The 20 best alternative bouquets for Valentine's Day 2020
Valentine’s Day, the annual event rooted in the Roman ritual of Lupercalia and card-giving customs of the Victorian era, is largely considered to be one of the first major events of the year in a florist’s calendar.
Gearing up for the onslaught of orders, both supermarkets and independent florists compete with collections of bespoke bouquets, coming in all shapes and sizes. Though roses remain a firm favourite, recent shifts in social media have noted a peak in interest on wild and weedy bouquets featuring dried grasses, muted tones and soft textures.
"In the eco-conscious, social media-aware days of 2020, though, a dozen long-stemmed roses just won’t cut it. A renewed interest in the beauty – and importance – of grown, not flown flowers has seen seasonal blooms, dried flowers and a more subdued colour palette lead the way on that most trendsetting of online platforms: Instagram," says gardening influencer Alice Vincent. Stockists seem to have taken note of the trend, with some offering as many as 20 alternative bouquets to roses this year.
Here we share our top 20 picks for Valentine's Day 2020, from vintage-style bouquets of green and gold to bargain roses for £1.99. Can you feel the love yet?
The Evie XL, (£37, Bloom & Wild)
This letter-box friendly arrangement is inspired by Indian sunsets, containing russet-coloured roses, freesias, plus snapdragons, alstroemeria, and pops of yellow craspedia, lasting for 7 days (or more). Bloom & Wild offer free next day delivery via Royal Mail Tracked or upgrade to Premium Delivery for improved tracking and reliability. Available for nationwide delivery. Cut off date for delivery on Valentine's Day is 13th February.
Glaze (£31.99, Appleyard London)
Glaze, a picture-perfect arrangement of oriental lilies, yellow roses, 'Sugar Flair' hypericum berries and alluring lilac 'Memory Lane' roses, offers the tones of spring come early. For those living in London, get guaranteed 12pm next day delivery. Nationwide standard delivery is free, standard tracked delivery plus from £2.99. Cut off date for delivery on Valentine's Day is February 13th.
Mabel by Post (£35 – £55, Bramble & Wild)
A spectacular arrangement with on-trend russet tones. Bramble & Wild bouquets are wrapped in layers of tissue paper before being aqua packed in a compostable water source and gift boxed, and packaging is 100% recyclable or reusable, plus they'll chuck in a free handwritten note. Cut off date for Valentine's Day delivery is 12th February; Orders placed before 12 noon are available for next day delivery. National deliveries are made by Royal Mail Special Delivery – by 1pm. A signature will be required.
Gypsophila Cloud Bouquet (£75, Wild at Heart)
According to Flower and Fable, cloud-like gypsophila, otherwise known as 'baby's breath', has long been associated with child-like innocence and everlasting love, what could be better? At approximately 45cm, this stunning bouquet is part of the Enchanted Collection comprising dreamy arrangements that put roses firmly on the back seat. Order online now for delivery between 10 February 2018 and 16 February 2018 and get free nominated day delivery. Last order date for nationwide delivery is 13th February; deliveries throughout London on 14th.
Dozen Sweetheart Roses (£1.99, Aldi - in-store only)
For those keeping a tight hold of their purse strings this year, Aldi has done it again. This year, the UK's fifth biggest supermarket will be selling the cheapest dozen of roses in the UK. Available from 11th February, in-store only.
All You Need Is Love (£42 - £62, Petalon)
Petalon deliver by bicycle to London addresses, which is great for ethical shoppers. Their All You Need is Love bouquet for Valentine's Day comes in biodegradable packaging. They also have a postal service for addresses outside London, of which the deadline for Valentine's Day delivery is 11th February.
Flowers will be delivered between 8am and 5pm on Wednesday 14 February, though Petalon doesn't offer time slots. All bouquet prices include free delivery and a £1 donation to Bee Collective.
The Ultimate Red Valentine’s Bouquet (£220, Tregothnan)
For those looking to break the bank, the Ultimate Red Valentine’s Bouquet is for you. Its enormous crescendo of British red blooms, sourced from the Tregothnan estate and British growers with attention to sustainability, features tulips, alstroemeria, ranunculus, chrysanthemums and deep red and green foliage. Order before 2pm on 13th February for delivery on Valentine’s Day. The price includes free next day courier delivery within the UK, excluding Sundays and Mondays.
The Orchid Heart (£32, Moonpig)
You can't go wrong with this pretty lilac orchid from online card-giant Moonpig. The plant is approximately 30cm tall and, with careful tending, will last for years (hopefully, just like your love.) The cut off date for delivery on Valentine's Day is 7pm on 13th February. Next Day delivery for £3.99. Order flowers by 9pm for 2hr delivery slot between 8am-9pm.
Sainsbury's Indulgence Bouquet (£12, Sainsbury's)
Filled with scented white roses, pink lilies and lush green foliage, this elegant bouquet may be easy on the wallet, but it's no less fabulous for it. In order to grab it in time for Valentine's Day, we recommend collecting in store to ensure it keeps its shape and structure, otherwise the last order date for delivery on Valentine's Day is 11th February.
Protea Posy Bouquet (£25, Marks & Spencer)
This wild and heather-like bouquet makes a strong statement with proteas and the wild flowers of South African Cape. With colours of pink, red, mauve and green, M&S warns that hues may vary slightly due to the natural and wild growing environment, making this bouquet truly unique. Available for both nationwide (next day) and in-store pick up. The last order date is 2pm on Thursday the 13th February.
The Buckhurst (£35 – £150, The Country Garden Florist)
We adore this peach-toned bouquet from specialist florist Donna Willingham. The sensational arrangement is a pretty mix of pale peaches and dark plums featuring ranunculus, ammi, spray roses and tulips, against a backdrop of dark foliage, for a just-picked-from-the-garden vibe. The Buckhurst is available in 5 different sizes, and last order for nationwide delivery on Valentines Day is 5pm on the 12th February.
No.1 Luxury Valentine's Day Bouquet (£100, Waitrose)
Wishing for more than just roses? Allow us to suggest this stunning 32-stemmed Valentine's Day bouquet. It's striking mix of dark pink oriental lilies are beautifully arranged with two dozen large-headed red roses and hand-tied with relaxed natural foliage. Pick this up in selected stores, or order online. The cut off for Valentine’s Day- 4pm 13th February.
Afternoon Tea with Flowers Gift Set (£50, Marks & Spencer)
Who doesn't love a classic afternoon tea? For the foodie in your life, give the gift of wild flowers and treats with this gift from Marks & Spencer. You'll find butter shortbread, cake, jams and pure origin Assam tea plus a gorgeous bouquet. And it's packed in two smart reusable gift boxes. Pick up in selected stores or order online. The last order date is 2pm on Thursday the 13th for Valentine's Day.
(Ophelia, £50 to £125, Scarlet & Violet)
For those lucky enough to live in London, Scarlet & Violet are offering truly stunning arrangements for Valentine's Day. Ophelia, a crisp white and green bouquet of fresh garden flowers, is like something out of Shakespeare. Delivery charges are post code dependent, and bunches can be delivered in vases or in brown carriers. The last Valentine's orders will be on the 12th Feb 6pm.
Val Sweetheart Plant (£4, Patch Plants)
Sweetheart plants, otherwise known as hoya plants, are actually a climbing plant with lots of those heart-shaped leaves strung along its vines. It’s commonly found in countries in South-East Asia, where it can grow up to four metres tall. This houseplant needs little watering, so is perfect as low-maintenance gift. Hand-delivered to London addresses (price depending on postal location). Last order for delivery on Valentine's Day is 12th February.
Everlasting Love Bouquet (£75-£175, Wild at Heart)
Beautifully arranged, the Everlasting Love bouquet is a timeless mix of peach and soft pink roses, tulips, ranunculus, berries and seasonal foliage. It's a great addition to any romantic dinner table setting. The last order date for nationwide delivery is 13th February, and London deliveries will be completed on 14th February.
Tulip Bomb (£50.00–£130.00, The Flower Stand Chelsea)
This bunch of hot pink, red and purple tulips with a dark green foliage collar are great if roses aren't your thing. According to ProFlowers, red tulips are most strongly associated with true love, while purple symbolizes royalty. Same day flower delivery service throughout central London is available. For orders received by 7pm (6pm on Sundays) flowers to all central London residential postcodes can be delivered on the same day, 7 days a week.
Everlasting Love (£140, Grace & Thorn)
Named after the Howard Jones' song 'Everlasting Love', this dried flower arrangement comprises an eco-friendly assortment of dried seasonal flowers. Plus, the vase is included for a classy touch. Grace & Thorn accept orders for delivery within London Monday to Saturday. And do not deliver nationwide on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. All deliveries will be made between 9am and 7pm. Orders for delivery outside of London need to be placed before 12pm. All orders made after 12pm for delivery outside of London will be delivered within 48 hours.
Edinburgh Gin’s Rhubarb and Ginger Bouquet (£65, Edinburgh Gin)
This fabulous bouquet and gin gift set is inspired by the same botanicals as the juniper-forward recipe of Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, containing an arrangement of pink and ivory roses, carnations, plus stems of rhubarb, eucalyptus and lavender. It's love at first sniff. The Botanical Bouquets will be delivered on 14th February. You will be provided with a 2-hour delivery window, via text or email, with a time slot between 7am - 7pm on 14th February for delivery.
Sunny Daze (£70, Moyses Stevens Flowers)
Pick up dark, February days with of bright sunflowers, English daffodils, shamrocks, luxury cow parsley and fragrant seasonal mimosa. If you're feeling to break the bank, why not toss in a bar of wild cacao and Moet Chandon for good measure? It is Valentine's Day, after all. Last date for delivery on Valentine's Day is 11th February. Next day delivery is available.
