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Manifest Spotlight: Proposal Planner Varnika Agarwaal Of ‘All About Love’

If you’re looking to plan the perfect proposal, All About Love can help you out in a jiffy…

October 05, 2024 | 11:00 AM // By Salva Mubarak
All About Love

Raise your hand if you believe that proposal planning should qualify as an Olympic sport. Striking the right balance between something that would be memorable and special and celebrating the essence of your relationship can be daunting. But it’s 2024 and modern problems now have modern solutions. So, have you heard of proposal planners?

As the name suggests, these planners can help you pull off the proposal of your dreams (for a small price, of course!). One such brand that has been consistently helping people pop the question in meaningful and heartwarming ways over the years is All About Love.

All About Love

Founder Varnika Agarwal was deep into the world of finance when the idea of helping people put together a special proposal began germinating in her mind. “I’ve always been a lover of love, but I never thought it would become my profession. My initial goal was to break into the world of finance, having just taken my Chartered Financial Analyst exam, with dreams of becoming an investment banker. Little did I know, my true calling was waiting for me in a very different field!”

All About Love
Varnika Agarwaal, founder of All About Love

The small idea took the form of a full-fledged business after Varnika helped her BFF’s boyfriend pull together a dream proposal for her bestie. “My idea was to create a treasure hunt around their high school, leading him to the exact spot where he had first asked her to be his girlfriend. I thought, ‘How difficult can this be? Just a few candles, some flowers, and it’ll be perfect.’ But as I started planning, I quickly realised how complex it actually was. It’s not easy to plan a proposal while also trying to focus on the moment. I understood that the only thing he should be worried about was going down on one knee; everything else should be taken care of by me.”

Ultimately, the simple yet deeply meaningful proposal finally propelled Varnika into her true calling and All About Love was born! If you want to plan the perfect proposal with a little help from the experts, then read all about why All About Love should be on your radar…

In Conversation With Varnika Agarwaal, Of All About Love

Manifest: What are the different kinds of services couples can avail of with All About Love?

Varnika Agarwaal: At All About Love, we create unforgettable experiences for every relationship stage. From breathtaking proposals—like intimate beach sunsets to grand city flash mobs—to tailor-made date nights, we bring each couple’s story to life. We offer courtship gifts for arranged marriages, crafting thoughtful experiences that help break the ice. For long-distance couples, we curate unique gifts and virtual experiences, ensuring love stays vibrant, regardless of miles. All About Love ensures every moment is as meaningful as the love you share.

All About Love

M: What sets All About Love apart from its contemporaries?

VA: We’re not just about grand gestures; we’re about authenticity. Every proposal we plan is deeply personal and rooted in the couple’s journey. We spend time understanding their relationship, weaving in details that matter most to them—whether it’s a shared memory, a favourite song, or even an inside joke. Our strength lies in storytelling, making each proposal a reflection of the couple’s unique bond.

M: What does an average day in the life of a proposal planner look like?

VA: My day is a beautiful blend of creativity and logistics! I start by connecting with clients—sometimes through heartfelt Zoom calls with international couples, face-to-face with those nearby. The rest of the day is spent on the details: designing proposals, coordinating with vendors, visiting venues, and ensuring everything aligns with the couple’s vision. On any given day, I could be finalising a beachside proposal in Goa, arranging a horse-drawn carriage in Rajasthan, or troubleshooting a last-minute change in Delhi. At the end of the day, I spend time reflecting on how each proposal can tell a better story and bring joy to the couple.

All About Love

M: What have been some of the most memorable proposals you’ve planned? Can you share some of your favourite ones?

VA: Every proposal we plan is special, but a few truly stand out. One unforgettable moment was during COVID, when we transformed a theatre into a surprise proposal for a theatre artist. The joy on her face when she recognized her partner waiting in the spotlight was simply magical. Another memorable proposal took place in a cosy library, surrounded by soft candlelight and her favourite books, turning her partner’s proposal into a scene from a romantic novel.

Then there was a couple who met in London, where the girlfriend was a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan. We recreated the iconic ‘sarson ka khet’ scene (from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge), transforming a beautiful outdoor space into a picturesque setting that echoed their shared love for the film. 

They cherished their Sunday visits to flea markets, so we also crafted a personalized market filled with little trinkets from their journey together. It was a celebration of their love in every detail.

One of my recent favourite proposals was a delightful Friends-themed experience for a couple who watched the show religiously every single day. We transformed a cosy space into Central Perk, complete with a vintage couch, café-style tables, and elements from the show.

All About Love

M: Has there ever been a time that a proposal has gone wrong? What have you done in such a situation?

VA: While we take pride in a 100% success rate for proposals, the behind-the-scenes can be unpredictable. Things don’t always go as planned—like the time unexpected rain threatened an outdoor proposal or when a sudden power outage occurred during a rooftop celebration.

In one instance, when the power went out, we quickly adapted by lighting candles all around. What could have been a setback turned into a beautiful, intimate moment that added a unique charm to the evening. The key is to stay calm, have backup plans, and trust your team. When something goes wrong, we’re ready to make sure it still turns out beautifully. The couple never needs to know the little hiccups behind the scenes.

M: What have been some of the best responses you’ve received for your work?

VA: One memorable experience was planning a 24th-anniversary celebration for a couple. Initially, the husband wanted to go to Benaras, but we discovered that Udaipur, where he had the fondest memories and a city she had never been to, held deeper significance for them. 

We organized a staycation at a stunning 17th-century palace hotel, transforming their room with custom shayaris taking inspiration from their love story through the years, old photos, and heartfelt love notes that truly expressed his feelings. He even gifted her a gajra, reminding her of the time he would bring them for her in the early years of their marriage.

When he said, ‘You’ve brought our love back’, it struck a chord. He went on to share how their home, once filled with silence, was now alive with laughter and warmth again. His wife was glowing with happiness, and he said, “I haven’t seen her smile like this in years. You’ve reminded us of what we had and what we can still share.” Hearing that my efforts had rekindled their love and brought joy back into their lives was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this work.

Another unforgettable moment came when a client planned a special date night for her parents, who had endured unimaginable pain after losing their daughter to COVID. The atmosphere at home had been heavy, with little communication between them and the mother battling depression. When we created a thoughtful date night that reminded them of the good times, the transformation was incredible. My client was in tears of joy when she finally saw her parents smile again after what felt like ages.

All About Love

M: A proposal is one of the most special moments in a couple’s life. How do you ensure each one is special and personalised to a couple’s relationship?

VA: A proposal is such a pivotal moment in a couple’s life, and I make it my mission to ensure each one is special and personalized. It all starts with getting to know the couple’s journey. I use a carefully crafted questionnaire to dig into their stories—asking about their favourite memories, the activities they love doing together, and what makes their relationship unique.

These details are what I use to create a truly personal experience. For instance, if they first met at a coffee shop and one wore a bright yellow sweater that caught the other’s eye, I might incorporate that colour into the proposal setup. Or, if they often reminisce about a rainy day spent cuddled up with a favourite book, I’ll create a cosy, intimate space filled with soft blankets and fairy lights, complete with that very book and a handwritten note about how that day marked the beginning of something beautiful.

Sometimes, clients don’t even realize how significant certain details are, like the scent of the candles they lit on their first date or the song that played during their first dance. By uncovering these treasures, I can weave them into the proposal, ensuring it reflects their unique love story. It’s all about capturing the essence of their relationship and turning it into a moment they’ll cherish forever.

All About Love

Manifest Cheat Sheet

M: Who should come to All About Love?

VA: All About Love is for anyone who wants to make their proposal truly unforgettable. Whether you’ve been dating for years or have just met through an arranged marriage, if you’re looking to create a moment that shows your partner how deeply you care about the little things in your relationship, we’re here for you.

We cater to all kinds of couples, from those seeking a simple, intimate proposal to those dreaming of something lavish and grand. No matter your vision, our goal is to craft an experience that reflects your unique love story and makes this moment a cherished memory for a lifetime.

M: What is the average cost of a proposal planned by All About Love? What are the different factors that come into play in deciding the budget?

VA: The cost can vary significantly depending on the client’s vision. On average, a proposal can range anywhere from 1 lakh to 20 lakhs, but it really depends on factors like location, the scale of the event, decor, photography, and any special requests (like live musicians or fireworks). International proposals and extravagant setups naturally increase the budget, but we always work closely with clients to ensure they get the best value for their money while bringing their dream proposal to life.

M: What is something you want clients to know before they reach out to you for a proposal?

VA: I’d love for clients to know that it’s okay if they don’t have every detail figured out! That’s what I’m here for. If you have a vision, whether it’s big or small, I’ll help shape it into something extraordinary. What’s most important is that you’re ready to make this moment special, and together, we can create something unforgettable.

M: What is the average time that it takes to plan a proposal?

VA: It typically takes anywhere from six to 12 weeks to plan a proposal, depending on its complexity. For more elaborate, it can take a bit longer to manage logistics. But for simpler, more intimate proposals, we can sometimes pull it together in just a couple of weeks. The key is starting the conversation early so that every detail is perfect!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Salva Mubarak is the Digital Editor of Manifest. In her free time, she likes to read murder mysteries, discover new KitKat flavours, and rank movie makeovers (not necessarily in that order). View Profile