Whether you're single or all loved up, the most romantic day of the year is creeping up on us again - Valentine's Day. One thing is certain, with Valentine's Day, comes a desire to go all out and spend to serenade our loved ones with love and desirable gifts. So what should you expect during this year's Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day 2024, a Romantic-Filled Day
For many, Valentine's Day includes spoiling our beloved with breakfast in bed or a delicious dinner and presenting them with chocolates, flowers, cards, and other gifts. For retailers and florists, it's the first big spending frenzy after the holiday season. The importance of this celebration has gained prominence for decades and undoubtedly it is the most significant day in the floral business.
Because Valentine's Day is celebrated in so many countries across the globe, everyone approaches the holiday a little bit differently. There is still a large number of countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia that don't celebrate this day at all. But the rule is, you can't go wrong with a bouquet of red roses and a box of chocolates - a classic and timeless gift that seems to never decrease in popularity or value.
Red Roses for Valentine's
According to several surveys and studies, 35-40% of shoppers opt for floral gifts to celebrate Valentine's. And yes, roses remain the most popular flowers to gift, with red roses taking center stage (around 70% of roses sold for Valentine's Day are red), followed by white roses and pink roses.
Due to volatility in economics, there is a slight decline in spending across different markets, but not during Valentine's Day though. During the romance-filled day, everyone is keen to express their love, and create amazing moments with their loved ones!
Valentine's Day Floral Trends
It’s no secret that the floral industry has a strong link and excitement about Valentine’s Day, due to the business gains it brings. Flowers may have declined in popularity a little bit these past couple of years, but they are still one of the most chosen gifts. And while there's nothing wrong with a beautiful bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, there are more trends that affect what we buy for Valentine's. Let's dive into some popular floral trends that are making their way into the most romantic day of the year.
Classy, sophisticated, relaxed, warm, approachable, adventurous, and fun. There's a sense of flexibility and immense creativity that dominates the floral trends of 2024. Trends that radiate with style, and color, and you'll see it in everything from the timeless glamour of traditional arrangements to the abundance of wildflower bouquets that add earthy beauty to your world. The combination of dried materials with fresh flowers is by far one of the most popular trends at the moment.
From tinted flowers to colored dried ones, it's all allowed in the contemporary floristry world. On the flip side, there is an emerging trend to ruin the reputation and beauty of fresh flowers and plants through the use of plastic flowers and plants. However, these are not in any way ideal to celebrate love, how will they convey our deepest sentiments if they are devoid of life?
Rich, Vibrant Colors
While hot pinks and magenta are some of the dominant colors of 2023, which were aligned with Thursd's Floral Color 2023, this year's trending color ranges from peach fuzz from Pantone's Color of the Year 2024 to whites and blues, Thursd's Floral Trend Colors 2024. It is a no-brainer, all shades of red top the list of rich and most sought-after colors during Valentine's Day.
Soft Neutrals and Earthy Tones
While eye-catching colors are on the rise, the love for understated tones and earthy color palettes hasn't died. Think coffee-brown colored flowers, dusty turquoise, and super soft yellows. Staying in the neutral or earth-tone range doesn’t mean dull bouquets and forgettable floral decor. Quite the opposite; earthy tones are inspired by nature and the earth’s beauty in its rawest form. From dunes to blue oceans to rich soil - earthy tones are all around us. The Color Palette of the Year for Thursd creates awareness about the oceans and blue sky.
Due to the sustainability debate which has gained intensity in recent years within the floral industry, these earthy tones foster the sustainability awareness movement. It is a reminder to take care of the planet, by growing and practicing floristry with sustainably. Once again, Valentine's Day is a reminder to pay attention to floral sustainability and the creation of floral arrangements that align with nature or earthy tones.
Colors of Serenity
In 2024, flowers will be more important and expressive than ever to lift the mood. You can see that on the opposite end of the spectrum, where you'll find cooler hues that capture a sense of serenity. A much-needed break. Calming, dusty pinks, airy blues that perfectly capture tranquility, and deep, earthy greens that channel some natural connection to nature.
From living in sync with Mother Earth to finding joy in everyday life, the color forecast reflects a societal change in a post-pandemic era.
Textured Floral Trend
Textural bouquets will continue to trend in the coming years. Fusing unique, rare flowers with different materials and embellishments is a great way to personalize floral gifts. From feathers, seashells, and broaches to pine cones, dried flowers, and Dogwood branches, layered textures give floral arrangements an extra touch and character.
Dried Flowers Trend
Dried flowers are probably hotter than ever and have made their way into our Valentine's gift options this year. Driven by the sustainability trend, there's a growing demand for everlasting flowers. They’re not just easy on the eyes, but easy to maintain! That could well be their key selling point.
People are always busy, on the go, or otherwise occupied — and unfortunately, it can be easy to put flower care on the back burner when that happens. With dried flowers, you or your recipient never have to think about watering, trimming stems, or feeding. They look just as good in months as they do on the first day.
A Token of Love
No matter which trend you choose on Valentine’s Day, the most important thing is that nothing else can better express affection than either fresh or dried flowers. If one is allowed to believe the myth that Saint Valentine secretly married couples and gave them flowers from his garden, then it is one of the most beautiful tokens of love par excellence.
Once again, let's immerse ourselves in the magic of flowers; creating moments to look back on. Say it with flowers, whether red roses, peach, white, hot pinks, or a mixed bouquet of your favorite colors and flowers, celebrate and spread the joy of Valentine's Day with flowers. Wishing you a great Valentine's Day!
Header Image by @Alexandra Farms Featured Image by @Darcey Flowers.