Dating on a budget can transform the way in which you spend your time and money. Not everyone has a lot of money to spare for one reason or another, but that doesn't mean they must shy away from love. With that being said, we have established three different levels of budgets that can be used to inform what you may do when you are going on a first date with your partner. Take these ideas into consideration and get the most from your experience.
A perfect date does not have to be a flash affair. Instead, it can be a time to spend every moment getting to know your partner or enjoying the great outdoors. With that in mind, we should think about the date ideas that will help you if you find yourself dating on a small budget. Remember: it's nothing to be ashamed of—your shrewdness is being fiscally responsible. To protect your budget and keep yourself on the right track, we have come up with several ways that you can date someone while on a small budget.
Walking might seem like the most boring way to spend a date, but you can take it a step further by going walking in a nice park or a nature trail. Remember that the first date is more of a try-out. It is a way to help you learn more about the person, test your compatibility, and see whether you have enough in common to enter a relationship. Walking is great for making this determination because you have lots of time to talk to one another.
Only use this one if you both enjoy biking, so you should ask your partner ahead of time. When you go on a bike tour, you can enjoy so much of the world. You can bike on boardwalks by the beach, go around your town, or just use the time to get to a better vantage point. At the end of the ride, talk to your partner and learn more.
The picnic is a classic date, but it also depends largely on the weather. You need a nice day, some food that you made, and a nice spot. If you can manage these few things, you can spend time with your date getting to know them without setting off any alarm bells for your bank account!
Adults can play or watch a lot of local sports depending on where they live. Adult sports leagues often come together in parks to play a quick match of volleyball, football, or basketball. If you would rather watch people play, then make your way to a college match for their sports. Most of the time, that is free!
If you have built a substantial collection of films in your DVD or Blu-Ray collection, then have your partner come over, pick a movie, and watch it with you. That way, you'll have something to talk about during the date as well as a way to spend time getting closer to your partner physically.
Coffee dates are a great way to spend a short amount of time with your partner in a private, cozy setting. Whether they come to your house or you go to a coffee house, you'll enjoy an inexpensive date, tasty beverages, and engaging conversations.
Too many people take their hometown or local city for granted. They do not realize they walk by historical monuments every day or that they live near the site of a great battle. Do some research on your town or local city and then go exploring with your partner.
Game nights can be a lot of fun. For the people out there with a bit of a nerdy side, game nights are perfect for bringing your partner over for extensive board games, some DnD, or video games. Pick the games you'd like to play best, and have a blast!
The average budget that people have in their lives gives them a little bit of extra money to spend at the end of the week. That means your dating ideas can be a little more extensive and take into account the need to spend some money. The ideal first date is one in which you take time getting to know your date rather than flashing your wallet, so bear in mind that this level of a budget is still somewhat restrained.
The first way that you should consider spending time with your partner on a normal budget is by going out to dinner. You do not have to take them to a Michelin restaurant but take them somewhere that offers private seating and a calm atmosphere. Relax, have a chat, and have some dinner. This is perfect if you did an event to talk about before, like a movie!
Not every person likes to go out for dinner, though. Why someone has to cook for you when you can have your date by your side watching you cook? Not only will you save money, but you can demonstrate to your partner that you know how to prepare a meal, and that can do wonders toward getting the second date! Have your partner help you out, too. You'll work towards something delicious while having a chance to break the touch barrier by being in the same cooking space.
While sitting down and eating dinner might be for some people, it's not enough for others. This holds especially true for people that are in the younger crowd. There is a desire to get out of the house and do something more fun and energetic, and going to the club can be just that. Take your partner out to the club, get some drinks in you, and dance the night away. Show off your moves while also letting it be known that you are with your date for the duration and that nobody else is going to steal them away from you.
Did you and your partner meet by sharing a love for the same kind of music? If so, then you might want to consider going to a concert. While you might not want to get front-row seats to save some money, you can certainly use your dinner budget to get some decent seats in the crowd. Concerts will help you bond over the music you love while keeping you highly entertained, so check what bands are playing near you before heading out.
Your hometown or city is likely to host some unique events throughout the year, and you can be a part of them if you want! You should look up the different events that are happening in your city to see which ones suit you best. You could have a look for a tree-lighting ceremony around the holidays, different plays, local festivals for the spring and summer, farmer's markets, and a lot more. With these ideas in mind, go to your home city's website or social media pages to see what they are going to do for their citizens this year!
Some people have a taste for the finer things and a budget to back it up. If your first date budget has a couple of zeroes at the end of it, then you can afford to be a little swanky with your choices. These are the dating ideas that tend to blow your partner's mind because they can't wait to see what else you have in store for them. Use these ideas sparingly, or if you really want to make a splash and do not care about the hit that you'll take to your bank account.
A carriage ride is the stuff of fantasies and movies, and that is why you should absolutely try to line up one with your romantic partner. You will get into a covered or uncovered horse-drawn carriage and have the driver take you around the city. They know where they're going, and they know how to present the sights to you and your partner perfectly. This is the best way to arrive at a dinner date, so you can expect your partner to nearly swoon if they've never had the experience.
Another fantastic means that you can spend some money and have a blast is by skydiving. Since you have to pay for the training, equipment and to rent a plane, it is going to cost you a decent amount of money. However, skydiving is one of the most thrilling things you can do as a person since you will have the opportunity to jump out of a moving plane and land safely on the ground. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but it is an experience that you'll never forget.
For people that want a great view and experience without jumping out of the aircraft, hot air balloon rides are a lot of fun. You can use these as a way to enjoy seeing the world around you in a whole new way!
People that have a passion for travel and a fair amount of money burning in their pocket should try to travel abroad for the weekend. This is much easier to do if you live in Europe, especially within the EU, because travel to the U.K. is more difficult nowadays. With that being said, head to any of these places and use the following dating ideas.
Each of these cities is special in its own way, and your date will be highly impressed by your willingness to go to them!
When you are in those cities, why not travel in style? Sure, the subway trains can be interesting in some cities, but so is cruising around in a luxury vehicle that you have rented for the weekend. Pick something comfortable and familiar to see the sights in.
Many of the largest cities in the world have Michelin restaurants in them, and you deserve the best. Bring your checkbook with you while you go to some of the highest-quality restaurants. You can try some of the best foods and desserts possible with your partner while receiving service as you've never had before.
Once you are done exploring for the day, it's always a nice idea to spend some time relaxing. Set up a spa day in a hotel that has the facilities built-in. Go down to the spa for a massage, get a skin treatment, and get every part of your aching body relaxed. You and your partner will enjoy every minute of the treatment, and your date will appreciate the fact that you took such great care of them.
These high-end ideas are not for those that are trying to be wealthy for a weekend. They require serious funds available to you, but they are worth every penny!
Final Thoughts
When you are looking to spend some meaningful time with your partner, you should not have to spend every dime you have. Instead, work around your budget by using these suggestions. These are all fantastic means that you can get to know someone, have fun, or be extravagant. As long as you and your partner are having a good time, you are doing something right!
A quick side note: depending on your dating activity, you should check in advance to what extent the idea with the crowd situation can be implemented at the moment, and, if in doubt, switch to other options.
Adam Williams is a recognized dating and relationship expert. Working in the field of online dating and having a degree in Psychology, Adam was always interested in helping people with their relationships. He loves seeing happy couples and felling that he was the one to help them build their happiness. Adam is always happy to share his experience and running a blog on our website.