Avoid steep price hikes this Valentine's Day by planning ahead and ordering your flowers early. Learn how to save money without compromising on quality.

Planning to express your love with flowers this Valentine’s Day? While this timeless gesture conveys affection, the prices don’t feel quite as romantic. If you wait until February 14 to purchase that ideal bouquet, you may find yourself paying nearly double the regular price. Fortunately, there's a solution to save money while still delivering that heartfelt message: order your Valentine’s flowers now! Ordering back in January would have secured the lowest prices of the season, but don’t panic. The sooner you place your order, the less you wind up spending, avoiding those inflated costs that last-minute shoppers face. Roses can last five to seven days with proper care, meaning you can still buy them a few days in advance to ensure freshness on the special day. For added value and longevity, consider alternatives to traditional roses. Carnations and orchids not only last up to two weeks, but they also offer a unique touch that shows your valentine just how special they are to you. Additionally, opt for delivery a day or two ahead of Valentine’s Day to avoid surge charges that many services impose on February 14. To keep your flowers healthy and vibrant for as long as possible, ensure you keep them in clean water, trim their stems at an angle every few days, remove any submerged leaves, store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and add flower food to the water. This Valentine’s Day is about expressing love, not emptying wallets. By planning ahead and making smarte choices, you can create a memorable floral expression of love without breaking the bank. Your wallet—and your valentine—will thank you! If you're seeking gifts beyond flowers, find additional ideas here: https://lifehacker.com/what-to-give-on-valentines-day-instead-of-flowers