by Danielle Andrews, President & Co-founder, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
When it comes to love stories, the proposal is where the magic begins, and for wedding planners, it’s where business can begin, too.
Offering proposal planning services is not just a romantic idea; it’s a smart business move. This niche allows planners to stay busy during the slower months, build relationships early with couples, and showcase creativity in an intimate, emotional moment that leads naturally into a full-service wedding planning client.
Why Add Proposal Planning to Your Services
1. Proposal Season Is the Opposite of Wedding Season
Engagement season typically runs from mid-November through February, peaking between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. In other words, when wedding planners are in their off-season, proposals are in full bloom. Offering this service fills your calendar (and your bank account) during those slower months.
2. It’s the Ultimate Client Conversion Funnel
When you help someone plan a life-changing moment, they’re emotionally invested, and so are you.
Proposal planning builds trust and establishes you as their go-to expert. Naturally, when it’s time to plan the wedding, they’ll want the person who helped start it all.
3. A New Revenue Stream with Minimal Overhead
Proposal planning doesn’t require massive setups or vendor teams. Many are small-scale events that leverage your creative design skills, connections, and logistics expertise. You can offer tiered packages, from a simple romantic setup to elaborate surprise experiences, allowing for flexibility in budget and scope.
4. It’s a PR & Portfolio Goldmine
Proposal content performs beautifully on social media. These moments are emotional, photogenic, and highly shareable. Curate styled photos or reels showcasing your proposal setups and watch your engagement skyrocket.
25 Grand Proposal Ideas to Offer Your Clients
- Private Rooftop Dinner – A candlelit meal with skyline views and a hidden photographer.
- Beach Picnic at Sunset – Customized picnic with luxury décor, champagne, and “Will You Marry Me?” signage in the sand.
- Helicopter Ride Proposal – Pop the question mid-flight with a “Marry Me” banner on the ground below.
- Private Movie Screening – Rent a small theatre or outdoor screen showing a montage of their love story.
- Destination Proposal – Coordinate a surprise proposal on a tropical vacation or European getaway.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride – A sunrise adventure ending with champagne toasts in the sky.
- Luxury Hotel Suite Setup – Flowers, candles, champagne, and “She Said Yes” balloons awaiting them after dinner.
- Snowy Winter Wonderland – Horse-drawn sleigh ride ending with twinkle lights and hot cocoa.
- Boat Cruise Proposal – Private yacht, sunset sail, or gondola ride complete with live music.
- Hiking to a Scenic Overlook – Arrange a photographer to be waiting at the summit with a picnic.
- Flash Mob Proposal – Choreographed dancers or musicians performing their favourite song in a public space.
- Luxury Staycation – Transform a local hotel suite into a romantic escape with floral décor and personalized details.
- Art Gallery or Museum Proposal – Private after-hours tour ending at a curated “exhibit” featuring their love story.
- At-Home Surprise Makeover – Turn their living room or backyard into a romantic candlelit scene.
- Skydiving or Adventure Proposal – For thrill-seekers, the question is asked mid-jump or after landing with a dramatic sign.
- Wine or Whisky Tasting Tour – The final tasting glass engraved with “Will You Marry Me?”
- Luxury Picnic in a Conservatory or Greenhouse – Lush surroundings for a picture-perfect moment.
- Destination Proposal Photoshoot – Pretend it’s just a travel photoshoot and surprise them mid-session.
- Under the Stars – A private stargazing experience with telescopes, blankets, and a “constellation proposal.”
- Cooking Class Proposal – Midway through dessert-making, reveal the ring in a personalized sweet treat.
- Live Music Serenade – Hire a local musician or string quartet to appear mid-date.
- Luxury Train Ride Proposal – Elegant dinner car, vintage glamour, and scenic backdrops.
- Proposal Scavenger Hunt – Each clue leads to a memory spot, ending with the proposal.
- Destination Engagement Retreat – Partner with a resort to offer “Proposal Packages” with photos, décor, and celebration dinner.
- Cultural or Heritage-Inspired Proposal – Honour traditions or family roots in a meaningful, symbolic setting.
How to Package Proposal Planning Services
Offer 3 tiers of service:
- The Classic Proposal: Simple setup, décor, and coordination.
- The Signature Proposal: Custom theme, vendor coordination, photography, and logistics.
- The Luxe Experience: Multi-day experience or destination proposal with all-inclusive planning.
Add options like:
- Proposal videography
- Floral and décor design
- Live musician or entertainment
- Photographer coordination
- Same-day engagement party setup
Final Thought
Every wedding story begins with a “Yes.” As planners, we already excel at creating magical moments, so why not start earlier? Proposal planning not only keeps your business thriving year-round but also allows you to be part of the very first chapter of your clients’ love story.
About Danielle Andrews, BA, WPICC
Danielle Andrews is the Co-Founder and President of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC Inc.) and has been a certified wedding planner for over 25 years. Recognized as one of Eventex’s 100 Most Influential Wedding Professionals, Danielle is dedicated to elevating the standards of the wedding industry through education, mentorship, and professionalism. She has trained thousands of planners worldwide, planned weddings across the globe, and continues to mentor new professionals to build successful, ethical, and sustainable businesses in the ever-evolving world of weddings.
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