Designing the Perfect Valentine's Day Email: 5 Key Tips

Trying to come up with ideas on how to design the perfect Valentine's day email?

You've searched everywhere and you can see the same examples over and over again. And you know that sometimes inserting only flowers and hearts will not do the job.

You need to step up your game and impress your subscribers while at the same time promoting your new products, announcing sales, discounts, and so on.

But impressing them is not easy. We feel ya. We really do.

Valentine's Day is a big deal indeed. And making sure your emails are designed with the holiday spirit in mind can make all the difference when it comes to boosting those sales!

2022 was the second-highest year on record, with Valentine's Day spending reaching $23.9 million. That's a steep climb from $21.8 million in 2021!

It's clear that love is not only a universal feeling but also a powerful motivator for consumers and brands alike. Email design is the ultimate wingman in this situation, helping brands stand out in the inbox and make a lasting impression on their customers.

By getting creative and sending out playful, romantic, and visually appealing emails, brands can make even the most non-romantic things feel oh-so-lovestruck.

So we've put together 5 key tips that will make designing the perfect Valentine's Day email a breeze!

Plus, check out our bonus hero images and email designs examples at the very end to help you bring your emails to new heights!

Insert a GIF

You simply can't get it wrong with a... GIF!

Adding a playful or romantic GIF to your Valentine's Day email can make it more engaging and memorable for your recipients. It will encourage them to keep looking for a little bit longer.

Just make sure to choose a GIF that is relevant to your message. For example, consider using a GIF of hearts, flowers, or other romantic imagery to set the right tone for your message.
Gas Buddy Valentine's Day Email
Source: Gas Buddy
A template by Moosend for Valentine's Day
Source: A template by Moosend
Charity: Water's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Charity: Water

Make the non-romantic things, romantic!

Valentine's Day is all about love and romance, so why not incorporate that theme into your email design even if your product or service is not directly related to it? You can do this by using romantic imagery, colors, and language throughout the email.

For example, if you're promoting a sale on apparel, use images of couples looking stylish and happy together. If you're promoting a cooking class, use imagery of a romantic dinner for two. This can help make your message more fitting for the occasion and increase engagement.

Want to really make a lasting impression? Mix things up! Make something look romantic that usually people would never associate with love! When you put something unexpected in front of people, it's like giving their brain a little surprise party. It's more likely to stick in their memory, like a catchy tune you just can't get out of your head.

So go ahead, get creative, and give your emails that romantic twist!
Jack Spade's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Jack Spade
Bote's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Bote

Include interactive elements

Interactive elements are the hottest thing in email design! You've probably seen it everywhere, but it's true — adding interactive elements to your emails is sure to make them stand out and grab people's attention. They encourage readers to take action and create a sense of urgency.

No matter if it's an embedded video, a quiz, or a game (as you'll see in the examples below), your email will not get ignored for sure!

Email Monks's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Email Monks
WWF's Valentine's Day Email
Source: WWF

Use the right colors

When it comes to designing the perfect Valentine's Day email, the colors you choose are key! Of course, red, pink, and white are classic Valentine's Day hues that will get your message across loud and clear. But don't be afraid to think outside the box and play with alternative colors like black to add some extra flair.

And don't forget, even Cupid needs to make sure his messages are easy to read for everyone, so make sure to keep contrast and accessibility in mind when picking your palette!
Hulu's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Hulu
Man Crates's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Man Crates
Birchbox Valentine's Day Email
Source: Birchbox

Use love-inspired design

Alright, alright, we know we said hearts are a must-have... but let's be real, if you want your Valentine's Day email to be truly unique, you should try thinking outside the heart-shaped box! Get creative with other imagery and design elements that evoke feelings of love and passion.

For example, a cute couple holding hands, a romantic sunset, or a sleek and elegant typography can all add a subtle, yet still romantic atmosphere that will make your email stand out and be remembered for all the right reasons!
Avaline's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Avaline
Rancho Bernardo Inn's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Rancho Bernardo Inn
MVMT's Valentine's Day Email
Source: MVMT

SURPRISE! Extra examples that will sweep you off your feet

TOMS's Valentine's Day Email
Source: TOMS
ALEX AND ANI's Valentine's Day Email
Source: ALEX AND ANI
C. Wonder's Valentine's Day Email
Source: C. Wonder
J. Crew's Valentine's Day Email
Source: J. Crew
Estee Lauder's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Estee Lauder
Philosophy's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Philosophy
American Apparel's Valentine's Day Email
Source: American Apparel
Brooklinen's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Brooklinen
Taco Bell's Valentine's Day Email
Source: Taco Bell
UrbanStems's Valentine's Day Email
Source: UrbanStems

BONUS: LOVE-ly hero images to spark some V-Day inspiration

Valentine's Day Hero Image
Valentine's Day Hero Image
Valentine's Day Hero Image
Valentine's Day Hero Image

Before you leave... you might also want to take a look at these...

Simona Gelova
Content Marketing Expert @ The Better Creative
In collaboration with Ivona Djordjevic, Quality Assurance Team Leader @ The Better Creative
January 20, 2023

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