Cupid is set for a tough time this Valentine’s Day as more than a fifth of UK couples (22%) will spend NOTHING on their partner this year.
- New survey reveals almost half won’t by a gift
- A fifth won’t spend anything
- South East region biggest spenders in the UK…West Midlands the lowest
- Men spend 2.5x more than women
- One per cent will spend more than £500
- Flowers the no 1 gift choice
A further 22 per cent will only buy their loved one a card as Brits fall out of love with Valentine’s Day – and possibly each other – according to a new survey of 1,200 adults conducted by family law website Wiselaw.
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However, love is definitely in the air for one per cent of respondents as they declared they will shell out more than £500!
The poll into Valentine’s Day spending habits in 2020 also revealed that married couples will spend an average £44.45 this year – which is considerably less than unmarried couples who will splash out £55.17.
Even singletons looking for love, who make up 15 per cent of respondents, will spend an average £26.18 in the hope of wooing their next true love.
The average outlay per couple across the country – regardless of relationship status – is £36.09 with huge regional differences across the nation.
[Read: 10 Reasons To Celebrate Your Singleness This Valentine’s Day]
Those breaking the bank when it comes to Valentine’s Day are couples from the South East/Home Counties, who will spend an average £59.78 this year, while couples in the West Midlands can forget about getting too much as they will only part with £24.52. The only other regions spending more than regional average are the north west, London and East Anglia.
This year, flowers will be the most popular gift (20%), while a romantic meal for two is also popular (16%). However, chocolate (11%) and jewellery (2%) are falling out of favour.
The biggest spending age group is the 35-44 year olds, who are forking out £62.01. The lowest spenders, but showing love still blooms, are the over 65s at £11.23.
[Read: 10 Things Every Single 20-Something Should Remember This Valentine’s Day]
There is also a huge gender difference in outlay as well, with men spending 2.5 times more than women. Men will spend an average £58.23 compared to just £22.10.
William James of Wiselaw said: “The amount couples are spending can potentially reveal the state of their relationship. It is the thought that counts, however the fact married couples are spending less than unmarried couple doesn’t have to mean a spouse cares less or is less romantic but a lower spend could still be a warning sign that the couple aren’t keeping the romance alive.
[Read: Fancy A Valentine? The Top UK Dating Events For You To Meet That Special Someone…]
“We’re also in an age of gender equality, but it is interesting to see that men are spending much more than women. Money is one of the major sources of arguments in relationships so even when it comes to Valentine’s Day, couples could agree an amount to spend on each other to avoid any potential issues.”
