Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, and for those who are gearing up to celebrate this day of romance, the gift of flowers is a classic choice. While flowers in general make a thoughtful present, it’s the iconic red roses that steal the spotlight every February 14.

In the spirit of love, I decided to explore whether splurging on a florist’s expertise is necessary, or if one can create an impressive bouquet on a budget. I embarked on a floral journey, testing three different bouquets – one under £12, another priced at £60, paired with a bottle of bubbles, and a luxurious £120 bouquet accompanied by a full-sized bottle of Moet.

First stop, the supermarket. Aldi offered roses at a mere £2.59, but alas, no red roses were in sight. A quick trip to Sainsbury’s secured 20 red roses for £6, along with additional bouquets of carnations and gypsophila for £5.25. The supermarket flowers, though smaller in size compared to their florist counterparts, proved to be charming. However, arranging them took a bit more time, and note to self – invest in a vase for a complete and polished presentation.

Next up, the Prestige Flowers bouquet, a dazzling sight delivered to my door on a Saturday morning. Neatly arranged and accompanied by a bottle of Louis Dornier champagne, this £60 package boasted a touch of luxury. The bouquet, featuring Sandriana, eucalyptus, and palm leaf, exuded elegance, though a few more roses would have heightened its allure. Nonetheless, the included £35 champagne made this deal hard to resist.

The pièce de résistance was the Caitlin & Moet set, a £120 indulgence that left me utterly captivated. The bouquet, comprising 20 Rhodos red roses, gold twigs, and complementing leaves, filled my vase beautifully. While the purple foliage leaned towards the darker side, the overall effect was undeniably striking. Paired with the recognizable Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut, this high-end choice delivered a sensory experience with notes of apple, citrus, nuts, and toast.

In conclusion, Prestige Flowers emerged as the top choice for both value and beauty. The £60 package, inclusive of a £35 champagne, struck the perfect balance between affordability and elegance. For those seeking grandeur, the £120 Caitlin & Moet set offered a luxurious experience. So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, the choice is yours – will you opt for the budget-friendly charm or indulge in the opulence of a premium bouquet?