Women turning to proposal planner for leap year inspiration

Sisters are doing it for themselves when it comes to planning marriage proposals — ahead of the 2016 leap year.

Since launching only two weeks ago, Ireland’s first ever marriage proposal planning company has received 68 inquiries — one-third of which were from women.

Founder of propose2me.ie, Arlene Malone, is not surprised that a significant amount of females have contacted her as she says, men can sometimes be shy about taking the plunge and getting down on one knee.

The referendum in Ireland has also created a huge increase in interest from same-sex couples.

Arlene, from Riverstown, Co Louth, said: “Since we launched, I’ve been so surprised with the immediate reaction.”

She set up the business after noticing the huge gap in the market for organising marriage proposal events.

“Most inquiries have been from Ireland but I’ve also had calls from the UK and other European countries asking about organising proposals here if they take their partner on a romantic trip to Ireland.

“Over one-third of the inquiries have been from women. Traditionally a leap year gives the rein to the women to propose so maybe the men are in for a shock next February,” she laughed.

“We also have a ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink’ section where women can send us their partner’s email address and we send them some ideas to help plant the seed in their brain.”

With a background in sales and marketing and a love for event organising, Arlene set up propose2me.ie after noticing there was no one to help organise proposals in Ireland.

“There are plenty of wedding planners but no one to specifically orchestrate the perfect proposal,” she said.

The online service offers a range of packages to suit different budgets and would-be ring bearers can opt for a romantic picnic in the woods to a surprise sail boat proposal.

Further details can be found on www.propose2me.ie