I have two wonderful romantic memories that stand out very clearly in my mind and I am sure always will. One of them cost around $20.00 the other much more than that. My point is that the dearer experience in no way diluted the memory of the less expensive one. While it is wonderful to treat yourself to shear luxury when you can afford it, it’s more than possible to achieve Romance on a shoestring.
Firstly go back to the post What is a Romantic Gesture so that you have your checklist in mind. Now work out your budget and stick to it. If you are doing something that is stretching you beyond what you can afford neither you or your special someone will have an enjoyable experience because you will be too busy worrying about how you are going to pay for it. So with your budget in mind start planning and be creative. Money can make it easier and quicker to organise something but along with careful planning can really give the wow factor and make an occasion truly memorable.
A few simple date ideas: Fish and chips with a bottle of wine at a nice quiet location can be very romantic. Go to the extra effort of packing the picnic rug, wine glasses, some nice napkins (plain white tied with string and a sprig of lavender is a nice touch) and something sweet for after. You may also like to include a gift, this can cost you nothing more that a bit of time to make a voucher giving a shoulder massage or car clean from you.
Find a spot where you can see the sunrise. Check the weather forecast and choose a fine day to set the alarm and go for a drive. If the budget stretches to it go out for breakfast on the way home then spend the rest of the morning in bed with the paper.
Set aside a little money each week so you can treat yourself without worrying about the budget from time to time. You and your special someone are worth it.
. However – while the saying is you can’t have too much of a good thing I think you can have too much of the same thing. So varying it up is important.