Age-old tradition of asking someone to be your Valentine is back — and it’s bigger than ever

Florists are seeing double, TikTok is buzzing, and romance is getting a nostalgic twist — asking someone to be your Valentine before February 14 is back in fashion.

Beija Flor Florist Darwin is preparing for a huge Valentine's Day this week.

Forget just showing up with flowers on February 14, the real romantics are getting in early.

The tradition of formally asking someone to be your Valentine is making a major comeback, and it’s taking TikTok and YouTube by storm.

From grand gestures to handwritten notes, videos with creative ways to pop the Valentine’s Day question are going viral.

And it’s not just happening online; local florists are seeing a real-world spike in early love declarations, with an influx of orders asking, “Will you be my Valentine?” before the big day.

Beija Flor Florist Darwin is preparing for a huge Valentine's Day this week.

Darwin florist Maria Okwa, founder of Beija Flor, says she’s never seen anything like it in her more than 20 years in the business.

“At first, we thought people had their dates mixed up,” Ms Okwa said.

“But these aren’t early Valentine’s orders, people are sending flowers days before, just to ask the question first.

“Then, once they get a ‘yes,’ they’re placing another order for the actual day.”

The double-order trend has left florists both amused and delighted.

So, why the sudden resurgence?

Maria Okwa (far right) with Beija Flor Florists.

Some believe it’s a social media-fuelled nostalgia trip, bringing back the charm of old-school romance.

Others say it’s a practical move, a way to ensure your Valentine’s Day plans are locked in, with no last-minute surprises.

Whatever the reason, romance is alive and thriving, and for those looking to hop on the trend, the old rule still applies: ask before February 14 to give your Valentine time to say yes.

Ms Okwa said she’s been too busy playing Cupid to think about her own love life.

“Running a busy florist and raising two kids doesn’t leave much time for dating,” she said. “But I love seeing how much effort people are putting in, it’s bringing a little extra magic to Valentine’s Day.”

Originally published as Age-old tradition of asking someone to be your Valentine is back — and it’s bigger than ever