How much does a proposal planner cost? [2024 guide]

If you’re planning a marriage proposal, you probably want to pop the question in a way your partner will genuinely love. Figuring out how and when to propose is already tough. Add in finding the right proposal setup and venue, deciding who to involve, and incorporating meaningful touches, and it gets overwhelming fast.

A growing number of people are hiring planners who offer marriage proposal packages to help them plan this important milestone. As you’re thinking about enlisting the help of a professional, cost is an important factor to consider. So, how much does a proposal planner cost, anyway?

In this up-to-date guide, I'll dive into the key factors that influence proposal planner costs, break down average prices, and share my expert tips on budgeting and getting the most value for your money. Without further ado, let's explore everything you need to know about how much a marriage proposal planner costs.

In this article

What are marriage proposal planners?

Factors that influence proposal planner costs

Average cost of proposal planners

What's included in proposal planner packages?

How to budget for a proposal

Top reasons to hire a marriage proposal planner

How to get the most out of proposal planning

FAQs about How much does a proposal planner cost?

Conclusion

What are marriage proposal planners?

2024 has been called the year of the proposal, with more and more proposers deciding to pop the question in an authentic and memorable way. Marriage proposal planners are professionals who help you do just that. They create unique, personalized proposal ideas, then design a plan to bring your moment to life. An engagement planner’s goal is to take the stress out of planning and help make this important moment unforgettable for you and your partner.

Here are the services typically offered by a marriage proposal planner:

• Unique proposal ideas: Wedding proposal planners usually start by brainstorming and developing creative proposal ideas tailored to your and your partner’s interests and personalities.

• Advice and expertise: Using their expertise, they know what works best for proposals and are not only excellent guides in your planning, but also serve as a friendly source of support to help you feel confident throughout the experience. 

• Location research: They recommend locations and venues that suit your preferences and budget.

• Vendor coordination: Marriage proposal planners arrange or recommend additional services you might want to incorporate into your day, like photography, videography, florists, musicians, and more.

• Logistics management: They help you navigate the logistical aspects of your proposal to make sure your day goes smoothly.

By working through each aspect of your proposal, a wedding proposal planner helps take the stress of planning away – which frees you up to focus on having a memorable experience you’ll actually enjoy.

Factors that influence proposal planner costs

A few different factors can influence how much a proposal planner costs. Understanding these aspects can help you budget effectively and make more informed decisions.

• Location: The cost of proposal planning services can vary significantly depending on the location. Major cities and popular proposal destinations typically have higher costs due to increased demand and higher living expenses. For example, a marriage proposal planner in New York City may charge more than one in a smaller town.

  • Pro tip: At My Planner Friend, our affordable marriage proposal packages enable you to plan a proposal from anywhere in the world. Because our services are entirely virtual, you have the freedom to propose anywhere with the support and expertise of our marriage proposal planners.

• Type of proposal: The complexity and type of proposal can also impact costs. A simple, intimate proposal at a local park will generally cost less than an elaborate surprise proposal involving multiple locations and vendors.

• Level of customization: Although there are plenty of ways to incorporate meaningful details, custom decorations, unique experiences, and specialized requests can sometimes add to the overall cost.

• Additional services: Some marriage proposal planners offer additional services such as photography or videography, and including these services will increase the total proposal planner cost.

Average cost of proposal planners

Understanding the average costs can help you set a realistic budget, which can be especially helpful if the cost of an engagement ring is already on your mind. If you’re looking for a proposal planner near you, don’t miss our article, Where do I find a proposal planner near me?

Here's a breakdown of general proposal planner cost tiers.

Custom marriage proposal services

• Marriage proposal packages from My Planner Friend cost $199 to $349. With this type of planning service, you get professional planning assistance that includes three personalized proposal ideas, detailed budget breakdowns to show you what the ideas will cost to produce, local vendor recommendations tailored to you, 1:1 support, and exclusive proposal tips. 

• If you’re looking for an affordable marriage proposal planner, be sure to check out our marriage proposal packages. 

Traditional marriage proposal services

• Traditional marriage proposal packages typically start at $1,500 with an average of $6,000, not including day-of proposal expenses. Some proposal planning costs $10,000 or more.

• These services typically offer day-of proposal event support and booking of high-end vendors.

DIY proposal help

• Going the DIY route or recruiting friends and family members to help can be a great way to save on cost. The amount you spend will primarily need to cover materials (think food and beverage, flowers, signage and decor, etc.). 

• Typically, the cost of a DIY proposal can range from $100 to $600 depending on the complexity and what you choose to purchase.

• This option is budget-friendly but requires more personal effort and planning, along with help from friends and family who can keep it a secret!

What's included in proposal planner packages?

Different proposal planner packages offer various services, but here's what you can typically expect.

Basic marriage proposal packages

• Pre-set proposal ideas

• Links to decor for purchase, such as a “will you marry me” sign, champagne, or rose petals

• A predefined venue that accommodates proposers regularly

Custom marriage proposal packages

• Creation of proposal concepts and unique ideas

• Access to an expert engagement proposal planner

• Vendor recommendations, budget recommendations, and a day-of timeline

Luxury marriage proposal packages

• Coordination with high-end vendors

• Extravagant or novel experiences

• Full day-of coordination with a dedicated team

How to budget for a proposal

Effective budgeting is crucial. After all, the last thing you need before getting married is financial stress! Based on my experience as a marriage proposal planner, here is my top advice for proposers.

Factor in your proposal planner cost along with your ring

When planning your proposal, consider the cost of the proposal planner as part of your overall budget. If you’re proposing with a ring, include the planner's fee in your total expenditure. This helps you get a clear picture of your total costs and ensures there are no surprises.

Know your day-of proposal costs

At My Planner Friend, we know that planning a proposal involves lots of moving parts, and sticking to a budget can help keep the costs of proposal planning affordable. That's why we provide clear budget breakdowns for each of your custom proposal ideas. When you purchase one of our marriage proposal packages, you get an estimate for what each element of your proposal will cost, from the venue and decorations to photography and special touches. 

Our goal is to help you make informed choices about where your money is going and ensure you get the best value for your budget. With our budget breakdowns, you can plan your proposal with the peace of mind that there won't be any surprise expenses.

Ways to save on proposal costs

• Opt for off-peak times. Proposing during less busy times can sometimes reduce costs for vendors like photographers and florists.

• Use your network. Do you know someone who could help with your proposal? Whether it's a friend or a family member, leveraging your connections can cut costs and add a personal touch to your special day.

• Simplify the proposal. If the details are well-planned, a simple yet meaningful proposal can be just as memorable as an elaborate one.

• Choose recommended vendors. Work with vendors recommended by your marriage proposal planner. They often have established relationships with trusted vendors who may offer better rates.

Top reasons to hire a marriage proposal planner

Hiring a wedding proposal planner offers many benefits, including:

Confidence and peace of mind. Whether it's your partner's lifelong dream of a perfect proposal or opinions from friends and family, the pressure of proposing can be intense. A marriage proposal planner takes the weight off your shoulders, letting you enjoy the moments leading up to your special day.

One-of-a-kind ideas. Feeling stuck on how to propose is very common – many proposers feel overwhelmed trying to come up with ideas and plan the details. A wedding proposal planner brings fresh, personalized ideas that resonate with what your partner loves, making the rest of the planning process that much smoother.

Save time. In today's busy world, finding time to plan a proposal can be challenging. Marriage proposal packages are ideal for busy professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone juggling multiple responsibilities. If ring shopping has already consumed much of your time, a planner can be the perfect solution to handle the rest, saving you precious time and effort.

Expert assistance. Engagement proposal planners are seasoned professionals who know what works. They can refine your ideas and transform them into a memorable event that feels authentic to you and your partner. Working with a planner provides you with valuable advice and creative suggestions you might not have thought of.

Create a convincing ruse. Unlike your partner's best friend, a marriage proposal planner is committed to maintaining the surprise. They help you create a convincing cover story so your partner won’t suspect you are proposing, and then expertly manage every detail discreetly.

Leverage local knowledge and connections. Proposal planners can recommend top locations and services near you and often secure discounts on venues, photographers, florists, and restaurants. Their connections can help turn your proposal into a truly elevated experience.

How to get the most out of proposal planning

To ensure you get the best value for the cost of a proposal planner, consider the following tips:

1. Start early! I know, it sounds like advice you've heard a million times. But seriously – planning ahead gives you more options and flexibility. Most people find that planning their proposal just before or right after getting the engagement ring works well. Last-minute planning can limit your choices, especially for in-demand vendors like proposal photographers, who book up quickly.

2. Communicate clearly. Be upfront about your budget and expectations from the start. Clear communication helps your marriage proposal planner tailor their services to fit your needs and prioritize the most important add-ons. Discussing your vision in detail also ensures that the planner can bring your dream proposal to life just the way you imagined it.

3. Prioritize the most meaningful elements. Think about which aspects of the proposal are most important to you and your partner. Is it a sentimental item you can create yourself? A grand gesture like fireworks? Documenting the moment with a videographer? Whether it's the location, decorations, or professional photography, invest in the elements that will mean the most to your partner and your future selves.

4. Research. Look into a few marriage proposal planners to get a feel for their style and approach. This also allows you to compare prices and services to find the best fit for your needs. Reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients can give you insights into a planner’s reliability, creativity, and customer service.

Making the final decision

Your proposal is a huge life event, and having the right support can make it truly magical. Choosing the right marriage proposal planners involves balancing cost, services, and personal connection. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure your proposal planning process is smooth, enjoyable, and perfectly tailored to create a memorable moment for you and your partner.

FAQs about How much does a proposal planner cost?

Are proposal planner costs refundable? 

Refund policies vary by planner. Some may offer partial refunds, while others may have non-refundable deposits. It’s always a good idea to check the marriage proposal planner's refund policy before booking.

Do proposal planners charge by the hour or by package?

Most proposal planners charge by marriage proposal package since they usually offer different levels of service at set prices. Some planners may offer hourly rates for specific services or consultations.

Where do I find a proposal planner near me?

Finding a proposal planner near you is easier than you might think. Start by searching online for marriage proposal services or ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also check out online reviews and directories to find a reputable planner in your area. For more expert tips, check out our ultimate guide: Where do I find a proposal planner near me?

Conclusion

In this guide, we've covered everything you need to know about proposal planner costs, from understanding the role of an engagement proposal planner to exploring factors that influence pricing. By considering different proposal planning options and following our tips for getting the most out of your investment, you can create a memorable proposal experience without breaking the bank. 

Whether you choose a ‘do it yourself’ approach, a pre-set idea, or a custom marriage proposal package, a planner can help turn your dream proposal into a reality. Remember, the key to a successful proposal is the thought and effort you put into it, which is what will make it a memorable moment for both you and your partner. 

Ready to start planning an unforgettable proposal? Check out My Planner Friend's affordable marriage proposal packages and find the perfect option to fit your needs.