FLORISTS around Bathurst are preparing for their "single busiest day of the calendar year" - Valentine's Day.
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As the internationally recognised day to celebrate love, many people go to florists to get fresh red roses for their significant other, or some other little gifts in stock.
Vanessa Pringle Floral Designs owner Vanessa Pringle said that preparations start months in advance for February 14.
"We do a lot of the background preparations, all the ordering is done months in advance, but we start the flower preparation on Wednesday," she said.
"Then it's like the greatest race to get it all completed by Thursday night ready for Friday morning."
Ms Pringle orders her red roses from overseas as it is the only way to cater for the Valentine's Day demand.
"They come from South America, due to the fact that Australian rose growers can't produce the quantity of roses required to service every florist in Australia," she said.
Given the roses need to be ordered so far in advance, she has to predict the demand well before the day.
Last year, the florist had 400 orders for Valentine's Day and that number is set to increase this year.
While red roses remain the most popular flower, Ms Pringle said that fresh bouquets are becoming a more common choice.
These floral options are not only a beautiful gift, but also are a way people can support Australian growers, who are being impacted by the ongoing drought.
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Ms Pringle said the cost of those flowers has increased, but her business absorbs that cost without increasing the price for customers.
"If they want to support local industry, mixed bouquets, 80 per cent of those flowers are sourced within Australia," Ms Pringle said.
The key to a successful Valentine's Day, for both florists and lovers, is to plan ahead.
Ms Pringle said it was essential for people to place their orders on Monday or Tuesday to ensure they don't miss out, and that the actual day is stress-free.
"They can certainly try their luck on the day with our pre-made bouquets, but for anyone that's wanting them delivered on the day that order on the day, there'll be an increased delivery fee to cover couriers," she said, adding that there are always people who come in at the last minute.
"We've always got the teddies and the chocolates available for any last-minutes, but we just ask to please get in touch with your preferred florist and get your orders in early."
People are also reminded not to let the stress of Valentine's Day get to them and be polite to florists who are working hard to meet everyone's needs.
