Trending Florist Needs for Valentine's Day
Every year, in mid-January, florists begin performing small, ritualistic mental exercises. Remembering to breathe, imagining the serenity of February 15th, and so on... but February 14th, as they well know, is a different story. That's Valentine's Day - and the weeks leading up to it demand their utmost mental (and physical) preparation.
Part of that preparation is focusing on which flowers and supplies to buy in advance of Cupid's big day. From the traditional to the trending, we're here to help you check the right boxes and prepare for a success story of our industry's biggest event.
Here's a quick guide to the items you'll want to consider having on-hand for when the flood of orders starts to consume your every waking moment.
Roses, Roses, and Roses
Spray roses! Garden roses! Freedom Roses! They may as well call it "Rose Day." With many varieties available, roses are the #1 most requested Valentine flower year after year. Whites and pinks are popular, second only to classic red - but it's a good idea to have all three colors at the ready. If you're new to the florist game, your Kennicott sales rep can be a good resource for explaining the nuances in the rose world. But for the sake of time, we'll move on...
Novelty Plants: Azaleas and Kalanchoes
It's not necessarily always about flowers. Consider setting out a display of succulents or flowering plants with red or white tones as an alternative or add-on gift idea. Potted plants are readily available and can be positioned as a longer-lasting expression of love or romance. Men, in particular, are always looking for a unique spin on the classic "dozen roses in a vase" idea. Prepare your shop to provide this service by having some Azaleas and Kalanchoes on-hand for panicked guys looking for a last-minute creative edge.
Proteas and Sun Palms
Valentine arrangements that include tropical flowers also offer your customers a unique option for standing out (and scoring points). Paired with the right glassware and decorative accents, traditional roses can look trendy again when peppered with protea and set against a large palm leaf as a backdrop. Funky, out-of-the-box combos like this aren't for everyone, but can create a lifelong customer when it hits the mark for those seeking something daring and unusual.
Give The "Blues" at Valentine's Day
Create stunning Valentine's Day floral arrangements by adding a pop of blue color for contrast. Check out our Blue Hydrangeas for this year's Valentine designs, as well as Eryngium or Orchids for that extra wow factor. Florists using Kennicott Direct can find these varieties online 24/7.
Tulips and Ranunculus
At Valentine's day, we're pretty much heading into the peak season for ranunculus. Why not take shake up the classic reds, whites and pinks with something other than roses? Tulips are another great option to add color and depth to arrangements. Your Kennicott sales rep can provide tulips and ranunculus in traditional Valentine colors. The long stems of these alternate flowers make them perfect companions (or featured stars) in your Valentine arrangements.
Choosing The Right Container
Flowers get all the credit, but flower pros know that the unsung hero of any floral creation is that in which they are arranged: the all-important vase! Clear, red, pink, and heart accented glassware is available in a variety of styles, and savvy buyers can save big if they purchase cases early.
While you're picking out vessels for your amazing, romantic creations, don't forget the ribbon, waxed tissue, sleeves, flower-food and the rest of the utilitarian essentials that you'll need when the orders start pouring in. As the lead-in to Valentine's Day reaches a fever-pitch, you don't want to be caught without the tools you need to finish off your designs.
As always, your Kennicott sales team is available for special requests and consultation. Don't forget to ask them about special pricing and promotions happening in advance of Valentine's Day.