Men turning to pros for not-so modest proposals

Die-hard football fan Tim Hill's first game plan for proposing to girlfriend Christine Niedbalec would have gone over about as well as a fumble on the goal line.

Niedbalec, a Lombard native, flew with Hill to San Francisco earlier this winter without a clue that her guy, a 49ers fan, wanted to pop the question on the JumboTron during a football game at Monster Park.

"I'm a very one-on-one, very intimate person and a proposal at a stadium in front of thousands of people would have ruined it for me," says Niedbalec.

Lucky for her, Hill thought better of his idea and consulted Chicago wedding planner Nicole Forloine Braschayko to help orchestrate the big moment. With her assistance, Hill proposed at a quiet lookout point along the Pacific Ocean and, today, the bride-to-be says the moment was perfect.

Hill isn't the only one recruiting a pro, though. To make popping the question unique, over-the-top or just easier, more men are turning to wedding and event planners for their expertise.

"It's probably about the last three years that this trend has really started gaining speed," says WeddingChannel.com senior editor, Marilyn Oliveira. "Grooms are getting married a little older now and they're just a little more aware how important this is. People are going to be talking about 'how did he propose' for the next 20 years and they want to have an impressive story to tell for the rest of the marriage."

In the past year alone, Forloine Braschayko, of Wedding Day Ofs, has helped plan about 25 proposals for unsure grooms-to-be. Sometimes it's because the idea is intricate. One man needed to secure the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center after hours, then lure his lady there to be greeted by a room full of candles.

Sometimes, average Joes are moved to dramatic heights by celebrities' out-there antics.

Oliveira said she knew a groom who had been inspired by "Apprentice" winner Bill Rancic, who proposed in a helicopter over Chicago. The man Oliveira knew, however, took the theatrics up a notch by jumping out of a helicopter, and landing on one knee next to his girl.

Singer Seal's proposal to model Heidi Krum went even further -- involving a helicopter, a glacier, a custom-built igloo and a path of rose petals.

Most guys, however, don't have those kinds of resources -- or ideas. Yet, they want something memorable.

"It has to be somewhat unique," says Forloine Braschayko. "It has to be something more than 'Let's go out to dinner and I'll propose at dessert.'"

But finding an official proposal planner can be tough, unless you're willing to chance it with an Internet consultant. Instead, Oliveira says wedding and event planners are simply adding this idea to their menu of services.

Even luxury hotels and resorts are getting in on the action, she says, with some offering proposal packages. Walt Disney World, for example, has a "Princess proposal" package involving dinner in Cinderella's castle and the ring arriving in a glass slipper.

Closer to home, the James Hotel in Chicago launched "Propose," a package that costs a whopping $60,000.

What does a doting guy get for all that? For starters, the package includes an engagement ring from Van Cleef and Arpels jewelers. It also offers a one-night stay in the James Penthouse Loft, a private dinner for two with a personal chef, a couples massage and a one-year anniversary gift.

Oh, and don't forget that a four-string quartet from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will play during dinner.

"(We) just wanted to sort of create something that's a very exquisite and high-end proposal all in one," said spokeswoman Alison Krzys. "It's kind of a no-brainer for someone who wants to do something that's over-the-top and amazing."

So far, though, it seems guys are searching for more budget-friendly ideas. Krzys says no one has booked the package yet.

To find something creative -- and within your range -- Oliveira says men should seek out professional planners in their area.

"Call your local resorts and coordinators and -- even if they haven't done that before -- they may accommodate you," Oliveira says. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, they'd be thrilled."