Nic McMullen's The Flower Room on Victoria Ave will be open all weekend for those last-minute buyers. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Nic McMullen's The Flower Room on Victoria Ave will be open all weekend for those last-minute buyers. Photo / Lewis Gardner
With Valentine's Day just one sleep away, flower shops and restaurants are feeling the love from Whanganui locals.
Nic McMullen from The Flower Room on Victoria Ave will be open all weekend catering to last-minute buyers.
"Valentine's on Sunday isn't usually as busy. Usually on a normal weekday, we dropto work places. So there isn't as much pressure to work on the actual day."
She said roses were a classic Valentine's flower.
"It's quite a last-minute thing. It's pretty standard, if they don't want to go for roses, it's usually just a romantic bouquet with pinks to make it look pretty.
"Fresh flowers and chocolate are always a winner."
Mary Waine, owner of Ab-Fb, said having Valentine's Day fall on a Sunday changed things a bit and she was expecting people to buy flowers across numerous days.
"Valentine's Day is very spontaneous. It's also a reciprocal event. You buy your partner something and they get you something in return.
"We've had to order weeks in advance for a demand we are unsure of."
Waine, who has been in the flower industry in Whanganui for more than 16 years, said this year has been a bit more difficult due to Covid-19.
"We are struggling to get in as many flowers in the past due to shipping times and the increased costs. We do have stock, the prices are just a bit more marked up. It has been a bit of a mission."
Mixed bouquets and pink roses have been the most popular choice, Waine said.
"We have nice bouquets. It's just a good time of year for flowers in general."
Victoria Rhodes of Victoria Rhodes Flowers on Maria Place echoed Waine's thoughts.
"With it falling on Sunday, it kind of spreads itself out over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
She said the prices of roses are through the roof due to importing struggles.
"It is much harder to get them at the moment because the imports aren't available. So you are relying on New Zealand growers, which is a good thing.
"A mixed bunch is what I recommend because it lasts a lot longer and you get much better value for money."
Victoria Rhodes said they will be open on Saturday and Sunday this week for those who haven't grabbed any for their partner yet, "Guys are always getting something last minute."
Local restaurants are expecting a busy Sunday catering to couples celebrating the special day.
Vy Nguyen, owner of High-Kut Bistro along with partner Kaiming "Kelvin" Huang, said couples have booked in nice and early for a Sunday evening dinner.
"We're slowly getting bookings in. We have a few spare tables for Sunday, but we're looking very busy."
Five things to do in Whanganui on Valentine's Day.
Roses are the classic Valentine's Day flower. Photo / File
• Pack a picnic and spend the day at Bason Reserve. Pack your cheese and crackers and head to one of Whanganui's most picturesque outdoor spaces and spend the day.
• Visit the famous Paloma Gardens. Just north of Fordell, 20 minutes from Whanganui, Paloma Gardens is full of plants from all over the world. $10 per person.
• Go out for dinner at one of Whanganui's many great restaurants. No matter your taste, Whanganui has something for everyone. Enjoy some great food and a red wine.
• Go watch a movie at Embassy 3. If you're not feeling the outdoors, why not visit the movies for the first time in years and watch one of the many movies on offer. Liam Neeson's latest movie The Marksman is on for those looking for a thrill, or Love, Weddings and Other Disasters for those trying to convince your partner it's time.
• Spend the day at the beach. With Kai Iwi, Castlecliff and South Beach all nearby, pack your towel and book and enjoy a nice relaxing day on the sand before taking a dip in the summer sea.
