Photo: Contributed

Romance will be in the air this weekend as lovers swoon over each other on Valentine’s Day.

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, and according to florists that means bouquet sales aren’t as high as when the 14th falls on a weekday. Zena Tucker, with Enterprise Flower studio, says typically when Valentine’s day lands on a weekday people will pop in after work and pick up flowers or will order last minute because they’ve forgot to plan something.

“When it falls on a weekend a lot of people plan to do something, like a get-away," she said. "It’s less rushed than a weekday."

That doesn’t mean florists won’t be busy. Both Tucker and Janice Vermeulen of Burnett's Florist and Gifts agree the next few days will be hectic with arrangements.
 
Both chuckled, saying that men leave Valentine’s day gifts to the last minute. The most requested arrangement is the traditional dozen roses, says Tucker and Vermeulen.

“The dozen roses are very traditional, meaning ‘I Love You’,’ said Vermeulen. Other requests the florists receive are for Star Gazers - pink lilies - and Gerber Daisies.

“It seems people aren’t as interested in the stuffed teddy bears anymore but a few sell,” explained Vermeulen.  Both locations will be delivering and open to walk-ins on Feb. 14.

If chocolate is more your style there are several places in town preparing for the romantic holiday.

At Annegret’s Chocolates Robert Jung says he is putting together gift boxes made with truffles, although new for this year will be heart boxes.

Over at Sandrine French Pastry, chocolates and macaroons are always a hit. However, this February a special large heart shaped macaroon is being prepared for those who love sweets.

An employee of Sandrine says there is a lull between Christmas and Valentines Day, when people are cutting back after holiday treats. They do have an increase in sales this time of year and they know it’s coming which is why they start preparing early.    

Locally owned Knight’s Chocolate can be found in grocery stores around Kelowna and owner Colin Mcmeeken says for the third year-in-a-row, those who pick up one of their bars at Urban Fare will be entered to win a romantic get-away for two at Sparkling Hill.

For those who are a little more risque, Wild Kingdom says Valentine’s day is their best day of the year, busier than Christmas.

Owner Kim Williams says everything is a hit, but the most popular item is the We-Vibe — a toy both partners can enjoy.

“It’s a good all around for couples, it’s body safe and it even comes with an app,” she says.

Other items of interest are lubricants, lingerie and body paint chocolate.

Williams says they will be crazy busy for the next two days and will be open late, and on Sunday, for their customers.

As for those looking to get out and do something on the big day of romance, Castanet decided to hit the streets and find out what people were planning.

Also check out Castanet's event's page for this weekend's activities.