For local businesses like bars, restaurants and nightclubs, Valentine’s Day can be a blessing or a curse. More than almost any other date of the year, consumers are inclined to hit the town for a day or evening of romance and adventure. At the same time, if your Valentine’s Day event doesn’t woo your prospective guests, you could risk losing them to “sexier,” more exciting local happenings.
Valentine’s Day can be big business for local establishments. According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association “Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey,” consumers as a whole spend an average of $13.19 billion every year on the holiday, with the average per person expenditure a little over $100. Over a third of consumers celebrating the holiday will have dinner at restaurants. To make sure that your Valentine’s Day event hits its target like cupid’s arrow, consider each of the following ideas for turning your establishment into a can’t-miss romantic destination:
The Sign of Love
In dating, first impressions are supremely important. The same goes for throwing a Valentine’s Day event. You want your establishment to feel like something special, not business as usual. First, consider signage or banners that call attention to the events you have going on. If your guests don’t realize you’re doing anything special for the holiday, why would they bother to attend? A vinyl banner hung outside of your establishment can be a quick and easy way to signal that your business is getting into the spirit.
“Make sure that your Valentine’s Day event hits its target like cupid’s arrow.”
Set the Mood
Dimmed lighting, candles, rose petals and other aesthetic choices evoking the feeling of an intimate, romantic evening are all essential to transform your restaurant or bar into the perfect Valentine’s Day nightspot. A soundtrack of sultry R&B songs and romantic ballads can help complete the mood.
Celebrity Couples (for a Night)
One fun and flirty idea is to host a red carpet inspired soiree, complete with custom step and repeat for photos. Make couples feel like movie stars and celebrities by encouraging formal attire, providing a complimentary glass of wine or champagne and gift bags at the end of the evening.
A Kissing Booth
Alternatively, you can employ a branded backdrop to be the setting of a “kissing booth.” Encourage your guests to stage romantic pictures, exchanging smooches in front of your backdrop. Develop your own hashtag that includes the name of your establishment so that when couples tag their Valentine’s Day photos, you’ll be able to easily locate them and re-post.
Offer a Package
A restaurant that offers a full evening’s menu can attract more guests and streamline operations. Consider scaling back your usual a la carte menu offerings in favor of a package deal that includes an appetizer, dinner, wine and dessert for a single price.
Don’t Forget the Swinging Singles
If you’re looking for an idea that is a bit more offbeat and eccentric, why not host an event geared toward singles? Whether you decide on a purposely “unromantic” anti-Valentine’s Day event or a speed dating mixer, catering to a more niche audience may in the end help your establishment stand out from the crowd.
Just like you wouldn’t want to wait until the last minute to get your sweetheart flowers, don’t let Valentine’s Day event planning sneak up on you. For all your sign, backdrop and step and repeat needs, Sign Art has you covered. Contact us today to learn more.
