Valentine’s Day: Surveys Reveals it’s not about Spending

A new survey shows that a low-key dinner or even take out are just fine for Valentine’s Day dinner.

According to a recent survey by digital coupon code website  RetailMeNot,  a low-key, affordable dinner for Valentine’s Day is just fine. Sixty five percent of respondents would prefer a low-key dinner on Valentine’s Day over going to an upscale or trendy restaurant. In fact, more women than men want to order takeout and stay home (34% vs. 23%), while more men than women prefer a gourmet dinner at an upscale restaurant on Valentine’s Day (29% vs. 22%).  The data shows, it’s not really giving a big gift that counts on Valentine’s Day, it’s really spending time together and celebrating your relationship.

A survey from Rakuten shows who will spend the most on Valentine’s Day.

For restaurants, the good news is that those surveyed  (who are in relationships) still plan to spend on Valentine’s Day.  The average amount of spend is  estimated at  $148 on their significant other, up from $114 last year.* What’s more, within this group, men plan on spending almost triple the amount that women plan to spend ($213 vs. $85)! Similar to last year, those who are in a relationship will most likely treat their significant other to a meal (20%), give them a card (16%), jewelry (11%), tickets (10%), flowers (10%) or electronics (9%).

Of people surveyed who have ever been in a relationship, 48% say they spend more money on entertainment when they are in a relationship than when they are not; 40% say they spend more money on personal grooming; and 43% said they spend more money on travel.

According to a survey by Rakuten on Consumerist, married people plan to spend around $136 to celebrate their love this Feb. 14, which is $18 less than engaged couples.  Engaged people will spend more than that, and average of $154.00.

Americans surveyed by RetailMeNot say that if they were single they would most likely celebrate with friends (27%) or family (21%), pamper themselves (21%), treat themselves to a nice dinner (18%) or go on a date with someone new (16%). Be prepared to pay if you are the one to initiate that first date though. According to the survey, 49% of respondents feel that on a first date the person who initiated the date should pay. Only 35% believe that gender should determine who pays.

Finally, the survey showed that it’s cool to be frugal even on Valentine’s Day–there’s no need to be embarrassed about trying to save.  RetailMeNot’s Shoppers Trend Report revealed that only about 1 in 9 (12%) Americans surveyed would be turned off if their date used a coupon or deal to pay for dinner.

However, a whopping 70% of those surveyed would be turned off if their date was rude to the waiter/waitress, 60% if their date drank too much alcohol and 59% if their date flirted with the waiter/waitress.  Remember good manners are invaluable and cost nothing.