Date nights can be fun and exciting but planning one can feel daunting. And although not everyone has the same vision of a perfect date night, there are ways to plan one that’s just right for you. Whether you’re a new couple wanting to step up their dating game or busy parents looking to make the most of those couple of hours, here are five tips for a perfect date night to inspire your next nighttime rendezvous.
Make room for flexibility
Planning a romantic date night down to a T can be a great way to show your partner you care. But as we all know, things don’t always go according to plan. They might call you to let you know they’re staying late at the office. Or, you might be working irregular hours and have no way of telling when you’ll be home.
By being flexible with your plans, you can take a lot of unnecessary hassle and stress out of the equation. That way, you’ll be ready for any last-minute changes and still make the most of your date night. Leave some room for improvisation and spontaneity but do get a romantic gift to surprise them with and show appreciation.
Rely on a stylish, comfortable outfit for a boost of confidence
Date nights are ideal for ending an exhausting work week on a high note and ensuring quality time with SO. They’re also the perfect excuse to get all dolled up for a couple of hours and feel your absolute best.
As you plan your date night outfit, scour Instagram for inspiration, or head to your Pinterest page. These are ideal for discovering independent fashion designers who are just emerging. Shop for some new and exciting brands but stick with pieces that are stylish yet comfortable. Tried-and-true outfit combos include matching skirt and top sets, leather pants and strappy tops, and frilly dresses with comfy sneakers.
Try something new and refreshing
Date nights are our break from the real world and everything mundane about everyday life. They bring a dose of excitement and refreshment, both in our life and our relationship. Whether you two have been dating for a while or are married, you could probably benefit from trying something new.
If you’re a foodie, your perfect date night might involve scanning the Italian dinner menu of that new restaurant that opened up down the road and tasting some exciting dishes you haven’t tried before. If you’re used to heading to the movies later on, consider getting theater tickets to switch things up a bit. By finding something new to do every now and then, you’ll make sure your date nights stay fun and interesting.
Feel free to stay at home occasionally
Heading to a fancy place can be lots of fun, but it’s not always necessary for date nights to count. Although staying in all the time can get quite boring after a while, if you two usually go out on dates, a romantic night in could be the perfect way to spruce things up while keeping everything light and breezy.
Keep it low-key by ordering some delicious sushi, have fun preparing a homemade pizza, or have a tapas night in. Rent a projector and pick some exciting movies to watch afterwards. Want to take things up a notch? Decorate your living room, light some scented candles, get your finest wine glasses out, et voilà! You’ve got yourself the perfect setup for an intimate, cozy night in.
Create a date night bucket list
When in doubt, you can always play it safe with a dinner-and-movie combo. But for those times when you want something different, a date night bucket list can come in quite handy.
Create one at the start of the year, jotting down every exciting idea that comes to mind. Check out the upcoming concerts, search new movie releases, and take advantage of your favorite restaurants and pubs’ happy hours. Then, whenever you need some date night inspo, just scan through your planner. That said, don’t feel like one person has to plan everything. Instead, take turns. Not only will this make both of you feel included in the process, but it’ll also spark creativity.
Wrapping up
Coming up with new and exciting ways to surprise your SO is important, but it’s not always easy. Stick with the tips above, and you’ll make sure that every next date night you organize is perfectly charming, memorable, and fun.
