Even with the world’s economic problems, couples are expected to spend it up on romantic dinners and private getaways this year. An estimated $936 million is expected to be spent by loved up Aussies this year, with the emphasis seeming to be away from the traditional flowers and lingerie.
Instead, romantic hopefuls and couples seem to be seeking out unusual, memorable, unique and intimate experiences according to sales figures released this week. The amount expected to be spent on fine dining this year is up a good eight per cent to around $34 million for example. Celebrity chefs are particularly in demand this year, with their restaurants seeing a huge rise in bookings.
The number of people looking for romantic getaways is also up, with some $438 million being spent this year, up four per cent. People have been booking up well in advance this year, with the average lead time now around fourteen days rather than the usual eight days.
A number of leading hotels have gone all out this year in promoting special Valentine’s Day packages that include champagne and chocolates, candle lit rooms and late checkouts after breakfast in bed all being offered.
Lingerie sales have not been growing as fast however, with retailers blaming a fear of the wrong item being bought as a major cause of people turning to other gifts.
Florists are still expecting a busy day however. With Valentine’s Day falling on weekends or Monday in the last few years, sales have been much lower. This year’s midweek date is expected to be a much stronger sales day, with trends tending towards vintage styles of bouquets that feature green foliage and a range of affordable designs.
Many people are aiming to get deliveries made to loved ones at work, so they’re looking for affordable but visually striking arrangements to really make an impression.
Whatever you end up doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, we hope this has given you some ideas for how to impress your date and make the most of the day.