Wairarapa romantics have their day

Masterton florists have been rushed off their feet preparing bouquets for would-be lovers this Valentine's Day.

Le Fleure Floriste staff worked during the weekend to fill their 60-plus orders, which they expected to double by this morning. Manager Melissa Cullen said most orders are for red roses - $20 for a single rose, $75 for six and $145 for the classic dozen.

"You can't beat a red rose on Valentine's Day," she said.

Usually an equal mix of orders come from men and women, this year men have dominated.

Which is how it should be, said Mrs Cullen.

"On Valentine's Day it's about men stepping up and sending them. Valentine's Day is their prerogative. I don't think it's worth them forgetting," Mrs Cullen said.

Heaven Scent Florist's Liz Warren said they were very hectic, and had bigger orders than last year.

"I think [Valentine's Day] is becoming more Americanised, more publicised. There's more red roses, teddy bears and chocolates," Ms Warren said.

While not all the orders are romantic, some just between friends, Heaven Scent's bouquets are being sent as far as Hamilton and Wellington.

Both florists said they noticed more students than ever sending flowers.

Wairarapa College organises its own Valentine's Day rose delivery service as a fundraising activity.

The school buys roses in bulk, allowing students to buy a $4 rose to be delivered to another in class.

Teacher Cathy Mabey said together with her Japanese class they would be filling about 250 orders this morning.

"It's a bit of a mission," she said. "We need to know exactly where the students are so we can deliver [the roses] before they start to wilt. Although hopefully we'll be lucky with the cooler weather this year."

Milady Lingerie shop assistant Sherryl Turley said she had a few men in during the last week buying Valentine's Day gifts.

"They've been in to buy bra and undie sets. Very sensible things actually, they went for what they thought their wives and girlfriends would like," Ms Turley said.

Masterton Showcase Jewellers co-owner Vania Ireland said jewellery is one item people have not been splashing out on this Valentine's Day.

"We haven't been hugely busy. There's not a huge amount of romantics out there I'm afraid. It's a luxury item and things have been a bit tighter the last three years."