Romantic Date Ideas if You’re on a Budget

When we think of romance, most of us think of scenes from movies or luxurious vacations. What woman doesn’t like getting all dressed up as she waits for her man to take her for a romantic dinner by candlelight, or whisks her away on a weekend getaway near the beach?

While these scenarios are great, they are also expensive, stressful, and a little bit cliché. Instead of impressing your date with how much money you can spend on her or what impressive vacation you can take her on, try thinking a little more creatively. There are plenty of ways to be romantic on a budget, so you don’t put such a dent in your wallet.

Following are some ideas:

Cook her a romantic dinner.

Instead of going out for that five-star meal, impress her by giving her a treat at home. Set the mood first: pick a nice bottle of wine and set a pretty table with flowers. And if you’re shy about your cooking skills, there are plenty of YouTube videos and an entire TV network dedicated to teaching you some, so take advantage. She will appreciate your effort.

Give her a massage.

Grab some candles, dim the lights, and purchase some nice smelling body oil for a sensuous night together. (Add some rose petals if you like, but these are expensive and messy in my opinion.) What woman doesn’t want to be treated to a nice massage at the end of a long day?

Plan a picnic under the stars.

Instead of a daytime affair, make it a romantic nighttime date. Grab a blanket and some wine, cheese, fruit and other finger foods that are easy to transport, and find a beautiful spot in nature so you can see the stars, or if you are the urban type, maybe a rooftop overlooking the city. In the summer, many cities have outdoor screenings of popular movies, so consider this as another option.

Do a wine tasting.

Instead of traveling to Napa, make your own wine tasting experience at home. Get a few bottles you’ve wanted to try, along with some nice cheeses and a little decadent dessert. Do some research before choosing, and create a theme to make it fun – whether it’s dessert wines only, or Argentinian red wines, or wines with the coolest labels.

Explore new neighborhoods on a day trip.

Maybe you can’t get out of town to a romantic B&B, but you can take a drive up the coast or take the subway to a new neighborhood to do a little exploring. There’s nothing that sparks a romantic mood better than seeking adventure together, whether it’s close to home or on a mini road trip.

Enjoy!