Valentine's Day might seem like restaurant territory, but smart mobile vendors are cashing in on the romantic rush. From intimate proposal catering to Galentine's gatherings and corporate treats, February 14th offers more opportunities than you might think. Here's how to make the day work for your business.
Why Valentine's Day Works for Mobile Vendors
Restaurants are booked solid weeks in advance. Prices are inflated. Service is rushed because they're trying to turn tables. That's exactly why couples are looking for alternatives—and why you can offer something better.
The appeal of a mobile vendor for Valentine's? Exclusivity, personalisation, and the element of surprise. You're not competing with restaurants on their terms. You're offering something they can't.
Valentine's Event Types That Work
Private Romantic Dinners
Picture this: a couple's living room or garden transformed into a private dining experience. You arrive, cook a multi-course meal, serve it, and leave them to their evening. No babysitter for a restaurant trip. No competing for attention with other diners.
- Pricing: £150-400 for a couple, depending on menu complexity
- What to include: Arrival with all ingredients, cooking on-site, plating, brief serving, cleanup
- The sell: "Restaurant-quality dining in your own home"
Proposal Catering
Someone's planning the most important question of their life. They want it perfect. They'll pay premium for perfect.
- Coordination required: Work with them on timing, location, any surprises
- Flexibility matters: They might need you to delay if traffic's bad or she's running late
- Photo opportunities: Your setup becomes part of their engagement photos
- Pricing: Premium—£200-500 depending on complexity and location
Galentine's Parties
February 13th has become a thing. Groups of friends celebrating together, often with more budget than a couple splitting the bill. Don't overlook this market.
- Group size: Typically 6-15 people
- Vibe: Fun over formal—think grazing boards, cocktails, interactive food stations
- Per head pricing: £25-45 works well for this crowd
Corporate Valentine's
Offices do Valentine's too. Breakfast treats, afternoon cake deliveries, or end-of-week team celebrations. It's a smaller market but worth a targeted approach.
💡 Pro Tip
Start marketing Valentine's services in early January. By February, couples have already booked their restaurants. You want to catch them while they're still deciding—or catch the ones who left it too late and everywhere's full.
Menu Ideas That Work
Valentine's menus should feel special without being gimmicky. Skip the heart-shaped everything.
What Sells
- Sharing platters: Romantic and interactive. Charcuterie, seafood towers, dessert boards.
- Comfort with elevation: Mac and cheese with truffle. Gourmet burgers. Elevated comfort food.
- Dietary options: Vegan couples exist. Have at least one impressive plant-based option.
- Dessert focus: Whatever your main, make dessert memorable. Chocolate's obvious but effective.
Pricing Psychology
Valentine's customers expect to pay more. They're not looking for value—they're looking for special. Price accordingly:
- Add 20-30% to your standard private dining rates
- Create packages rather than itemised menus (feels more "experience", less transactional)
- Include extras that cost you little but add perceived value: candles, rose petals, a card
Marketing Your Valentine's Services
Timing
- January 1-15: First push. "Planning something special?"
- January 15-31: Urgency. "Limited availability remaining"
- February 1-10: Last chance. "Still haven't sorted Valentine's?"
Channels That Work
- Instagram: Beautiful food photos, behind-the-scenes prep, previous romantic setups
- Local Facebook groups: Community groups, wedding planning groups, local mum groups (for Galentine's)
- Direct email: Past clients who've used you for special occasions
- Partner with florists: Cross-promotion. They do flowers, you do food.
Manage Your Valentine's Bookings
VendorPad helps you track enquiries, send professional quotes, and manage multiple Valentine's bookings without the chaos. Start the year organised.
Get Early AccessLogistics to Consider
Capacity Planning
Valentine's Day is one evening. If you're doing private dinners, you might manage two bookings max (early and late). Be realistic about what you can deliver without rushing.
Location Challenges
- Home kitchens vary wildly: Ask about equipment, space, ventilation
- Outdoor proposals in February: Have backup plans for weather
- Parking and access: Confirm before the day
The Pressure Factor
Valentine's clients have high expectations. Everything needs to be perfect because there's emotional weight attached. Build in extra prep time, arrive early, and have contingencies for anything that could go wrong.
Beyond February 14th
Don't limit yourself to the actual day:
- Valentine's weekend: Many couples celebrate on the nearest Saturday
- February 13th: Galentine's Day has real momentum
- Week before/after: "Beat the rush" or "extend the romance" positioning
Valentine's Day won't make your year, but it's a profitable opportunity during an otherwise quiet month. The couples who book you for Valentine's might become wedding clients. The Galentine's group might book you for hen dos. Every booking is a chance to demonstrate what you can do—and plant seeds for bigger things ahead.
