Bermuda florists are braced for a Valentine’s Day last-minute rush, and some have prepared in advance for late orders.

Carmen Phillips, owner of Demco Florist, on South Road, Devonshire, yesterday joked: “It’s a boys’ holiday, so as you can imagine we always get slammed with last-minute orders. We are now getting web orders, phone and some are coming into the shop.”

Ms Phillips said customers order a month in advance for other occasions, including Mother’s Day and Christmas, but it is mostly a last-minute thing for Valentine’s Day.

Another local florist said she was better equipped to handle the chaos of late comers this year having learnt from the experience of previous years.

“Everything is last-minute, but we are more organised this year.” said Claire Bleeker, florist at Flowers By GiMi, on Front Street.

Rochelle Todd, retail coordinator and supervisor at People’s Pharmacy, yesterday said: “It’s been a slow start, usually tonight or tomorrow people will come and get their flowers.”

However, not everyone waits until Valentine’s Day to order. Blaire Simmons, a photographer at The Royal Gazette, said: “I use my birthday, which is February 10, as a reminder to prepare for Valentine’s Day, being that the days are relatively close. It still leaves me a good two to three days to plan and purchase or set-up reservations for the day.

“I don’t take the holiday seriously at all as I feel that Valentine’s should be celebrated with your loved one at least once a month throughout the year. Being one that doesn’t follow the status quo, and to poke a little fun at Valentine’s Day, I make it my mission every year to celebrate with my wife on the thirteenth, one day before everyone else is going crazy with spending and trying to squeeze in late reservation.

“My wife does feel special getting her flowers sent to her job one day before every other women in her office. I find it absolutely hilarious watching men scramble through town to get flowers and gifts on Valentine’s Day.”

Mr Simmons said he was married on the thirteenth, which is his favourite number, which motivates him celebrating on February 13.