How to Host an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Event 

Valentine’s Day isn’t just another day on the calendar. It’s a chance for restaurants to create meaningful memories for guests while hopefully increasing revenue. 

With so many couples looking for a special spot to celebrate love, hosting a Valentine’s Day event is a great way to showcase your restaurant’s so to say, "charm". With a little creativity and help from a reservation system like Eat App, you can plan an event that feels effortless and leaves a lasting impression.

But first, let's look at why it's important for a restaurant to host a Valentine's Day event or any event. 

Why plan a Valentine’s Day event?

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants, with studies showing a significant increase in dining reservations compared to regular days.

A thoughtfully planned event can:

• Welcome new guests: Couples often want to try somewhere new for a special evening.
• Show off your restaurant’s personality: From a romantic menu to unique decor, you can create a night worth talking about.
• Encourage repeat visits: A delightful experience is all it takes to turn first-timers into loyal diners.

That said, planning for the rush requires thoughtful preparation. That’s where a trusted reservation system like Eat App comes in to help you handle every detail with ease.

How Eat App can simplify V-Day planning

From customizing your booking widget to managing reservations and promoting special menus, Eat App gives you the tools to create a smooth and stress-free Valentine’s Day.

With features designed to maximize efficiency and increase the guest experience, you can focus on what matters most: delivering an unforgettable evening.

So, how can you get started? Let's break it down...

1. Bring your event to life with custom widgets

When it comes to planning your Valentine's Day event, simplicity is key. In some cases, that's easier said than done. But, without being biased, we have created a few new epic features to help our restaurant owners get their special events up and running, and into their guests' inboxes. 

To start, we would like to introduce widget customization, a great new way for restaurant owners to fully customize their entire booking widget to fit and promote the theme. This means you can fully brand your widget this Valentine's Day to showcase Events, Tickets, Seating Options, and so much more.

To give you a better idea, we've compiled a quick list of exactly the type of customization you will be able to make: 

• Update your logo and background
• Add your own custom styles 
• Remove time slots on your online waitlist (waitlist only for walk-ins)
• Lock the "Continue" button to float at the bottom when scrolling
• Add black text on highlighted cells (for dark styles and backgrounds)
• Resize the top logo to 30%Customize the widget style for specific events or days
• Change the confirmation page wording for payments or large party sizes
• Hide unavailable time slots
• Add detailed descriptions that highlight what makes your event special.
• Include vibrant images to set the mood and showcase your menu.
• Use prepayment options to secure bookings and reduce no-shows.
• Personalize every detail, from your logo to a romantic-themed background.
• Display scrollable galleries with menus or photos of past events to get guests excited.

Tip from a restaurant pro: “Clear, engaging descriptions and photos create anticipation for your event. Show guests exactly what they’re saying yes to.” – Hepsi, Eat App Product Manager

Want to know more about this feature? Request a demo today! 

2. Feature exclusive offers and discounts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to attract guests with special promotions that drive revenue and encourage early bookings. Strategic discounts can help fill tables faster while improving the guest experience.

With Eat App, you can:

• Offer limited-time discounts to encourage early reservations.
• Set up exclusive promotions for loyal customers or VIP guests.
• Use prepayment options to reduce no-shows and secure revenue in advance.
• Promote discounts directly on your booking page and social media.
• Track the success of your offers with real-time insights.

Smart discounting can increase revenue while ensuring your restaurant stays fully booked.

Learn more about using discounts effectively in this guide.

3. Connect with guests using WhatsApp

Building strong relationships with guests is key to creating a memorable Valentine’s Day experience. With Eat App’s WhatsApp messaging, you can engage directly with diners in a way that feels personal and convenient.

With WhatsApp, you can:

• Send reservation confirmations and reminders to reduce no-shows.
• Share exclusive offers and promotions to encourage bookings.
• Answer guest inquiries quickly and efficiently.
• Personalize messages to make diners feel valued.
• Collect feedback after their visit to improve future experiences.

A direct and personal approach helps increase engagement and keeps guests coming back.

Learn more about using WhatsApp for your restaurant here.

4. Market your event with Eat App

Valentine’s Day success isn’t just about the event itself; it’s about getting the word out. Eat App’s marketing tools allow you to reach the right guests at the right time, all from within your restaurant’s database.

With Eat App, you can:

• Send blast messaging campaigns to promote your event effortlessly.

• Increase results and save time with marketing campaigns connected directly to your guest database.

• Create custom emails, targeted lists, and personalization all within the Eat App, eliminating the need for extra marketing tools.

• Easily reach VIP customers with exclusive offers.

• Encourage first-time guests to book directly.

• Include personalized booking links to drive results.

Effortless marketing means more guests, less hassle, and a fully booked Valentine’s Day event.

Find out more here. 

5. Make reservations stress-free

With Eat App, managing a packed house becomes straightforward. You can:

• Coordinate event bookings alongside regular reservations seamlessly.
• Set up dining shifts that maximize table turnover without rushing guests.

Valentine’s Day is all about creating a smooth experience for guests. Keeping tables moving without making people feel hurried is key. 

Sarah Taylor, Restaurant Manager

Create a memorable experience

Valentine’s Day is all about the little details. From a warm welcome to thoughtful touches like complimentary chocolates or a themed cocktail, your attention to detail makes all the difference.

Consider:

• Dimmed lighting and candlelit tables for a cozy atmosphere.
• A curated playlist that sets the mood.
• Small surprises like personalized table cards or a keepsake photo booth.

It’s the thoughtful extras that guests remember and talk about. These touches don’t need to cost much but add so much value.

Jamie Lee, Hospitality Consultant

Start planning today

Valentine’s Day offers your restaurant the chance to stand out in a meaningful way. With Eat App’s tools, you can plan, promote, and deliver an unforgettable evening that guests will cherish.

Start now, and make this Valentine’s Day a celebration your diners won’t forget!