality. And reality tells me that not only is Wedding Proposal Planning here to stay, but it is here to fill an existing need.

If a man or women would like advise, feel free to contact me. Although I excel in local proposals (San Antonio/Austin, TX area) I can certainly give advice to anyone anywhere.

Dan Diaz
Wedding Proposal Planner
m. 210.421.4447

I can tell you that people are not paying planers $5-$15k for their proposal services but their proposals may end up being that high if they involved plane tickets to Costa Rica, hotels for the week, etc. 

I can not understand why it angers this writer above that a man (or woman) who turns to a professional to help them organize one of the most important events of his life?  Do you get angry if someone turned to a professional travel agent to plan a honeymoon- does that make it less special?  How about the man who utilizes a hotel concierge to help him plan an amazing weekend trip complete with Broadway shows, dinners and museums?  Does that make it any less meaningful.  The answer is no.

I think what you are missing is that Proposals Planners do not “come up” with the proposal and tell the guy where to be and what time- they serve as a sounding board- helping the man keep this very private event private and offer some ideas to bounce around off of HIS ideas.  Then they help “manage” whatever it is that the man has decided to do- especially if it involves hiring people, utilizing vendor contacts, etc.

Furthermore, what is wrong with elaborate and expensive weddings?  Do you have ANY idea how many small business benefit from a wedding?  No, you probably do not or have not even thought of that before.  Weddings employ hundreds of THOUSANDS of Americans (waiters, florist, dress makes, stationary designers, wedding planners, photographers, gift makers, maids, hotels).

Can you remind me why is bad that someone who has money to spend throws an expensive wedding, and therefore helps supports an industry that feeds hundreds of thousands of American people?

Sometimes people need a little help to make the event perfect.  Nothing wrong with that.  Email The Heart Bandits for help proposing or any other romance needs.

Yes! I started my proposal planning services back in 2008 (http://www.theyesgirls) and it’s now taking off more than ever. It’s not about how much money guys are spending on their proposals or proposal planners but rather guys realizing personalizing their proposal and making it thoughtful is a must. No more just over dinner when you can use that same money and transform it into her dream proposal set-up that’s more original. The Yes Girls are so excited more guys are saying no to thoughtless proposals and saying yes to thoughtful ones!