Say Yes!!

Grooms-to-be getting help to pop the question (Featured in Straits Times on 8 August 2011)

2011-08-08T13:27:00.008+08:00

MORE men are falling for the idea of getting help from a third party to pop the question of marriage to their girlfriends.

For a fee that could reach $11,000, the moment of surprise dreamt up by wedding planners could involve framing 'Marry Me' with an ice sculpture or using a helicopter ride to put her on cloud nine.

The Association of Bridal Consultants said more wedding planners are creating that lovey-dovey occasion at the request of time-starved and pressured grooms-to-be.

'The men want something different and have no clue over how to make their proposal unique,' said its country director, Mr Jonathan Goh. 'Also, women... expect more. The 'let's buy an HDB flat' proposal doesn't cut it anymore.'

A check with 10 wedding planners found that demand has grown, and the proposals have become more elaborate.

Those The Straits Times spoke to were behind about 70 proposals last year.

Suite Success received five requests in 2008, when it launched the service.

It had 18 jobs last year, and has done 10 so far this year, said owner Tony Goh, 33.

Ms Eileen Tan, 27, owner of proposalideas.blogspot.com, got started in 2007 when she planned five proposals.

She has pulled off 15 so far this year, matching that number for the whole of last year.

Mr Gordon Ang, owner of Wedding Matters, said he has handled about five jobs a year since 2009.

He said that when he began, people were willing to pay only about $500 for a proposal executed in a simple hotel room or chalet.

Now, it typically costs about $1,000, including a night's stay in a hotel, romantic dinner and a ring dropped into a glass of champagne served by a butler. Most deals include the service of a cameraman.

Some, however, cost up to $11,000, which pays for wow factors such as a one-night stay at a five-star hotel, an ice sculpture of the words 'Marry Me', dinner in a room full of star-shaped balloons and a violinist serenading them.

'Sometimes, couples come to us to discuss wedding plans. After a while, we realise the groom hasn't formally proposed, and we will pull him aside to ask if he wants to plan one,' said Ms Christin Shua, co-owner of Indulgz Weddings, who has planned three proposals this year.

One she did in June went to greater heights, via an hour-long helicopter ride that cost more than $2,000.

Others like Mr Lucas Chan, 28, forked out $4,000 for his proposal last year to his girlfriend of two years.

They engaged Indulgz Weddings to plan their wedding last year before he had even proposed to the insurance planner.

'She was always lamenting that I never proposed to her and that she did not know if I was serious about marrying her at all,' said the management trainee.

He made her think they won a trip to Penang and popped the question there in a restaurant in front of a photo montage.

'She teared up and said yes,' he said.

Operations manager Brian Loh, 34, was very nervous about proposing, even though he and his girlfriend of two years, Ms Kym Chong, 29, had arranged to take wedding photos.

'I was more worried about how to surprise her,' he said.

Halfway through singing a song at a karaoke lounge with friends on her birthday in January last year, she saw pictures of the couple on the screen.

'I came in from the other room singing the chorus, with flowers and a ring. And, of course, I went down on one knee,' said Mr Loh.

He added that the proposal cost him about $1,000.

Ms Chong, a project engineer, said she appreciated what he did.

'I didn't suspect a thing. It took a lot of preparation and a lot of lying,' she added, laughing.

But other brides-to-be are not as approving of the idea of their boyfriends resorting to hired help.

'They don't even know the girl,' said Ms Siti Aishah Zahara, 24, a teacher.

'If the guy is going to pay wedding planners to plan it for him, I think it lacks effort on his part.'

She added that her boyfriend proposed to her at East Coast Park recently without any outside help.

limjess@sph.com.sg

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

one of the set up we have done

2011-03-21T21:29:00.005+08:00

One of the set up we done for customer.

You too! Can let your girlfriend has the most memorable proposal. So what are you waiting for?

Drop us an email at proposal.ideas@gmail.com to find out more.

Need a bridal shop that makes your wedding dreams come true?

2011-03-21T21:15:00.003+08:00

Need a bridal shop that makes your wedding dreams come true?

Why not try White Link?

White Link is pioneered by a team of talented and energetic consultants, designers and in house photographers abounding with innovative ideas to allow your dreams and fantasies of your wedding day to come true. They believe in making your special day the most unforgettable day ever, with cherished recollections that will last a lifetime. Simply because you’re unique, you deserve the very best.

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From now on, any reference from us will entitle a discount for their package. All you need to do is to set an appointment with me to meet the consultant in White Link.

For more clarification, do drop me an email at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

Thank you.

Testimonial from Mr Tan

2010-08-11T09:53:00.000+08:00

Testimonial from Mr Tan :

"Eileen is a meticulous, thoughtful, patient and dependable marriage proposal planner. She provides cradle to grave solutions which possess elements of surprise and that of which touches my girlfriend. I strongly recommend her to those who is cracking their head over original ideas to woo their wife-to-be over. She will certainly wow you with her creative ideas"

Testimonial From Zen

2010-04-26T12:27:00.000+08:00

Venue : Amara Hotel

Thanks for all your effort from generating ideas to helping out with the decorations. The proposal was a great success. My girlfriend was caught by surprise and she indeed "make noise" over the fake ring (just as you have predicted). That trick was really the key to bring out the last surprise at the end.

Finally, the cost for everything is very reasonable (and within budget) and that I feel you deserved this testimonial from me even though you didn't ask for it. Thanks for everything. I would definitely recommend your services to my friends.

Cheers,
Zen

___________________________________________________

Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?

Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

2009-10-20T00:11:00.005+08:00

Testimonial From Joshua Lim

I have to say that your service is personal and professional. Though my girlfrend has already suspected I am going to propose to her on that night but I am still able to surprise her, all thanks to eileen and her team. And my girlfriend commented the set up is very beautiful and romantic, especially when the curtain is being pulled out with all the balloons dropped down. Another thing is Elieen has been very patient with me to work out the best budget for me especially when I am on a tight budget. I can say tha Eileen service is sincere.

Thanks! All the best to your business!

__________________________________________________________________

Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?

Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

Testimonial from Mr Stanley Lim

2009-10-12T15:38:00.001+08:00

Hi Eileen,

"Thank you very much.

Everything went smoothly, the settings and flowers are very nice.

The service provided for my request was effectively carried out according to plan and I am very happy with the whole process from start till completion.

It was very professional.

Thanks again!"

__________________________________________________________________

Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?

Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

We are 2 years old!!!

2009-10-01T14:20:00.001+08:00

We are 2 years old!!!

We have been providing proposal services for 2 years!!!

Thank you for supporting us...

Hey guy out there, if you need help in your proposal, do feel free to check with us... You will never be disappointed with us...

Testimonial from Mr Li

2008-11-14T16:51:00.001+08:00

"Dear Eileen,

It was one of the most wonderful atmosphere that you have provided me.
Kudos to your idea and planning, it was a great success. I would highly
recommend my friends or those who wish to propose to you as it would
definitely turn up well for the proposal. She has many great ideas and
she will ensure that it will go through smoothly. My girlfriend was
surprise and touched by the setup and it was great! The night view for
her setup was amazing. Hope she will continue to help many other couples
engaged with her superb skills in organising proposal. Thanks for
everything. Many many thanks."

Testimonial from Mr Alvin Lim

2008-05-21T14:16:00.001+08:00

Venue: Siloso Beach Resort Rooftop Suite Room

" You have definitely give me the greater assistance on my proposal's day,
great ideas with your warmer help that made my proposal a GREAT success with
not only 1, but 3 surprises to my love one, I will definitely highly
recommended you to those whom wanted to keep a good memories like us for
this important moment of love once in our lifetime , cheer! "

Interview on Channel 8

2008-02-26T09:30:00.003+08:00

Our marriage proposal service has been interviewed on TV. It has been showed on a program from Channel 8 called “Money Smarts 理财有方” on 23rd February 2008.

This show is regarding an infotainment program about smart ways of using/saving money and the importance of wealth management.

The whole interview will be posted up shortly.

Stay tune!!

How to know the ring size of your girlfriend

2007-12-13T11:09:00.000+08:00

If you are going to buy a proposal ring and you not sure what is the ring size of your girlfriend?

Don't worry.. Here you go...

We suggest that you order the correct size if at all possible, but if it HAS to be a surprise, and you don't want to use the ring sizing methods we have provided on the site, here are some ideas that may help you make a pretty good guess.

Ask her friends or relatives. If your girlfriend has any inkling that you may be proposing in the near future, she may have told them her ring size.

Does she wear other rings? Does she occasionally remove them for showering, etc? Does she keep them in a jewelry box?

Option 1 - When she's not around, temporarily "borrow" a ring that she wears on her left hand ring finger and trace the inner part of the ring on a piece of paper. Be sure to return the ring immediately and measure the ring.

Option 2 - Carry around a small bar of soap in your pocket. A hotel soap is the perfect size. When she's not around, press the ring into the soap to make an imprint. Be sure to wipe the soap residue off the ring and return it to its proper place.

Option 3 - Take her ring and place it on one of your fingers. Draw a line around your finger where the ring falls.

Option 4 - Take the ring and slide it down a tapered candle. Mark the candle where it falls.

Option 5 - Find an accomplice! Get her mom or one of her friends, whoever would be appropriate (and trustworthy of your secret) to go shopping with her and get her to try on rings at any jewelry store. Everyone can get their fingers sized! They can excuse this as speculative fun, and your girlfriend may not suspect a thing.

Option 6 - Go shopping with her. Is there anyone else you could potentially say you're picking out a ring for (a mother, grandmother, etc.)? That way, you could go ring shopping with her and get her to model different rings so you can see what they look like. You could discuss ring sizes, and then take this opportunity to get her finger sized at the store "just for kicks". You will also be able to get a good sense of the styles of rings she prefers.

If all else fails, bring her to a jewellery shop and buy her a ring as a gift! Pay attention to her ring size this time!

Anyway, jewellery shops can usually resize the ring if it doesn't fit, provided the ring size was not too far-off!

Good luck in getting the ring!!!

Testimonial

2007-12-02T00:56:00.000+08:00

Testimonial from Alvin Goh :

Date of Proposal : 27 Oct 2007
Venue : Grand Hyatt Hotel Suite Room

"The biggest complaint from girls about a typical Singaporean guy is that we are too practical and unromantic, even when it comes to the BIG QUESTION of "will you marry me?" For many guys, this big question was slowly being replaced by the common "Let's go and apply for a HDB flat together".

Therefore, when it came to my turn of asking for my girlfriend's hand, I am determined not to be labeled as the typical Singaporean guy. This is because I find that marriage is a once a lifetime affair and it should start off with a romantic and sincere proposal.

When I engaged Eileen's services, I already had my own ideas of how I want my proposal would be and to be carried out. She did not insist that I should use her ideas but instead, she thought of how to enhance it by providing her valuable inputs from a female point of view. She was meticulous in her preparatory work where she made the effort to understand the characteristics and personality of my girlfriend before making her suggestions.

On the actual day of proposal, she went down to my proposal venue early to set up the entire place. By her doing so, it allowed me to keep my girlfriend company and not arouse any suspicions before the proposal. Frankly speaking, Eileen went beyond her role of just another wedding proposal planner by adding on some personal touches and surprises along the way which really touched my girlfriend and thus, when I finally popped the big question on bended knees, my girlfriend accepted my proposal. And after that, we sat down and enjoyed the little treat she left for us.

In short, a romantic and sincere proposal is not that far away and it definitely does not cost you the moon. It just takes a bit of creativity and hard work. I believe Eileen will help you to solve all your woes when it comes to popping the BIG QUESTION of "WILL YOU MARRY ME?", just like how she solved mine. "

What to say & How to say during propose

2007-10-22T13:21:00.000+08:00

Sure, getting down on one knee while holding a ring box sort of says it all. But because the moment you get engaged should be an unforgettable occasion, it pays to have some eloquent words prepared. Here's a crash course on finding the right words.

First, sit down to collect your thoughts a day or two before you plan to pop the question -- even though you don't think you'll be nervous, when the moment comes, you will be. (And, chances are slim you'll be well-spoken if you put yourself on the spot.) You should probably at least write down a rough draft of what you want to say so you can go over it a few times to prepare. But what should you say? To trigger inspiration for a proposal speech she'll always remember, ask yourself these questions:

What did you think when you first met her?

Begin by reminiscing about the first time you laid eyes on her. Talk about how you were awestruck by her beauty, or amazed to find a woman who shared your passion for the same sports team, or how you just knew that someone seriously special had entered your life. Say something like: "When I first talked to you at [blank], I thought [blank]." Of course, if your first meeting was less than romantic (you were hitting on her best friend, she spilled her Pinot Noir on your pants), you won't want to bring it up. Besides, you'll have plenty of time to relive that moment later, when your best man plays it for laughs during the rehearsal dinner toast.

When did you realize that you might want to spend your life with her?

Try to identify one specific moment when it hit you that you'd found the one. Was it when the four-star restaurant lost your reservation and she cheerfully suggested you head across the street for pizza and beer instead? The time she brought over a stack of kung fu DVDs when you were sick in bed with the flu? Say something like: "The time you [blank], I knew we were meant to be."

What do you have now that you didn't before you met?

Focus on how much better your life is now that she's in it. Has she helped you laugh off little things that used to stress you out? Taught you the value of having more in the fridge than take-out cartons and beer? Show her how much you appreciate and need her by saying: "Before I met you, I was [blank]. Now I am [blank]."

What about her inspires you?

What it is about your sweetie that makes you want to be more like her? Her patience and kindness to others? Her sense of adventure? The value she places on making the world a better place? Revealing how much you admire her will show that you love her for all the right reasons. Say something like: "I love and respect your [blank], it makes me want to try harder to be that way myself."

What goals and values do you two share?

Talk about the things that are important to both of you, and the plans you've discussed for the future. This will emphasize why you're a perfect match and why you should spend your futures side by side. Say something like: "We both love [blank], and dream of [blank], so together we can [blank]." It's the perfect lead-in to the words she's been waiting to hear (drumroll, please): "And those are just a few of the reasons I'm hoping you'll spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me?"

__________________________________________________________________ Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore? Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

10 Signs You're Ready To Pop The Question

2007-09-24T17:07:00.000+08:00

1. You want to settle down
Feeling like the pace of single life is too hectic? Do you look at your single friends as if they're all just running around pointlessly from party to party with no greater ambition than finding their next "lay"? More importantly, have you caught yourself contemplating whether there's something more? There is, and your gut tells you the answer lies with your girlfriend. This is a telltale indicator that you're well on your way to accepting the inevitable... marriage. What once was a taboo subject has become a most reasonable idea. The only real dilemma now is how you break this revelation to your friends. Yeah, you'll take some good-natured ribbing from your buds, but in the end, you'd trade in that pool cue for your honey any day of the week.

2. You want to experience life with her
Now that you've been together for a while, you begin to realize that she's someone very special. Whenever you go out of town on business, you frequently wish she could be there with you. Conversely, when she's away, it hits you that you can't wait for her to get back. You want to vacation with her and visit new places together. In other words, you've reached a point where you can't picture her ever leaving your life and you see yourself growing old with her. Face the facts pal, you're headed toward marriage alley and you actually like the idea.

3. You love her quirks
In past relationships, you've always ended up being irreconcilably annoyed by your girlfriends' little habits. Whether it was a constant need for shopping sprees or leaving her hair all over your bathroom, there was always something you could not get over; but not with this one. The way she teases you playfully or makes fun of your complete collection of Pittsburgh Steeler bobble heads, in your eyes, is all good. In fact, you find yourself laughing along with her more often than not. This is a clear indication of how much you've come to appreciate her character.

4. You consider her family your own
You've met her parents and she's met yours. You've attended holidays, birthdays, barbecues, and even the occasional tragedy together with her family. As they have embraced you as someone important in your girlfriend's life, so too have you come to care for them more than any other group of people (with the exception of your own kin, of course). When you get this intertwined with her, there's only one place left to go.

5. You already know what ring to buy her
So you've started looking at diamonds and rings? Surely this must mean that you've been paying some attention to your lady's hints. Even more amazing to you, this is a process that feels less like a "chore" and more like a labor of love. You want the ring to really reflect your taste and your commitment to her. If this doesn't tell you you're ready to propose, then umm... what exactly are you doing it for?

6. You imagine all the good times surrounding the wedding
It's all becoming an exciting prospect to you, this idea of marriage. The fact that it doesn't scare you is remarkable. But more amazingly, you realize that you can spin a ton of positives out of it.
The wedding party will be a blast. Friends you haven't seen in a while will all be celebrating, drinking and dancing with you again at your reception. Plus, this time you get to be the recipient of a stag party and not merely a participant.

7. You start sacrificing financially
Another clue that you're really ready to pop the question is when you've begun calculating the fees necessary to take a wife. You realize that you'll need to give up some luxuries in order to finance this event. A true man steps up and shows his woman that he's ready and able to field the cost.
If, for example, you sell the aforementioned bobble head collection to a dealer to get some cash or trade in your Audi TT for a fuel-efficient Ford Escape to save for the wedding (and you can smile while doing so), then you're ready. If you've recognized this need and, more importantly, are eager to make it happen, then you're in line to get hitched.

8. You want her to be the mother of your children
This one's big. It may not have been that long ago, when the mere thought of being a "daddy" sent you running for the nearest bottle of tequila. However, if being with your latest lady has you actually thinking of children's names and even grinning at the thought that she might be the mother to your brood, then you've certainly got nuptials on the brain.
Just remember; before you actually start trying to have those bambinos, make sure she's on the same page.

9. You make long-term plans together
The realization that you're ready for marriage may actually be obvious. If you've initiated or willingly participated in discussions with your girlfriend about eventually buying a house, having children, saving for retirement, or any such future plans, then it's a logical assumption for you (and a fait accompli for her) that you should propose.
Similarly, if you've found yourself paying special attention to reports about the suburbs (hikes in taxes, school zones, housing markets, etc.), then don't fight it any longer, you're ready.

10. You know she's the one
While all the prior examples are good indicators of readiness for marriage, nothing is as important as this one. In essence, this reason is really the assemblage of all the prior indicators; the reason why all signs point to her . After all, you're with her now for a reason. She is the culmination of all the dating experiences that came before.
You've learned who you are, you remember the girls you've thrown back while waiting for that special catch. And now you know that the "one" is in your life. All her good traits and the way she makes you feel about yourself impress upon you the absolute need to keep this one. There was never anyone like her in your life before and you know there won't be again. So stop dilly-dallying and get to it, man.

If your head and your heart have been giving off any or all of the above signals, you're probably ready to ask your lady to marry you.

__________________________________________________________________
Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?
Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

Marriage Proposal 1

2007-08-29T13:56:00.000+08:00

On top of the previous idea, I will add in another idea for you guy....

Put a ring in several layers of boxes so that each box fits inside another to create an illusion of a giant present.

This can be done during her birthday or any special occassion like christmas etc.

Have her to unwrap the giant present until she finally gets the ring. Kneel down and propose to her.

__________________________________________________________________

Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?

Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com

Say YES!!

2007-06-01T17:50:00.000+08:00

How do you pop the question “Will you marry me” ?

In Singapore the most common proposal appears to be "Let's apply a flat". This is definitEly the most straight-forward and efficient way to propose but I doubt it is the way any lady would want her dream proposal to be like.

Most ladies want their boyfriend to pop the question in the most romantic and sincere way.
While the guy will have head cracking time thinking ways to propose to their other half.

No worries anymore! Here we are to plan and customise the most romantic marriage proposal only for you to get the "YES" from your other half within your budget. After all, a romantic proposal doesn't have to be expensive.

All that is require are some innovation, excitement and lots of sincerity.

Below is one of our idea that do not need much expenses:

In this century everyone holds a Handphone and most handphone will have a voice recording function. Since we have that function we shouldn't waste it, all you need to do is to record your own voice into your mobile phone. What to record? Of course is "XXX, Will you marry me?" After recording it set is as the ringing tone for your wife to be's contact ringer (remember this! I will explain the consequence for this later on).

Now it is time for you to call your gf and meet up with her. Please get the ring ready (it is a must for all proposal!) When you see her, take her for some shopping dinner and so on.

Next bring her to the beach. "let's take a walk by the beach" (please make sure it is at night, we don't want her to sweat like a pig neither do you), take a sit by an empty beach. Tell her in a casual way that you have a new ringing tone and ask her to call you using her hp. While she is doing it, secretly slip your hand into the pocket and take out the ring. Once your mobile phone starts ringing, kneel down by her side and offers the ring to her.

The task is done once she say "YES!"

*IMPT: Set the ringing tone as her contact ringer, we do not want your friends to call and the tone start to say "XXX, will you marry me?"

Who said proposal is not romantic in Singapore?

Need help with more detailed proposal ideas? Or more information on the charges? Please feel to contact Eileen at proposal.ideas@gmail.com