Whether it’s a grand gesture in a far-away destination or a quiet moment shared at home, what’s certain is that modern couples are seeking out innovative ways to express their love and devotion. 

Why have proposals changed so much from yesteryear? 

The answer could be found in pop culture and the impact of social media. This desire to capture the moment digitally, to re-post it on social media platforms and to share with friends and followers is making some proposals shift from intimate and private experiences to all-out extravaganzas! This demand has given rise to wedding professionals who now specialise in proposal planning, particularly for those who want to execute an elaborate plan, complete with decor!

Before embarking on any proposal plan, it’s critical to find out whether your partner prefers a public or a private proposal? 

An informal Instagram poll in which TrinidadWeddings’ followers participated, recently revealed that 95% of respondents prefer a private proposal, while 5% would rather a public one (February 15, 2024).  

Some of the more popular public proposals we all might have seen are: during Carnival time – while playing mas, in a restaurant, at a concert, at a tourist attraction or even at someone else’s wedding!  

Grand gestures certainly have their appeal to some, but others gravitate to quieter moments, such as a candlelit dinner at home, recreating a meaningful moment from their relationship, crafting a heartfelt letter expressing their love, organising a picnic proposal, a “down 

the islands” proposal or on a beach trip to Tobago. 

Here are some trends we are seeing with modern proposals: 

Musicians – Whether it’s the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar or steel pan, a melodic violin or a soulful saxophone, live musicians have a remarkable ability to set the mood and create a romantic ambiance. Just as photographers and videographers capture the visual aspects of a proposal, live musicians capture the emotional essence of the moment, through music. One of the greatest benefits of incorporating live musicians into a wedding proposal is the opportunity for personalization. Couples can choose songs that hold special significance in their relationship or a favorite song that captures their personalities. 

Incorporating Backdrops – Just like weddings, some modern proposals are decked out in full regalia – with common requests for: red carpets, rose petals, arches, candles, fireworks, custom alphabet letters or “Marry Me” signage and other custom decor elements.  

Videography and Photography – Some couples are hiring professional photographers and videographers or enlisting the help of hidden cameras to chronicle all the emotional reactions and candid expressions during the proposal. Luckily, this footage and images can even be used later on, during their wedding reception, as added entertainment for their guests. 

Destination Proposals – The allure of destination proposals continues to grow, with couples seeking out picturesque locations to pop the question – either locally or on vacation. The options are endless, from stunning mountaintop vistas, a scenic park, hot air balloons, on a yacht, on an exotic beach or atop an iconic landmark. Destination proposals offer the opportunity for couples to create unforgettable memories in breathtaking settings, to add an extra touch of magic to the moment. 

Involving Family and Friends – Some couples prefer to incorporate close friends and family members to add an extra dose of joy and support to the occasion. Whether it’s arranging a surprise gathering with loved ones immediately after the proposal or enlisting their help with “keeping secrets,” in order to plan a memorable proposal.

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