K: Brandon and I love to make a date night feel special. We've mentioned before how we rarely go to the movies or just out to dinner; instead, we prefer dates that hold more meaning. Unfortunately, the dates that hold more meaning can also mean that they're more expensive. For a newlywed couple, or any young couple starting off, it's hard to justify shelling out a lot of cash for your weekly date night. We've put together a few helpful tips for you to ensure that you can save up for a special date night.
1. Week Out, Week In
It wasn't until I started writing this post that I realized Brandon and I have a sort of schedule with our dates. One week, we'll go out for our date night, like we did in these pictures. Whether it's a concert or a nice dinner, it's important to actually go somewhere as a couple. After having a week out, we'll try to make the next week more budget friendly. While there will still be a date, it may be something like an at home movie night (here) or a picnic in the park (here). By alternating weeks, it ensures that you're saving on the "off" weeks and you can feel better about going out when your next week rolls around.
2. No movies for three months
The average movie ticket today costs $8.12. Times that by two and add in the extra costs of popcorn, your favorite candy, and soda. You're looking at a date that costs approximately $30 or more. Imagine if you saved that and didn't go to the movies for two or three months. How much would you save? It could be anywhere between $60 and $120, depending on how frequently you go. Put that money to good use for another date, something that's more unique and special for you as a couple. Brandon absolutely loves Gipsy Kings and I saw that they were coming to San Antonio for one night, right before his birthday. I knew that I should get him tickets as a surprise and I felt fine justifying it. It was special, memorable, and we both like to spend money on that kind of date, versus a simple movie date every month.
3. Plan Ahead
Going on "special" dates requires a bit of planning. I got our concert tickets a month and a half in advance, just to ensure that we'd get good seats. Figure out what's going on in your city that sounds interesting to you. Mark it on your calendar (even if it's a few months in advance). When you see it on your calendar, you'll be more apt to plan your weekend around it and make sure that you can go. It could be something as small as a new restaurant opening or something as big as a concert. What's your idea of a special date?
On Katherine: Leith dress, similar shoes here (on sale!) , World Market earrings (old, new selections here)
On Brandon: Similar shirt, Similar chinos, Tods shoes, Shinola belt, Persol sunglasses
Ladies, I've linked some great date night dresses below and all of them are on sale for less than $100 as a part of the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale:
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Labels: date night, downtown, dresses, fashion, how to, style
