Do you think influencer proposals are going to be the new trend in weddings?
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has me wondering, what’s next on the horizon for proposals and weddings? I took a moment to look at influencers on Instagram to see what’s happening and who’s tuning in to watch. There are a lot that turns me off about this method, but hey, who am I to judge? They’re using their influence to one, promote their brand, and two, get free travel and product out of it. Learning to pivot on a moments notice is the name of the game for true wedding professionals. This couple is pivoting to stay afloat. After all, in a way, they’re small business owners too. I just hate that they’re using love as a way to get what they want.
Image courtesy of the New York Times. Photo by Olga Litmanova, Flytographer.
Gabriel and Marissa staged an elaborate proposal that lasted a week a week from New York to the Hamptons to Miami to Paris. You tell me if you think anything in this was real. I am certainly on the skeptical side myself. I plan weddings for real couples who are really in love. I’m personally not a fan of these “all for show” proposals, but that’s also not me. I like the more intimate, quiet moments between my husband and myself.
Criticism of this “surprise” proposal had people questioning everything from their relationship to how Marissa was crying as soon as this proposal week kicked off. And yet, as the article states, “No one wants to look away when influencers do stuff like this- even when it means contributing to their bottom line via follows and views.” What is in us to not turn away? Why do we not want to help out mom and pop businesses, but yet we’re willing to give our eyeballs (and in turn, our money) to couples who have a following and use their influence to gain exposure and free products? I would love to know what you think and what you’re doing to support mom and pop business owners during this time. Be sure to drop a comment below.
What I do love is organically grown businesses that were built out of a personal need. I also stumbled across Elaine Rau who owns LadyBossBlogger.com. She was recently featured in an Intellifluence interview, and I just love her story. Out of her savings of just over $12.00, she built a brand off of fulfilling a need. She now has over 150,000 loyal readers to her blog. This is what I’m all about. Building organically from the ground up and succeeding when you never thought you could. Way to go Elaine!
I love being a small business owner, and even in times like these, I am so thankful for my loyal fans- my family, my couples, and many small business peers. We will make it through this. There is light on the other side, and we will continue to grow our businesses with passion, purpose and with integrity.
If you need help planning your perfect proposal or wedding day, contact New Creations Weddings today! Happy Planning! ~Rebecca