Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day Marketing Ideas for Restaurants in Staffordshire
Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are two of the busiest dates in the restaurant calendar. This year Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday 14 February, which means a full weekend of demand. Mothering Sunday follows on 15 March. If you run a restaurant in Cannock, Wolverhampton or anywhere in Staffordshire, these restaurant marketing ideas will help you fill your tables.
Why planning early matters
Many diners book Valentine’s tables two or three weeks ahead. Mother’s Day bookings often start even earlier, as families coordinate plans. If your offer is not visible by early February, people may already have booked elsewhere.
Valentine’s Day marketing ideas
Create a set menu
A set menu makes it easy for couples to decide and easy for your kitchen to plan. Keep it to three courses with two or three choices each. Add a glass of fizz or a dessert to share to make it feel special.
Make the most of the weekend
With Valentine’s on a Saturday, consider spreading the offer across Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th. This helps you take more bookings without overloading one night.
Do not forget singles and friends
Galentine’s and friends’ nights are popular too. A “bring your friends” offer on a quieter night can fill tables that would otherwise be empty.
Show it, do not just say it
Good food photography sells tables. A short video of your Valentine’s dessert being plated will do more than any written description. Post it on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, and add it to your Google Business Profile.
Mother’s Day marketing ideas
Open bookings early
Start promoting Mother’s Day in mid February, straight after Valentine’s. Families plan ahead, especially larger groups.
Offer a family friendly menu
Mothering Sunday often means three generations around one table. Include options for children and older guests. A traditional Sunday lunch option works well for many restaurants.
Add a small gift
A flower, a chocolate or a glass of prosecco for every mum is a simple touch that people remember and talk about.
Add a small gift
A flower, a chocolate or a glass of prosecco for every mum is a simple touch that people remember and talk about.
Promote gift vouchers
Not everyone can get a table on the day. Gift vouchers let people treat their mum another time and bring in revenue now.
Make booking easy
This is the most important point. If diners have to phone during service, many will give up. An online booking system on your website lets people book at any time, even at midnight. It also cuts down on no shows if you take deposits or send reminders.
Update your Google Business Profile
Add your special menus, event posts and fresh photos to your Google Business Profile. Many people search “restaurants near me Valentine’s” or “Mother’s Day lunch Cannock” and decide from Google alone.
Use your customer list
If you have an email list or WhatsApp group, message them first. Loyal customers appreciate getting first choice of tables, and it fills your best slots early.
Your timeline
- Early February: Launch Valentine’s menu and booking
- 14 to 15 February: Valentine’s weekend
- Mid February: Launch Mother’s Day menu and gift vouchers
- Early March: Final push and reminders
- 15 March: Mothering Sunday
Frequently asked questions
When is Valentine's Day 2026?
Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on Saturday 14 February.
When is Mother's Day 2026 in the UK?
Mothering Sunday in the UK is on 15 March 2026.
How early should restaurants promote Valentine's Day?
Aim to have your menu and online booking live by early February, around two to three weeks before the day.
Talk to KIVEIN
KIVEIN helps restaurants across Cannock, Wolverhampton and Staffordshire with websites, online booking, food photography and social media. Get a free quote today.