UK’s passion for romance is costly business

Couples can expect to fork out a staggering £550 this Valentine's Day as the UK spends an estimated £4.9 billion on romance, according to new research from Yorkshire Bank.

And the traditional outcry from men across the country that February 14th is nothing more than a waste of money looks to be borne out by spending; the big spenders this Valentine's Day will be their other halves.

Women will spend an estimated £338, a third more than men, on Valentine's Day despite the fact that it's the man in the relationship who traditionally picks up the bill for dinner, wine and flowers.  

According to Yorkshire Bank's research, women spend on average £100 more than men preparing for Valentine's Day to ensure their seductive evening is a success.

The majority of a woman's Valentine spending goes on her appearance; including approximately £100 on a new outfit from the high street, more than £50 on a stylish cut and blow-dry over £130 on essential beauty treatments such as tanning, waxing and a manicure.

By comparison, the average male's spend varies from a DVD and takeaway to a more extravagant evening of dining out at an exclusive restaurant with the final bill for wooing a mate leaving a significantly smaller hole in his wallet than his lady partner.

Steve Fletcher, Head of Retail at Yorkshire Bank said: "On Valentine's Day people not only like to treat their partner but themselves too.

"Our research looked at the different spending habits of men and women, expecting to see men bare the largest cost.  But while men go for the gestures like, flowers and dinner, women splash out much more in ensuring they look and feel their best for their partner."