Who said romance was dead? Brits will spend a staggering £64,961 romancing loved ones in their lifetimes, according to a new survey. Flowers, jewellery, candlelit dinners, sexy treats and romantic breaks all add up to the average Brit spending £1,382 annually to woo their other halves.
The poll by hotel chain Travelodge also revealed it's married folk who splash the most cash to keep the spark alive in their relationship, spending an average of £1,417 a year. That's a whopping £28,340 during 20 years of marriage. Singletons annually spend an average of £1,375 in the romantic pursuit of finding the "one".
It's not surprising the cost of romance is so high as a flash 11% of respondents treat their partner to a romantic break each year with 80% of these spending up to £500.
Men are the romancers with 67% splashing out on regular romantic treats in comparison to just 33% women.
Relationship Psychologist, Corinne Sweet, said: "The high cost of romance is not surprising in today's 'cash rich/ time poor' culture. Many people, especially men spend money to please or appease, when their partners would simply like to have more time, thought and appreciation from them. It's easy to click a button or flash a card to buy love, in comparison to cooking a meal, giving a massage or making a card. However, the personal touch, the little thoughtful gesture, is often more a sign of true love and commitment than extravagant, OTT romantic gestures".
Birthdays and Christmas are when 80% of Brits splash the most cash on their loved one but a romantic nine per cent treat their partner, for no other reason than to just to say, "I love you".
Not surprisingly, Valentines Day is also a popular day for adoring gestures but some are more romantic than others with a third of folk having to make-do with old favourites such as flowers and chocolate. What couples really want is an interesting and romantic gift that their partner has thought about and planned such as time away together, breakfast in bed, dinner in a nice restaurant or a personalised gift.
Celebrities are no exception, the following stars comment on their top Valentines presents/ romantic gestures:
Casanova, Peter Stringfellow will be playing "J'taime" by Serge Gainsbourg as a romantic gesture to his girlfriend on Valentines Day.
British television actress Amy Nuttall would like a portable bottle of her favourite Dolce & Gabanna perfume, which she can carry around in her handbag.
Award winning actress Sarah Parish's ideal Valentines present would be lingerie from her favourite brand La Pearla.
English actress, singer and entertainer, Clare Sweeney's best ever Valentines present was a little black Gucci dress
However some presents are less desirable. The items listed below are the most disappointing Valentines Day gifts ever received:
- A bread maker
- Petrol station flowers
- Bowl of plastic fruit
- Sex cheques
- A hamster called Rodney who came with his own cage and wheel
- A card
Four per cent of the 1000 Brits surveyed shun romantic Valentines gifts completely in favour of something practical for the house or car.
The weekend before Valentines Day is the most popular time for men and women to purchase their Valentines presents.
Twenty seven per cent of people splash out on romantic gifts after a row to try and make it up to their partner. More than one in ten, say they can buy their partner's affections with lavish gifts and gestures.
Travelodge Chief Operating Officer, Guy Parsons said "Love may be priceless but romance doesn't have to cost the earth; you can impress for less. Our hotels are always full on Valentines Day with couples looking to rejuvenate their love".
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Notes to editor:
Research conducted by 72 point in January 2007 with 1000 adults.
£64,961 figure calculated by taking the average annual spend on romantic gestures £1,382.15 which is multiplied by 47 years the average number of years in adult life between 18 years to 65 years.
Travelodge rooms can be booked at www.travelodge.co.uk
Tips to be romantic on a budget:
Exercise your creative skills and write a poem or letter to your loved one
Whisk your partner away for a romantic break in the UK - book your hotel in advance to get the best rate
Create a romantic setting at home with candles and cook your partner a meal
Book time in your diary to give your partner your undivided attention to talk or watch a DVD together
The top five cities couples will be visiting for a Valentines break this year
- London
- Edinburgh
- York
- Bath
- Manchester
Top ten romantic places to visit in the UK:
Lake District for romantic boat rides exploring the many lakes
Cornwall for romantic walks on the beach
Edinburgh for sight seeing and exploring the castle
Derbyshire for exploring the beautiful scenery and walking in the hills
Brighton for a traditional dirty weekend
Harrogate for exploring the beautiful little shops and indulging in afternoon tea at Betty's
Bath for traditional spa treatments
Ludlow for foodie lovers to indulge in romantic meals
North Wales for the outdoor adventure adrenalin junkies
Cotswold provides the perfect setting for romantic picnics or visiting the many traditional pubs that still have a roaring fire.