Valentine’s Day: Florists expect last-minute rush for romantic blooms

IT’S the same date every year but most lovers still leave it until the last moment on Valentine’s Day to say it with flowers.

IT’S the same date every year but most lovers still leave it until the last moment on Valentine’s Day to say it with flowers.

Pearsons School of Floristry director Barbara Pollak said there is always a last minute rush.

“We are slowly starting to get orders and people are starting to plan ahead, but really it’s a last-minute purchase. We usually get people coming in at 5pm on Valentine’s Day who like to take flowers home after work,” she said.

Interflora expects to deliver about five million flowers on Wednesday.

Tegan Martin and partner Blake Worrall Thompson plan to celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic picnic. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Almost 15 per cent of romantic blooms are sent anonymously and one per cent double up as wedding proposals, with florists also delivering the diamond ring along with the bouquet.

This year there is another factor to take into account — “Galentine’s Day”.

Inspired by a 2010 episode of US sitcom Parks and Recreation, February 13 has entered the public consciousness as a chance for girlfriends to get together so “ladies can celebrate ladies”.

Model Tegan Martin is looking forward to celebrating V-Day with boyfriend Blake Worrall Thompson but says she would be a starter if she were single.

“I’d prefer to be with my man on Valentine’s Day but if I was single I would for sure.”

The couple have an intimate date planned this Valentine’s Day — with their dentist.

Martin booked a double dental appointment before realising the date.

A picnic beats a date with the dentist, Tegan and partner Blake reckon. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I accidentally booked us into the dentist for a clean and whiten … but (Blake) did take the night off work and he’s planning a picnic,” she said.

Martin, who is about to launch a health and wellness business called The Healing Co, said she would consider celebrating the day of love with her girlfriends if she wasn’t in a relationship.

“I’d prefer to be with my man on Valentine’s Day but if I was single I would for sure,” she said.

Chocolat Fleurs will send nearly 300 chocolate bouquets on February 14 and My Sweet Box owner, Michelle Auraha, is being flooded with orders for doughnut bouquets.

“It’s a unique gift, it’s edible, it looks good and people love it,” she said.

“I got sick of sending the same thing to people, gift vouchers or flowers, and thought this would be something better.”

It’s a sentiment Jono Castano, 27, from Mascot, agrees with.

“I like to be a bit different. Sending the usual cheesy roses is one thing but I want to be creative and go outside that box,” he said.

“To me, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show that you care.”

Social researcher Mark McCrindle said “younger teens and school-aged young people” were true believers.

“Valentine’s Day is ready-made and ripe for the social media teenage market,” he said.

“The commercial side of roses, cute cards and heart-shaped paraphernalia really suits the teen market.”

Originally published as Valentine’s Day: Florists expect last-minute rush for romantic blooms