How to prepare for a Romantic Date on a Budget

Dating has become a problem when almost a majority cannot even afford the usual dinner in a nice restaurant. While it may not always be possible to fit an expensive date into your budget, you can always put the romance into a more budget-friendly date. You are not being a cheapskate; people are now more aware of the importance of frugality, and by showing how well you spend your money, you are showing your resourcefulness and reliability. First, let us break down three essential things to put to mind before you plan a romantic date on a budget.

1. The Element of Surprise : The beauty of a surprise is that it involves a lot of excitement regardless of the budget that you have for a date. As long as there is an element of surprise, you will be able to put a smile on a face and make your date feel special. 
2. Inspire Communication : Real communication is the real romance. An expensive date will not take the place of one that is filled with talks about dreams and goals, of love and friendship, of things that bring you happiness and things that you’re grateful for. Romantic communication does not only involve spoken words, but also with your eyes and body language, your choices and your actions, your heart and your soul. 
3. Aim to Build Friendship: As long as a relationship is built on friendship, it will not matter whether you plan a cheap or expensive date. A real romantic date allows you to get to know the real person. Aiming to build friendship with your date will let you have a great time regardless of the kind of date you have because you have a good understanding of each other. Since there are no inhibitions and no pretenses, expectations from each other are real ,and the relationship usually stands the test of time.

Now that you have these three important elements to consider, it should encourage you and make you realize that money isn’t really essential for having a good time on a date. But whatever funds you can spare can help you out. So, try to make some small lifestyle changes so that you can save a little extra cash to play with on your romantic date. However little you are able to set aside, you can still plan a budget-friendly date that is both memorable and romantic. Here are some ideas on how to go about it:

• Create a Dating Budget : A budget, on many aspects, are very important because it keeps you focused on what you want without losing sight of what you can actually afford. Having a date budget forces you to organize your activities and make smart choices. The less budget you have for a date, the more it inspires our creativity and sometimes bring up talent and skills you never knew you had.
• Know your common interest : You should at least have an idea on what your date is interested in, and find a way to fuse it together with your own interest. You see, people have a natural tendency to bond closer with those that they connect with in many different levels. By knowing what your common interests are, you will be able to plan the activities of your date that you will both enjoy.
• Choose the Activity : Create a list of what you both enjoy doing and include some other things that excite you too. Browse the Internet for a lot of inspiring ideas, and you could probably use them to come up with good ideas yourself. The ideas do not have to be original, but it must be enjoyable for both of you. Sometimes with all the pressure to impress a date, we just need a little reminder that the most beautiful memories are the ones that touched our feelings.
• Look for Discounts : When you have planned out your activities, it is easier to look for discounts. You can again check the Internet for any special deals on the activities on your list. You can also check advertisements and sale circulars for coupons or restaurant deals that can lessen your expenses.
• Consider low-budget Alternatives : There are always cheaper alternatives! You just have to adjust your attitude to how you perceive a romantic date. A home-cooked meal with a personally-styled setting is just as romantic as a going to a fancy restaurant. Instead of hanging at a coffee shop and buying over-priced designer coffee, make a lovely home-brewed mug and have a cozy conversation over a few board games. Start learning how to do things so that you can add more alternatives to how you go about your date activities.Make good use out of the numerous online video tutorials and community forums.
• Take advantage of local attractions and the great Outdoors : Sometimes the best places to go are just around the corner. And most local attractions, parks and beaches, are free. It doesn’t matter whether it’s take a walk together, going on a picnic, riding bike trails, or even building a snowman in your own backyard; it’s all about taking advantage of all your resources or what is available.
• Be creative : Even the most expensive dates can lose its magic. By being creative every time, you’ll be able to spark and rekindle passion, and save money at the same time. Plan unique outings that are far from the typical dinner and a movie. When it comes to gifts, it does not have to cost you an arm and leg. The best gifts are the ones that have sentimental value. It is true that it is the thought that counts; putting effort into the gift is even better.

Lastly, remember that a date should be special and romantic but, most of all, carefree and fun. The budget is only small matter to consider in preparing a romantic date, because the goal really, is to create happy memories.

About the Author:  This is a Guest Post from Krisca C. Te who is part of the team that maintains Australian Credit Cards, a complimentary credit card comparison service and a personal finance blog based in Sydney, Australia. Before she joined ACC, she was an Associate in Deutsche Bank Group under Market and Instruments Control Services