When you're saving for a wedding, date nights tend to take a back seat. But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't have a romantic date night — without even leaving the house. Here are some creative ideas.
Movie Night
Upgrade your regular Netflix night by choosing a theme for your evening (like catching up on this year's Oscar nominees, picking favorite classic comedies, or working your way through a franchise), then snuggle up on the couch together with popcorn and no cell phones.
Photo: Istock
Get Artsy
A paint night is a great bonding experience, and you easily re-create the experience at home. Pick up two canvases and paint from a local art store, and put on a YouTube tutorial. Display your one-of-a-kind artwork in your home, and it'll always remind you of your special date night!
Cook Together
Instead of going out for dinner, try to replicate your favorite restaurant meal at home. Enjoy spending time together in the kitchen preparing a meal, and then eat by candlelight to make it even more romantic.
Not a big fan of cooking? Make it easier by ordering from a meal delivery service, which cuts out a lot of the prep work. And if you're worried about nutrition, Green Chef is a great option that offers keto, paleo, and other diet-friendly options.
Photo: Green Chef
Spa Time
Planning a wedding is stressful — take the night to indulge in pure relaxation! Take turns giving each other massages, kick back with a face mask (don't forget to take a selfie!), and soak in a relaxing bubble bath together.
Photo: Lansdowne Resort Spa
Bake Off
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to indulge in some sweets. Make it more exciting by having your own "Nailed It!" competition — pick a creative dessert off of Pinterest, and see who can get the closest to making it look the same as the picture. Invite another couple over and make it a team project!
Make Fondue
Going to a fondue restaurant is a date-night favorite, but it's not always wallet-friendly. Luckily, it's easy to re-create at home. Invest in an electric fondue pot (or put one on your registry if your shower is coming up soon!) so that you can sit back and relax instead of eating over the stove. Cut up bite-size veggies and bread to dip in cheese, cook meats and seafood in broth, and polish off the meal with a chocolate fondue with fruits, brownies, cakes, and cookies.
Photo: Trudeau
Wine Tasting
Stock up on mini bottles of wine from local vineyards (or just hit up your favorite liquor store), create a "flavor notes" sheet to make it official, and indulge in a few sips. Take it up a notch by pairing your wines with cheese or chocolates.
Game Night
Have some fun with a little friendly competition. Challenge your spouse-to-be with classic board games or card games, or kick it up a notch with a Nintendo Switch marathon featuring classic favorites like Mario Kart, Legends of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Crash Bandicoot.
Photo: Nintendo
Stargazing
There are few things more relaxing than lounging under the stars, and winter is a great time of year to see it clearly. Bundle up and head outdoors with some hot cocoa to look at the stars together. Around Valentine's Day, you may be able to see Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Surprise your fiancé' by naming a star after the two of you, then locating it in the sky together.
—Kristen Klein
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