How Much You Can Expect To Spend On A Proposal

Trying to come up with a creative way to propose, budgeting for the proposal, and pre-proposal jitters can be a lot – but it’s safe to say that it is an exceptionally exciting time! However, it’s important to remember that marriage proposals look different for every couple, and the ideal marriage proposal for another might not be your thing at all. To help you out a little, here is an idea of how much you can expect to spend on your proposal depending on what your dream engagement looks like.

Newly engaged couple in front of a gorgeous tree come alive with fairy lights

Photo by: @mdargentweddings

Engagement ring

When it comes to engagement rings, the cost can vary greatly based on factors such as the diamond’s size and quality, as well as the type of metal used for the band. According to Diamond Pro, the average engagement ring cost in the United States is about $6,350. While diamonds have long been the traditional choice, lab-grown diamonds offer a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing quality. These diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds but typically cost 20-30% less.

Venue

If you want to take your proposal someplace else, you can rent a venue to ensure that you have a private and intimate moment with your partner and maybe even some of your loved ones. The cost of renting a private space depends on the location, type, and services they have. The average cost of a proposal location rental in the United States is around $1,500.

Photographer or videographer

You want to capture the special moment when you get on your knee and ask the all-important question. With all the planning and getting things in line, you probably won’t have time to set up a camera yourself, which is why it’s smart to hire a photographer to do the job for you. Depending on the expertise, travel costs, and hourly rate of the photographer, they can charge anywhere between $150 to $500 per hour.

Decorations

To set up the scene for your proposal, it’s good to have decor that brings your chosen venue to life. The amount you spend on decor depends on your vision and what you want on this special day. You can purchase decorations and props for a few hundred dollars or hire a proposal planner to create a custom package for you, which can cost a few thousand dollars.

Travel and accommodation

If you plan to propose in a different city or country, the cost of travel and accommodation will depend on the location and duration of the trip. You can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars on travel and accommodation. The average cost of a night away in the States sits around a couple hundred dollars, so if you’re thinking about going away for a weekend, we recommend putting aside $1,000 for both your flights, accommodation and intercity transport.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to how much you should spend on a proposal. Whether you go with an intimate low-cost proposal beachside that’s just the two of you or spend thousands of dollars on this special occasion, it’s important to create a day that is meaningful to both of you. After all, this day marks the beginning of your forever after.

Want to stay in the loop for all things engagement? Then @proposalsinwonderland is your new best friend for the latest trends, inspiration and ideas!