8 Date Ideas for a Romantic Valentine's Day
Aside from a wedding or relationship anniversary, Valentine’s Day is probably the most romantic evening you and your partner will spend together.
More accurately put, it has the potential to be a romantic evening, provided you are well prepared and have considered your partner's preferences, interests and tastes.
For some, an elaborate dinner complete with 99 red roses and champagne is an absolute must, while for others, a quiet night in with their significant other is just what they need.
Knowing what your partner wants is paramount, so if the relationship is new, don’t be afraid to ask them directly what kind of night they envisage, or drop subtle hints as you begin planning.
If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas for how to make this Valentine’s Day extra special, read on for our favourite date ideas of how to spoil your partner.
#1 Book a table for dinner at a lavish restaurant
The best restaurants in any given town are usually booked out well in advance of Valentine’s Day, so if taking your partner to a lavish restaurant interest you, plan in advance.
Many establishments offer Valentine’s Day packages, that include set menus, live music and expensive wine. Just be sure to study the menu and costs in advance, so there are no surprises when the cheque comes and that you don’t end up spending more than you budgeted.
If this option is too expensive for you, having a simple but delicious dinner at your regular dinner spot can be just as nice, provided the company is good and the drinks flow.
#2 Recreate your first date
Even if your first date was a disaster, recreating it can be a lot of fun. Book a table at the same restaurant or visit the same movie theatre, and spend the night reminiscing and reflecting on how much you’ve changed.
If you can’t recreate the night exactly, looking back on your memories together is still a nice way to spend the night, wherever you are.
Create new memories and celebrate old ones with a Valentine’s Day to remember.
#3 Plan a vintage night
If you and your partner like classic, elegant and traditional romance, planning a vintage night could be a unique way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. Tell your partner to put on their finest vintage attire, have a lovely meal together and watch some old movies whilst drinking cocktails.
If the mood strikes you, find a local venue with a dance floor and spend the night testing out some swing moves.To make the night extra special, why not consider getting your hair done or buying a new outfit for the occasion?
#4 See a show
Dinner is always a lovely way to start an evening, but coupling it with tickets to the ballet, theatre, opera or even a comedy show, can be a great way to extend a fun night together. If your partner enjoys elegant and fancy activities, tickets to the ballet with champagne at intermission is the ultimate in indulgence, or if your better half prefers experimental performance art, see if anything else is going on in your local area.
Although not quite as elaborate, Gold Class tickets to a good movie might be the relaxing experience you both crave. Make sure to research what’s on in advance, so you can book the best tickets in town.
#5 Plan a romantic night in
Between work, kids, hobbies and catching up with friends and family, it’s rare to find the time to have a special dinner at home. If the idea of going out to a restaurant exhausts you, consider arranging a special dinner at home, cooked by you.
If you have kids, ask your parents to babysit for the night so you can have the house to yourself, and if you’re really time poor, order in some food and get the mood started with some candles, flowers and soft music. Valentine’s Day isn’t about how much money you spend, it’s about how you spend your time, and reconnecting with your partner in an intimate setting can be very rewarding indeed.
#6 Try something new
Taking a dance class, embarking on an abseiling adventure or learning how to make pottery might not seem like the most romantic Valentine’s Day options, but learning something with your partner is a fantastic way to reconnect, discover new things about each other and have some fun outside your comfort zone.
Your partner will admire the effort you put into planning the evening, and you might even discover a new passion!
#7 Have a picnic
Picnics are a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, eat some yummy food and spend some one-on-one time with your love, and are a great option if you don’t have a lot of time or money. All you need is a blanket, a basket, some wine and a big pile of food, as well as a special dessert to share. If you can’t leave the kids alone but still want to do something special, set it up in the backyard along with some fairy lights, and enjoy a mini-break under the stars.
#8 Have an early night
Valentine’s Day may be a special occasion, but that doesn’t mean you should organize a series of events just for the sake of it. You and your significant other might be so overworked, tired and busy, that a quiet night at home together followed by a solid eight hour sleep, might be the best way to treat yourselves.
Talk to your partner in advance and decide together what kind of night you’d like it to be, and then plan something just for the two of you, that you can truly enjoy.
Whatever you decide to do on the day, remember to top it off we something beautiful from our range of valentines roses.