As the time of flowers, secret love messages and candlelit dinners draws near, the Internet race to cash in on that Valentine's feeling is escalating.

Feeling romantic: Have an online Valentine

In the lead-up to the big day, websites are offering everything from electronic cards, virtual flowers and Valentine's messageboards, to online proposals and virtual weddings.

Electronic cards are perhaps not as sensational as the fading practice of despatching a 6ft padded card through the post (strikes permitting), but they are becoming a popular addition to Valentine's Day tradition.

If you want to order a real card online, Sharpcards.com offers free, same-day UK postal delivery provided the order is received before 3.30pm. A recent Sharpcards Valentine promotion was offering three cards for the price of two perfect for the Casanova, but if you receive only one Sharpcards Valentine's card, you may be left wondering what happened to the other two.

Those in search of a more public gesture can publish a live declaration of their love on This is Oxfordshire's Valentine messageboard

If announcing your love to the world is not enough, some sites offer the more extreme online Valentine experience of a cyber wedding.

You can broadcast your wedding live on the Net with streaming camera technology or book a virtual chapel complete with music and electronic marriage certificates.

Sentimental types with a taste for watching complete strangers get married can log on to Discovery online and watch a live Las Vegas wedding at any time, 24 hours a day.

If your spouse lets you down this Valentine's day, you can visit Livewed.com and 'untie the knot'. Do bear in mind, however, that virtual weddings and divorces are purely for entertainment and are not legally binding.

If you want to buy gifts, a number of local retailers sell online at Shoppers World. You can order flowers from Jasons Flowers, gifts from Bradleys and jewellery and beauty treatments from Cannelle Beaute.

Saltmarsh and Druce Champagne has a dedicated love section where you can order a personalised bottle of bubbly with your own romantic message printed on the label.

For seductive recipe ideas or help with finding a restaurant that will provide the perfect setting for romance, consult Food and Drink section.

For lonely hearts still looking for love, there are many free online dating services to choose from, including Two's Company which contains useful safety advice too.