Every holiday has its own steadfast traditions, and Valentine’s Day flowers are no exception. There’s no token of affection on February 14 quite as burned into the minds of the American consumer as a dozen red roses. Any other Valentine’s Day flowers might seem out-of-place at first glance, but who really craves a by-the-book romance, anyway? Here are five reasons to break from the tradition this Saturday.
1. Because you’re getting ripped off for red roses on Valentine’s Day
You’ll spend a lot less on Valentine’s Day flowers if you’re willing to break from the crimson mainstay. Prices for roses shoot up astronomically every year when the romantic holiday comes around. Even though you can still generally get a $10 dozen at your local grocery store, your Valentine’s Day flowers could end up costing you as much as $90 if you want a high-quality bouquet. In fact, most florists report paying two to three times per flower on Valentine’s Day roses, reported Reuters .
2. Because red roses are far from the most beautiful flower
Although you might want to break from red roses, it is worth noting that flowers still reign supreme over options like perfume, candy, and lingerie to both men and women, according to a recent CBS News poll. That doesn’t mean you’re limited to red roses for Valentine’s Day flowers though — just walk into your best local florist and ask for a unique take on the tradition. Here are a few gorgeous alternatives to get you started.
3. Because making paper flowers based on your significant other’s passion is more romantic
Okay, so everyone has probably seen paper roses done with the pages of books, but there are many other ways you can adapt this particular spin on Valentine’s Day flowers. Is your significant other a lover of a particular author? Your source material can be anything from the topical Fifty Shade of Grey , antique newspapers for a reporter, maps for voracious travelers, patient charts for doctors and nurses — the possibilities literally extend to anything that involves paper. Making your own Valentine’s Day flowers also diminishes the perfunctory tone of the gesture — despite the fact that they’ll be there to remind you of your love long after roses would be. You can even find a simple YouTube tutorial for just about any shape.
4. Because with the money you save, you can get them something that will last .
Even if you do absolutely have to buy Valentine’s Day flowers of some kind, just by going for a half-dozen of another variety, you can easily cut dozens of dollars off your Valentine’s Day budget to funnel into something else. If you cut the token gift completely, you might even be able to knock up a star on the restaurant you’re making reservations at, or add some concert tickets. Who says Valentine’s Day has to end before your flowers start to rot?
[Images via Flickr]
