7 ways to save on Valentine’s Day flowers

Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day flowers are expensive. And if you want to get the really fancy-looking bouquets delivered on February 14, they are even more expensive than normal — up to twice as much — according to Reuters. 

Increased transportation costs and extra labor are some factors for why roses more than double the price around Valentine’s. As supply decreases and demand increases, the price for Valentine’s flowers goes up. 

Last year, a National Retail Federation survey found that people were expected to spend nearly $19.7 billion on Valentine’s Day — $1.9 billion of which will be spent on flowers. The cost for an average bouquet of a dozen red roses delivered is between $80 to $120. 

So how can you spend less for Valentine’s Day and still show your sweetheart you care? 

Read more: 8 ways to save while dining out

Here are 7 ways to get Valentine’s flowers for less

1. Give a single red rose.

A single red rose is a statement — showing your devotion to your one true love. 

According to ProFlowers.com,  ‘The classic red rose is often the best choice for expressing your deepest affection for that special someone.’ 

A single red rose can be purchased for $5 – $15 at your local grocer, and giving one in person is totally appropriate, cutting out the cost of delivery. Aldi has single red roses for $1.08!

2. Give a flower that could be planted.

The sad thing about flowers is they eventually die — but not this kind! 

Giving potted flowers is a great idea because your special someone can plant them in his or her garden, or keep them alive indoors. 

For this idea, be sure to choose a perennial flower that will come back year after year, a reminder of your enduring affection for your loved one. 

3. Deliver flowers yourself or have a friend or Uber deliver.

Instead of letting the delivery man deliver flowers, why not surprise your honey and deliver them yourself? If you’re both working, it might be a great excuse to go out for a Valentine’s day lunch. Or, you could bring them with you before a date! 

Another idea? If you want to make flowers a surprise,  you could pull some strings and have a friend deliver the flowers. Maybe trading favors with a friend who also wants to make flowers a surprise is an idea. You both win, and you both spend less! 

In addition, you could also have Uber deliver your flowers. 

4. Purchase flowers at a warehouse club.

For over 40 years, John Sullivan, 68, has given his wife, Sally, roses every Valentine’s Day. But he knows how to shop smart. He buys his wife’s dozen red roses at the local Costco, where it costs him about $25. 

‘I didn’t get my bank account balanced by spending foolishly,’ Sullivan says.

Warehouse clubs are great avenues to get more affordable flowers and the good news is, you won’t have to forfeit quality! 

5. Shop at Aldi or Trader Joe’s.

If you want to go the super budget-friendly direction, why not check out Aldi or Trader Joe’s flowers. Some of their bouquets are under $5! 

Your best bet: Purchase them the day before to ensure freshness and to avoid the store running out of stock. Place in water and put in the fridge for the longest life. 

Read more: 13 secrets you don’t know about Aldi

6. Purchase flowers before or after the actual holiday.

If you absolutely must buy the the ones from the florist, why not buy them a few days before or a few days after? 

You’re more likely to be able to negotiate a much better deal by purchasing on a day other than February 14. 

7. Look to the greenhouse.

Do you have a friend who has a greenhouse — or do you? 

Perhaps your friend might be willing to let you have some space in their greenhouse, or do some sort of exchange. There are even some communities that have public greenhouses. 

Could you imagine handing flowers to your honey and saying, ‘I grew them just for you’? How sweet! 

All of these are great ways to give budget-friendly flowers for Valentine’s — and still show your loved one you care. 

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