Say goodbye to the days when a couple casually decides to take the next step over a shared scone and a string ring. Today, when someone pops the question, it is a big deal. In a culture where teenagers ask their dates to prom with rose petal hearts on their parents' front lawns, the ultimate ask can be daunting.

Enter Just Say Yes proposal planners, a professional event company solely dedicated to customizing picture perfect marriage proposals. Just Say Yes provides a unique range of services from proposal ideas, full coordination to a dedicated ring concierge. While their business model is certainly unique, they're part of a growing industry of professional resources for the most personal moments.

Head dream maker and Just Say Yes founder, Kate Brown, says "There is is a slowly growing market for professional planners, but it's still niche at this point!" Kate credits social media for upping the ante on the proposal game. "The more proposals we see, the more guys want to outdo what they've seen and come up with something completely original!"

Whether it's picnics in the park, messages written in candles or violin serenades, Just Say Yes works with clients to personalize marriage proposals based on shared memories, interests and experiences. Pricing ranges from $150 proposal ideas to the $1,000 complete planning package. Final costs, of course, depend on the complexity of the proposal and could include outside fees (like renting private venues or in one client's case, a private island!) But Kate and her team of seasoned event planners work with budgets of all sizes to create one-of-a-kind moments that are sure to provoke a tear (or two). "I cry every time," she admits when watching her proposals unfold (from a safe distance). "It never gets old." 

We asked the Queen Bee of proposal planning for a few best practices to elicit a resounding "yes!" This is what she said. Feel free to forward along to that someone special who might benefit from the below.

1. Talk to her parents. Before you even start thinking about the details, get her parents’ blessing. It may seem archaic, but filling them in on your intentions is a great way to show respect and include them in your future.

2. Don’t go at it alone! As much as you want it to be a surprise, don’t feel like you can’t ask for help. For the ring, go to her best friend. For a photographer, ask that friend of yours who posts the best Instagram pics. And if you need help planning, ask one of your really close friends or sisters. If you don’t want to divulge your whole plan, drop some hints to see if you’re on the right track. If you’re traveling and staying at a hotel, the concierge can be a godsend!

3. Make it special. Personalize it by incorporating parts of your relationship. This could mean choosing a location that is reminiscent of your first date, hiring a guitarist to play your song or choosing her favorite flowers to display on the table. Adding that extra touch will make the event that much more romantic.

4. Know when to choose public or private. Every bride to be is different and while some would love the idea of a proposal in front of a stadium of people, others would shun the attention. Think about her personality and how she reacts when she is the center of attention. If you’re unsure, choose something on the more intimate side. And if you want a little bit of both, propose privately and after she says yes, have your friends and family waiting to celebrate.

5. Be Prepared. When the moment comes to drop down on one knee, your nerves and excitement may take over and you may not even remember why you’re proposing! Write a short speech and practice before the big day. Start off by talking about your life before her and what your relationship has meant to you. Tell her what you envision for your future and then pop the question!

6. Hire a photographer. While your friends may be great on the iPhone, professionals capture amazing photos without ruining the element of surprise. For nighttime proposals, photographers use lighting tools to make sure photos are well lit. It's a relatively small cost for pictures that you'll cherish forever. 

7. Take the time to learn about the ring. The proposal is important but the ring will be on her finger forever! Any Just Say Yes client who hasn't purchased a ring goes straight to our ring concierge Namrata Dadlani of Dadlani Jewels. She does a great job in educating clients on everything diamond-related. 

8. Treat her to a manicure. Once you propose, photos of her left hand will be shared throughout the world so it better look presentable! About a week before the proposal, treat her to a mani/pedi at a local spa and tell her that it’s “just because.” She’ll appreciate your generosity when you get her the gift and she’ll be even more thrilled once she knows the real reason!

9. Champagne is a must! There’s no better way to celebrate!

10. Don't stress. Remember that less is more and romance doesn’t have to be costly. Planning an intimate proposal can be relatively simple. Don’t overthink it. After all, the most important part is the question and once she hears that, nothing else will matter.

And if you need a little something extra to push your proposal over the edge, hire a professional. Just Say Yes provides proposal planning support in South Florida and Washington,  D.C. and other locations upon request.