Love is in the air and next month it’s Valentine’s Day! Also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, Valentine’s Day is celebrated yearly on February 14th. You may absolutely love the excuse to shower your loved one with gifts, flowers, vouchers & love or you may think that Valentine’s Day has become overly commercialised for you and your partner to partake in, but the tradition of exchanges cards and receiving flowers is steeped in history.
The Origins
“Valentinus”—from the Latin word for worthy, strong or powerful—was a popular name between the second and eighth centuries A.D and as such, several martyrs over the centuries were given this name. This has made it difficult to determine the precise origins of the celebration but it is commonly accepted that Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian feast day honouring a legendary Christian martyr – St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.
How We Celebrate Valentine’s Day Today
Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on 14th February. The date is not a national holiday, but it is recognised as a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many countries throughout the world. The giving and receiving of cards between couples is a widely accepted tradition.
Remember Not To Sign Your Name!
It was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine’s card in Victorian times and this custom has continued into the twenty first century. Some people sign cards with a question mark where others use a simple X symbol which became synonymous with a kiss in medieval times since many people were unable to write their names and therefore signed their cards with an “X” and a physical kiss of the card.
Valentine’s Day Weddings
The romantic associations with the 14th February make this a hugely popular and desirable wedding date. Since the 14th February is already filled with expressions and gestures of love, how wonderful to incorporate all of that into your wedding day. Think long stemmed roses and red rose buttonholes, heart shaped themes and romantic songs – the possibilities of saying “I do” on the most romantic day of the year, are endless. Getting married on the most romantic day of the year will mean personalising this worldwide celebration and this will make it even more special for you both for years to come.
Valentine’s Day Themes
Traditionally symbolic of love, fertility and marriage, roses are a classic and seamless way to incorporate the Valentine’s Day theme into your big day. Alternatively, you could introduce the colour red as a running theme throughout your day – from strawberry canapes to bridesmaids’ dresses, buttonholes and even bridal shoes, the contrast of red with the classic white wedding dress will really add a wow factor to your wedding day. If red is too much for you then tone down the theme with a little nod to cupid and subtly incorporate heart shapes to your wedding stationery, table plan and jewellery.
A Romantic Anniversary
If you decide to get married on Valentine’s Day, there will never be any excuse to forget your wedding anniversary! Every year, your special day will be celebrated by couples all over the world and it will be even more special for you. Imagine how wonderful it would be to receive a replica of your wedding bouquet every year on Valentine’s Day!
Queen of Hearts Dinner and Dance
This year at The Warren Hayes, we are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a Queen of Heart’s Dinner and Dance on Friday 11th February 2022. Reception drinks will be served from 7pm followed by a two-course meal (from our weddings menu) followed by an evening of live music from Everyday People. If you are considering holding a wedding with us, why not join us to sample the food and experience The Coney Suite as a venue for your special day. Tickets are £40 per head – call us on 0208 462 1266 to book.
Happy Valentine’s Day from The Warren Hayes Weddings Team!
