The Making of Marriage

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T-Minus 3 nights left until Valentine’s Day! Maybe you looked at our post about budget friendly date nights at home and rolled your eyes because Valentine’s Day is meant to be for a date date. Understandable. If you are living that childfree life or are lucky enough to have snagged a babysitter for a Valentine’s day that also falls on a friday night (seriously, major score), look no further for date ideas. 

The favored dinner at a fancy restaurant is a classic. Who doesn’t like white tablecloths and waiters wearing ties? However, those white tablecloths come with a hefty price tag, and have you seen the price of eggs lately?! If you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly, maybe with a red checkered table cloth, you’ve come to the right place. 

And, to be completely transparent, I don’t remember the majority of fancy dinner dates Michael and I have been on. Sure, the food was great. I remember going to Halls Chophouse and ordering a cheeseburger and fries (*gasp* a burger at a steakhouse?! Yes, moving on!). I’m sure the conversation was flowing and we were having a great time watching people, but the dates I look back on fondly were so much more than dinner and conversation. 

When Michael turned 18, I planned a special date. That’s kind of my thing, if you can’t tell… I’m a date planner. I’m one of those people who gets excited about putting in a lot of effort just to see the people I love smile. I remember driving my 1990 T-top Firebird through the gas station car wash in hopes of creating a clean and comfy space for me to pick up the birthday boy, only to get soaked by water pouring through the terrible roof seals. But that didn’t put a damper on my spirits! I continued on, grabbing some sub sandwiches and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. I had to slice off part of the cake to fit it in a cooler for our date (another little wrench in my plan, but again I carried on). I packed up a picnic blanket, the cooler, and the subs, heading to my now husband’s house to pick him up for our thoroughly planned date. We drove through town, hand in hand, to Azalea Park. I set up our blanket near the bench where Michael first told me that he loved me at the ripe old age of 16. We sat there and laughed about the hiccups of my day and enjoyed melting ice cream cake in the dark. I remember staring at him, thinking of how handsome he was wearing the sweater I’d sewn a heart into the sleeve of (cheesy, I know). That date, as simple as it was, is one of my favorite memories of early us, and I think of it fondly almost 17 years later. 

I’m hoping you can create memories like that– ones you look back on nearly two decades later and laugh, wishing for a second you could just be back there. To get you started, here are 7 more ideas, this time out of the house, to help you and your spouse create fun and flirty memories on a budget! 

1. The Classic: Dinner Date– You can still enjoy a nice dinner out on a budget. Look for local restaurants that are advertising specials for valentines day. Some restaurants will offer a special price on a whole dinner for 2, offering opportunities to choose from a specific list of appetizers, main course, & dessert. You could even dress up fancy and go to one of your favorite fast food places or dives. Find a food truck rodeo and sample from a few different places. Save your champagne toast for when you get home and the bill won’t be too steep! 

2. Pinkies Up: Check out a museum or art gallery– Thankfully, some museums and galleries offer free admission or accept a donation of your choosing. Pretending to be art dealers for a fancy client, or really just appreciating the art is an option too, I guess. I love a good museum, especially if it has cool interactive features. It’s so fun getting opportunities to explore and play with my husband and learn. That kind of bonding is off the charts for me. 

3. Townie Vibes: Free local events– Check your city’s local facebook page for free events they may be hosting. I know February often brings a chill, but for places that might be a little warmer (or has really good winter jackets), there are often outdoor concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and craft fairs. Any of these would be great for connection, whether you’re jamming out to the tunes of a local band or checking out artistic talents of crafters. Holding hands and enjoying the time together is what matters. 

4. Take the Stage: Karaoke or Trivia– Exercise your pipes or your brain muscles at the nearest bar or brewery that is hosting a special event night. You might not know much about obscure Star Wars facts, but you can still give it your best shot. Whether you’re strutting your stuff across the stage or to the judge’s table to turn in your answer, take any opportunity for flirty glances and love taps. You might not be the next Sonny and Cher, but you can belt out your favorite love song with your best friend in front of a room full of strangers to create some lasting memories. 

5. Cozy Couple: Stargazing and cuddles– Ok, I know I technically mentioned this one in the “at home” date night post, but it can still apply here! Go to your favorite coffee shop to grab a warm beverage and dessert to split before heading to a scenic spot. Spread out a blanket or grab a park bench to enjoy the intimate time spent gazing at the stars. You might be lucky enough to catch part of the February Hydrids meteor shower that can be seen this time of year. 

6. Let’s get physical: Take a stroll– Put on some comfy shoes and take a walk about. Hiking a 5 mile trail with a waterfall view would honestly be my favorite way to spend a date, even on Valentine’s Day. Sure, the jerky isn’t my favorite but the conversation is top notch. If you’re not into the long hikes but you don’t mind a stroll, check to see if there are any self-guided walking tours nearby. Be a tourist in your own town for a bit and stroll past historic homes or look for little mouse statues hiding in garden beds.

7. The Classic 2.0: Picnic blanket required– Maybe you’re not one for strolls but you still want to spend some time outside. Pack a picnic basket and find a place to set up camp. Ok, not literal camp… a lot of parks have rules against that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t lounge in your Eno hammock after you finish your basket of goods. Bring that charcuterie board with you or pick up some Chickfila if you’re not a picnic basket type. Take this time to gaze into each other’s eyes, play a card game, or go through a list of fun questions (think: Gottman’s Love Maps). Screen free connection and outdoor time are a surefire way to build lasting memories. 

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about making intentional time for each other. Fancy dinners and extravagant gifts are great, but it’s often the simple, thoughtful moments that stick with us for years to come. Whether you’re strolling through town, belting out off-key karaoke, or sharing a milkshake at a dive diner, what matters most is being present with your person.

So, take this list, pick an idea (or two), and go make some memories. Years from now, you won’t remember the bill from a five-star restaurant, but you will remember laughing until your stomach hurts, holding hands on a chilly evening, or that look your partner gave you when you completely butchered the lyrics to a love song.

Now, I want to hear from you—what’s the best budget-friendly date you’ve ever been on? Drop your favorite ideas in the comments and let’s keep the romance alive without breaking the bank!

Happy Valentine’s Day, lovebirds! ❤️

Enjoy the adventure,

Amanda