You don't have to send someone a dozen roses to show you care. Less expensive options/alternatives to roses; choose flowers that don't cost a lot, but look like they do!
Your sweetie may be expecting a dozen roses on Valentines Day…But you can expect to pay more than $60 for those long stem beauties. Why not show her you care with alternatives to roses:
Carnations You should be able to buy two dozen red and white carnations for around $30 dollars. According to Iflorist, a red carnation is said to mean "admiration" while a pink carnation expresses, "I will never forget you." They make a stunning bouquet and you can deliver them to your honey along with a handmade card. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and resourcefulness.
Tulips A dozen assorted-color tulips will run around $35 and will make a beautiful center-piece for a romantic candle-lit dinner that you prepare yourself. A red tulip signifies a declaration of love, while a variegated tulip means "beautiful eyes."
Silk Roses These beauties range in cost from $10 for a single artificial rose to more than $110 for a lavish bouquet. Fake flowers have come a long way. A few years ago, you could determine whether a plant was real or artificial from a mile away. Now it’s difficult to tell even up close. The best part is, these arrangements will last forever, maybe even longer than the relationship.
Living Plant Nothing says "I love you" like a living plant. And you’re showing you love the environment, too. Not only are live plants inexpensive, they will perk up any interior space and improve the air quality during winter’s coldest months. And when spring arrives, your honey can either keep the specimen as a house plant, or transplant it outdoors.
Living Tree Beautify your loved one’s back yard and create a wildlife refuge as well. Your sweetheart will certainly appreciate the gift of a flowering tree or shrub. And don’t forget to register it for free at the United Nations Environment Program Web site.
Send flowers a week early. If you are dead set on giving roses for Valentine’s Day, but don’t want to fork over the exorbitant cost, send a dozen long stems the week before. The price is a lot lower than on the 14th and you’ll pleasantly surprise your significant other. Just be sure to do something special on the big day. A small box of candy or a home-made gift should suffice.
Bottom Line: You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy flowers that die in a week. Be creative, use your imagination, and show you care by making restaurant reservations early!
The copyright of the article Inexpensive Flower Arrangements in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Inexpensive Flower Arrangements in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.