For many, a proposal still remains one of life’s most important milestones – and it seems that some people are so determined to make it a magical moment that they’re willing to invest thousands of dollars to get it just right.
Hopeful grooms who want to court their bride-to-be (or not) in style turn to professionals to help with everything from location to lighting, gifts, flowers, photographers, and more. Telegraph reports.
And according to the outlet, those hoping for a marriage proposal are willing to shell out between £2,000 and £2,500 for the life-changing event, with some spending more than £160,000 for the exclusive hire of posh private venues.
The trend is said to have started during the coronavirus lockdown, when partners had more time to plan ambitious proposals. Add to that the Instagram era, where breathtaking hookups seemingly everywhere you go, and it feels like being on your knees is no longer enough.
Danielle Kendall, founder of hen party specialist Team Hen, says: ‘As we’ve lost so many opportunities to celebrate during lockdown, we’re celebrating more lavishly simply because we can.
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Groom hopefuls are turning to professionals to help with location, lighting, gifts, flowers, photographers and more, the Telegraph reports. stock image used
Having your big moment on social media is also a priority for many, she adds: “There are very few celebrations in life these days that aren’t curated with the ‘gram in mind.’ Social media platforms have created a culture where our important life events, including proposals, are highlighted.”
Special agencies have also sprung up that deal only with proposal planning. Shivani Kattri, founder of The Proposal Planners, organizes about fifty proposals a month, and some even include helicopters and private jets.
And men apparently make up the largest audience. Another agency, The Proposers, told the Telegraph that although women come to them in same-sex pairs for their services, it has mostly been men.
Kendall of Team Hen told MailOnline that there is also a new audience for a different kind of proposal. Asking your bridesmaid the question has been popular for a few years now, but it’s certainly true that these proposals are getting bigger and more lavish every year.
“Asking your best friends to be bridesmaids is extremely personal and is the perfect time to reflect on that friendship and thank your girls for who they are.”
The trend is believed to have started during the coronavirus lockdown and has expanded over the years. stock image used
Should you be wary of a man taking you in a helicopter to be proposed to on a private beach? Or are you planning a flash mob to pop the question on your way home from work?
Romance doesn’t always have to be about over-the-top gestures, says Kendall.
“Everyone is different – I hate being the center of attention, so to be asked out in public, or in a lavish way posted on social media – I would hate that. My husband knows about me, so didn’t ask in public.
“For some people, their perfect proposal would involve friends, or some kind of audience. Being in the public eye can also be a show of affection or wealth.
“Proposing to someone is absolutely huge; it is a matter of lifelong commitment. So whether it’s done simply, in an understated way or with flocks of pigeons and acres of white roses – as long as the sentiment is there and asked for the right reasons – it doesn’t really matter.’
The rise of quote planners comes after reports earlier this year that the average wedding guest will spend more than £1,000 this year.
Those attending a wedding in 2023 expect to spend an average of £1,045 per wedding, according to American Express.
This is an 18 percent jump from the average spending people anticipated when similar research was conducted in 2022.
Wedding guests expected to spend an average of £883 last year.
Just over half (52 percent) of guests said they will be attending a wedding in 2023 that had been postponed since the start of the pandemic.
Gifts for the newlyweds will be the biggest expense for wedding guests in 2023, the study found.
The attendees expect to spend an average of € 217.90 on the lucky couple.
Cash, couples experiences, and kitchen appliances are among the popular gifts guests will want to make this year.
Accommodation is the second largest projected cost for guests, averaging £203.90.
Wedding guests expect to spend about a third (32 percent) more on lodging this year than in 2022, the study found.
In addition to increasing guest spending this year, the average number of guests per wedding is expected to increase in 2023.
The study found that the average number of guests for weddings will be 74 in 2023, compared to 66 in 2022.
Many couples are taking the opportunity to get married abroad in 2023, with Spain and Ireland among the popular destinations, American Express found.
In March 2023, around 2,000 people across Britain were surveyed by Opinium.
A similar survey of 2,000 people in the UK was conducted earlier in April 2022.