Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse as a dater? Who even knew “dating” and “buyer’s remorse” could co-exist in one sentence? If you have gone on an expensive tryst, then just maybe, you’ve unknowingly had this feeling of remorse.
Fine dining is often the go-to for many first dates. It’s the pressure to impress your date that forces you to spend more on the occasion. Just talking on the first date would have been enough—all the fancy stuff will only put a dent in your wallet.
After going on a few more dates, you soon realize how unnecessarily extravagant you’ve been on your past dates. At what cost? In fact, going on a luxurious date does not guarantee an enjoyable time. It might even cause more problems:
● It gives your date the impression that you are extravagant.
● You will attract materialistic partners.
● Your connection will be based on how much you are willing to spend on your date.
● You will be pressured to be equally extravagant on the next dates.
So, why put yourself in an awkward position? Rethink your dating game with these budget-friendly nighttime date ideas.
What are the Best Dating Destinations for the Budget-Conscious Dater?
It’s high time people realize that going on expensive dates is superficial. Dates can easily stray from their original purpose as daters are more focused on the monetary value of the event than its emotional merit. The point of asking someone out is to get to know them better or spend quality time together. As the Latin phrase goes, Carpe Diem. Make the most of the present time.
What’s more, luxurious venues can be extremely distracting. How can you focus on each other when all you can talk about is the ambience, the impressive live band, or the Michelin Star menu? While it’s nice to take your date on an expensive date every once in a while, they should be reserved for special occasions, such as anniversaries or relationship milestones.
Instead of pouring your money into expensive meetups, know what to do for date night that will not only impress your date, but also your wallet.
Live Music Bars
You might want to dress up a little better for this one. Why not head down to the local jazz bar and get some drinks, AND STRICTLY DRINKS. It wouldn’t be too much to pay for 2 glasses of cocktails, and some finger food. If you are both into music, this would be the perfect place to hang out and go on a date.
Picture yourself in a dimly lit bar, the singer greets you and your partner for showing up to the gig, a glass of bourbon in your hand and a vodka martini for your partner. The band starts playing Spain by Al Jarreau, and all you can think of are the vibes, the crisp sounds of live music, and your partner enjoying the song.
And if there’s a dance floor, why not head down there and show off your moves? Just be careful not to get too carried away.
Strolling in the Park
Imagine this: you’re both walking in the park, skies are clear, the night is cold, the pathways are lit. What could be better and cheaper than to go on a leisurely walk in the park? Sometimes people take the park for granted. Living in the city can drain a person’s energy—being so used to the concrete and street lights, you need a change of scenery. A place where there’s grass, some trees, a little pond, and maybe even a playground.
The best part about walking in the park is that it’s free! You don’t need to spend much here. You could even bring your own water bottles and snacks if you ever do need them. And if there are street food vendors, why not grab a bite? They’re practically cheaper and tastier than those pretentious gimmick restaurants.
Road Trips
A good old drive around town is a great and cheap alternative to a fancy dinner date. There’s nothing like a nice change of pace when you’re driving around town, not being worried about being late for work, or missing out on an event—it’s just you, your partner, a full tank of gas, and the city lights lighting up the road.
Sometimes, we take the small things for granted, like the usual routes we take to work. So when you go on a road trip with your date, go a little slower, and appreciate the surroundings—sometimes you wouldn’t even notice that quaint little shop because of how focused you are on getting to work.
Take the detour, the longer route, any route that you barely take. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a secret mom and pop shop along the way that serves the greatest fried chicken in the world.
Although we’d admit, the only caveat for this idea would be spending your money on fuel, which we all know that fuel prices today are a pain. Still, it’s cheaper than a fancy dinner date.
Carnival Rides and Games
Nothing’s more thrilling than badly welded rides, winning giant fluffy toys from rigged games, piping hot food dripping with grease, and candies and sweets that can make a dentist quit their job. Carnivals are great places to go for dates with your lover, where you can set free your inner child and be vulnerable with each other.
If you want to go for something thrilling, why not try out the Galleon or The Round Up? A shot of adrenaline rush may just be what you need to show your true selves. But if you’re not into high speed thrills, then maybe a slow ride will do the trick. A ferris wheel ride sounds so cliche, but if you think about it, it’s romantic. When you go up, you get to see the view of the city and the carnival with your partner. Isn’t that romantic?
If you want to be extra thrifty, you can just walk around the amusement park and converse with your date. And maybe you can find a photobooth so you can make the moment last in a photo. A printed photo can be cheap, but the memory you made with your date is invaluable.
Going Cheap is Better for Your Connection
Going on cheap dates doesn’t mean you don’t value your partner. In fact, there’s so much more fun to be had on cheap dates than expensive ones. Why sit around at a table and wait 20 minutes for your expensive order, only to realize your date enjoyed the gourmet food more than your company?
You can always head down to the local music scene, grab a couple of beers for you and your date, and enjoy the night away. There are so many things you can do without breaking the bank.
The point is, the best dates are never about how much you’ve spent or how many activities you both do in one night; it’s how much you enjoyed each other’s company and deepening the connection as you get to know each other better. Carpe Diem. Always make the most of it. That’s how you turn the perfect date night ideas into reality.