“What is your perfect date night?” It’s hard for me to answer that. As a hopeless romantic who insists on watching romantic classics like “The Notebook” repeatedly, my perfect date can be any time I spend time with my boyfriend. But if I had to choose, one of the best date nights I’ve been on with my boyfriend was a trip to Dave & Buster’s.
Now, before your face scrunches up in judgment — let me explain why. My boyfriend and I hadn’t seen each other for over a month. So we planned to go to Dave & Buster’s for a chill and fun night out that wasn’t going to break the bank. Sure enough, the date was filled with great conversation, laughter, comfort food, and a memory that we will always hold near to our hearts.
Looking for a romantic experience and don’t know where to start? Don’t fret! In this guide, I’ll shed light on how to plan the perfect date for your own special someone.
The Essentials of Planning
Making a plan is the first step to having a successful date. It may not seem like it, but dates are just like quizzes — you can fail them too. Planning is a key component to doing your homework and thinking through what will have the greatest impact on the date.
Know Your Partner’s Preferences
Whether you’ve been dating for two months or 20 years, you should have a good idea of your partner’s likes and dislikes. And if you don’t know, just ask! Dates are more enjoyable and thoughtful when you consider what your partner loves.
But don’t leave yourself out of the equation. Dates should be based on you and your partner’s personality types and interests. Don’t try to plan a date that strays too far off from who y’all are, instead lean in on your interests to craft up the perfect date.
For instance, if y’all enjoy art, it would be nice to go to an art museum or book a sip and paint at Painting with a Twist.
Set a Budget
Dating on a budget is not a problem — trust me, I’ve been there and done that. First, determine what your budget is and be honest with yourself. I know people often associate perfect dates with more money, but there are plenty of dates to do with low-cost to mid-range budgets.
If you’re on a low budget, some great options could be a picnic, free museum days, or a movie. With a higher budget, you can take advantage of the great outdoors and have lunch on a boat or take a helicopter ride over the town.
Regardless of your budget, make sure you’re considering spending quality time as the ultimate goal. For example, if you’re long overdue to have a one-on-one conversation with your partner, don’t settle for a movie date where talking is limited just because it’s affordable. Think of other affordable date options that allow conversations to be had.
Choose the Right Time
There is such a thing as bad timing when it comes to planning a date. Couples may experience busy and conflicting schedules that can make planning a date harder. The best solution in this case is to pick a date that will grant both of you the proper time to give each other undivided attention.
Create a Good Vibe
Setting the mood truly helps carry the romance on a perfect date. Consider this when selecting where to go on a date. You can take your partner to a fancy restaurant, but if it doesn’t have the right atmosphere, it can be a flop.
When choosing a restaurant for date night, I use my handy TikTok to see what the restaurant offers in terms of lighting, music, and setting. When a place has a romantic mood, you’re more likely to leave feeling a bit more romantic yourself.
10 Date Night Ideas
Again, date nights in a relationship are crucial and are what feeds the relationship. Don’t be afraid to try new things and step outside the box. And just when you think you’ve tried everything, just know that there are plenty of more date options to explore. I’ll throw out a few ideas for you.
1. Candlelit Dinner
A candlelit dinner always lights up the mood — literally. You can do something more casual, like a candlelit dinner at home or go to a restaurant. At-home dinners are usually more intimate and comfortable for couples. At the same time, restaurants offer couples the chance to dress up and be in a new space.
When preparing for a candlelight dinner, think about the meal choices and what kind of drinks are provided. Do y’all prefer wine or a cocktail? These are the types of questions that can help you make the most out of the night and turn a simple dinner into a memorable one.
2. Outdoor Stargazing or Picnic
Outdoor dates are great if you’re on a tight budget because most of the time, outdoor dates can be free. Things like outdoor stargazing or a picnic won’t cost you a penny, or will at least be much cheaper than a movie or dining out. A cozy outdoor picnic is so easy to prepare for, all you have to do is bring a blanket, tasty snacks or food to eat, and an activity such as a card game or painting.
Stargazing is done outdoors and at night, obviously, so prepare for colder weather with blankets and jackets to snuggle up with together. Bring a speaker to elevate the experience. Subtle romantic music playing in the background is a must.
3. Couples Massage or Spa Night
You can book a couples massage where most spas create a relaxing and quiet experience for couples, or make it a DIY spa at home. My boyfriend and I have spa nights all the time at the house that include back and foot massages. It’s a fun way to take care of your body while spending quality time with your partner.
All you need is a foot bath and a good face mask that can be found at Target or Walmart. At-home spas are usually more intimate and allow couples to talk in between.
4. Active Date Nights
Active date nights consist of energetic activities that can be a lot of fun and competitive for couples. Date nights like bowling or laser tag are great opportunities to be on opposing teams and have a friendly competition. Other active date night ideas such as going through an escape room or riding a tandem bike together are great for team building.
5. Amusement Parks
A trip to the amusement park may be exactly what you need to turn the excitement up in your relationship just a notch. Amusement parks like Disney World and Six Flags offer an abundance of fun that’s not just for the kiddos. Go on a Ferris wheel or, if you’re a daredevil, the largest ride you can find.
Be sure to check for tickets beforehand to get the best deals and avoid peak season. You can also make your trip more smoothly by purchasing food passes.
6. Day Trip Adventures
Not all trips have to be lengthy; sometimes, they can be a day, and those trips make the perfect date. Exploring with your partner is a great feeling and strengthens the connection. So, go to the nearest city and explore for the day, or take the day off to go on a hiking trip or book a staycation at a local bed and breakfast.
7. Movie Marathon (at Home or in a Theater)
Movie nights are relaxing date ideas that don’t require you to get all dressed up or spend a lot of money. Go to the theater and enjoy the big screen with some popcorn and drink.
Or skip the long lines and expensive tickets. Nothing is wrong with a Netflix and chill night.
If you’re at home, you can have fun curating a themed movie list and decorating the living room to set the scene.
8. Cooking or Baking Together
Put on your chef’s hat and get in the kitchen with your partner — trust me, you won’t regret it. Cooking and baking today is a great time for couples to try new recipes and challenge their cooking skills. From picking a recipe to shopping together, cooking and baking is an interactive date that brings people closer together.
9. Game Night
Games of all sorts are great for friendly competition and teamwork. Couples can use card games like Let Get Deep as a way to get to know each other better. And some video games like It Takes Two force players to work together to reach the end.
Games allow you to make room for playfulness in the relationship and spend quality time in another way.
10. Wine Tasting Night
When you think of wine tasting, you’re probably thinking of a luxurious vineyard, but wine tasting can be done at home, too. Go to the store and choose different wines for you and your partner to try. Pair it with cheeses and snacks to make the perfect charcuterie board.
Some restaurants have wine-tasting nights for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, so you don’t need to be next door to Napa Valley to have wine with your significant other.
Setting the Mood
Setting the mood is like first impressions — they can make or break the rest of the night. You want to make sure you take the time to think about how you want to set the mood. From the playlist to a bouquet, setting the mood will help you carry on the rest of the night.
Music and Soundtrack Selection
“I made a playlist for you” has to be one of the most thoughtful and romantic acts. Music enhances any occasion, so setting the tone with a playlist you made or specific genres like R&B and jazz can take the night to another level.
And if you have a special song together, play that. Every time I hear “Sunflower” by Swae Lee and Post Malone, my mind goes straight to my boyfriend, so it’s the perfect way to set the mood for our dates.
Think about what mood you’re trying to go for. If you’re trying to dance, maybe something upbeat would be nice. If you’re looking for something more chill, slow tunes playing in the background can create a beautiful setting. YouTube has many soft piano and jazzy options to help get the mood just right.
Dress Code
You know the saying, “You have to dress the part?” It’s usually said to suggest to interviewees to look their best for interviews to help make a great first impression. This can also apply to date nights. Looking nice and putting thought into your outfit can impress your partner, regardless of how long you’ve been together.
Dressing for the occasion can add to the moment. If you’re going to a theme park, having matching t-shirts is not only cute but is a way to show your love for your partner. But you can also dress very chill, depending on the date. Comfy clothes make people feel more relaxed and less uptight.
Preparing Your Mindset
Before you go on your date, try to prepare your mind for what’s to come. Are you about to bring up a heavy topic or pop the big question? Try to focus on how you want the night to go and the connection that you’re trying to build.
Avoid any distractions such as social media and limit your phone use so you can get in the right headspace.
Overcoming Common Challenges
As for anything, there are challenges that you may face while planning a date. But don’t let that deter you from moving forward. When challenges arise, try not to panic and remember there’s a solution for everything.
Managing Expectations
Having certain expectations on how you want date night to go is normal, but overly high expectations can often lead to disappointment. If you’re hoping to have a perfect date, you have to first understand that a perfect date isn’t about perfection but rather the company that’s involved. And your attitude, honestly.
Set realistic expectations for yourself and your date. Just try to have fun without putting so much pressure on the situation.
Expect the night to have a healthy balance of what you want and what your partner wants. If your partner wants to go for ice cream instead of donuts like you planned, don’t sweat it. It’s always OK to pivot.
Handling Disappointments
As a planner, I have to admit that I’m usually disappointed when things don’t go according to my master plan. But life happens, and you have to be willing to work through your disappointments when you’re on a date. Certain scenarios like bad weather or late arrivals can be annoying — but it’s not the end of the world.
If you feel disappointed, don’t be afraid to step away for a second to take a breather. Try to keep a positive attitude and make the best out of any situation.
Balancing Busy Schedules
Couples often reach a point in their relationship where they start to put off date nights. This is usually due to their busy schedules, and it shows in their relationships.
To avoid this common mistake, make sure you allocate specific days for date nights. Make a rule where you can’t schedule anything else. This ensures that the romance is still present and that your partner feels important.
Final Tips for the Perfect Date Night
The perfect date is created, it’s not just going to happen. The perfect dates don’t always have to be luxurious, but they do require proper planning. Yes, some dates are done on a whim, and that’s fine too, but some of the best dates are those that are well-planned out beforehand.
Keep It Fresh and Spontaneous
Long-term relationships can start to feel dull when the spontaneity and adventures start to die. Although scheduling dates is necessary for some, I think it’s a fun idea to plan a date night for your partner without telling them. Surprise date nights keep the relationship feeling brand new.
Try to avoid routines such as doing the same date night activities. Keep the spark alive by trying new things together or revisiting old favorites.
Be Present and Focus
The purpose of a date night is for two people to spend quality time together. It’s important to turn off distractions so that you can fully enjoy each other’s company. No one likes to talk to someone who’s always on their phone. It gives off the impression they’re not listening and want to be somewhere else.
Have a Heart-to-Heart
Remember, the best date nights are where you feel like you’re connecting, no matter what activity you choose. This may require you to be vulnerable and put yourself out there emotionally. Heart-to-hearts strengthen the relationship and emotional connection shared between two people.
This may look different for each couple. Some heart-to-hearts are simple check-ins on how they feel about the relationship, and then others are words of affirmation.
Planning with Care
I think we can all agree that date nights are an essential part of nurturing a healthy relationship. Just like a plant needs water, relationships need regular date nights to maintain those lovey-dovey feelings.
Every relationship is unique, so keep in mind that the best date nights are the ones that reflect who you are as a couple. It might be at a five-star restaurant, or it could be at a local arcade, or even at home to Netflix and chill.
You don’t have to be a Casanova to win at relationships. Take risks and tap into your creativity to plan a date that will be perfect for you. Have fun!
