Valentine’s Day has always been one of the most lucrative days for businesses and entrepreneurs. While the V-day tradition has experienced some changes in the past two years during the pandemic, couples still spend a lot to make this day special. In the United States alone, consumers spent around $21.8 billion to celebrate Valentine’s Day last 2021.

Valentine’s has also become inclusive with the celebration no longer just limited to couples. In the UK, there’s also a new holiday called Galentine’s Day (February 13) to celebrate friendships of all types and forms.

Whether people dine out or celebrate this special day at home, restaurants should consider spicing up their on-premise and off-premise marketing promos to offer a romantic Valentine’s Day experience for their guests.

1. Create a Valentine’s Day menu to remember

Valentine's Day is that time of the year that restaurants can create those sumptuous menu specials. Chefs can use their creativity to create Valentine's Day theme and plate their menu in a way that not only looks romantic but also one-of-a-kind. A good range of desserts, champagne, and wine pairings go a long way to make this day extra special.

See the Valentine's specials below of Sailmaker Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Sydney where they are offering their Sailmaker signature Seafood Table complemented with a glass of sparkling Rosé wine on arrival and more. Meanwhile, G&Tea at the Lobby Lounge will offer English High Tea with a Valentine twist starting February 12.

2. Turn that V-day restaurant menu for delivery takeouts

Not all guests can dine at restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Restaurants should consider offering Valentine's Day package meals or special deals for takeout. It's one way for restaurants to score more revenue and help extend that loving feeling for those who are at home.

3. Promote your outdoor venue

Outdoor dining will remain popular for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Restaurants can offer up their best outdoor tables to create that romantic vibe. If the restaurant has an open-air space and as long as the weather allows, an outdoor pop-up will make a great and popular romantic dining spot.

Mr Stork, a drinking and dining restaurant on the rooftop of Andaz Singapore will be doing just that. For Valentine’s, they are offering up seats with the exclusive use of a teepee hut plus tables with a guaranteed bay view.

4. Redecorate the restaurant for the big day

Restaurant lighting can truly give any restaurant space that romantic ambiance. And with the right amount of candles, it will surely help create an intimate and romantic setting perfect for a romantic dinner. Lights should be balanced all throughout the restaurant coupled with tasteful decors to truly create a cozy atmosphere.

Just compare the lighting in the private dining space in Gucci Osteria in Tokyo Japan and the Baan Tepa Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.

5. Curate special music for Valentine’s

The right type of music can heighten that Valentine's Day atmosphere. Acoustic music is more appropriate for classic restaurants or fine-dining establishments while live music–especially when safe dining practices are in place–matches with bars or outdoor spaces.

As long as the music is free to use or there is a music license, restaurants should pair that romantic meal with good music.

6. Promote your Valentine specials in social media

Restaurants should extend their V-day theme to their social media channels including Instagram or Facebook. However, rather than just screaming red, social media graphics should be customized according to the type of restaurant or Valentine's Day special menus.

Here Baba Chews Bar and Eatery in Singapore designed a colorful and yet tasteful Valentine's day graphic announcing their 6-course menu on 14 February on Instagram.

7. Brand your booking form

A branded booking form is one of the most direct ways restaurants can let their customers know about their Valentine’s Day specials. A booking form that is well-designed will set the tone for what the guests will expect when they reserve a Valentine's Day table at your restaurant.

The TableCheck booking form allows restaurants to make their brand memorable and stand out. Restaurants can use this branded booking form on their own social media platforms and embed it on their own homepage.

Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants. As the big day is fast approaching, these simple marketing tactics can help restaurants deliver a perfect romantic experience for guests whether they are dining in their restaurant or at home.