Dating is an expensive game, for the lady there’s the hairdresser, nail shop, new dress, shoes and maybe if he’s lucky, lingerie. This pretty much answers the question of who should pay on a first date, yes gentlemen that’s you.
A proper date should include food, wine and sweet desert. If it’s going well and you move on to a bar after dinner then the cost of a date is easily in the region of £100. No matter how much you spend there is no guarantee of success so it’s not unfair for a gentleman to feel begrudged to forking out all that money only to discover the lady in question had decided to be “just friends” before she finished her starter.
Nothing will kill a romantic moment faster than pulling out a 241 voucher at the end of a meal so here are some cleaver ideas how to shave £££ of the cost of a date.
- The lady shouldn’t feel like she is more dressed or done up than you are. It’s important for you to look your best too, and there are many options to pick up some new items without spending tons of money. Many sites, such as Voucherbox UK, offer vouchers for things like fashion, shoes, jewelry, etc.
- If it’s a first date, ask your date at the end of the meal if they would like to see you again. If they say no, or sound vague about it, you’re within your rights to pay half the bill, shake hands and walk away.
- Arrive early and present a voucher to the waiter before your date gets there. When the bill arrives snatch it up swiftly and pay with a smile, you date will be none the wiser.
- Cook dinner yourself, it’s a lovely gesture to put in the effort, proves what a great catch you are (if you’re at least a half good cook) and saves a fortune in expensive wine, tips and cabs.
- Go for a picnic, when the sun’s shining pack up a basket, grab a blanket and hit a park for a romantic afternoon. If you remember to include some of your dates favourite treats, it will be more special than any restaurant.
- Make your date your +1. When you’re dating RSVP to as many work functions, weddings and dinner parties as possible, grab a date and show them a good time at someone else’s expense.
- Do brunch, saturday mid mornings are a chilled time and lets face it, eggs are cheap no matter how they come. Add a leisurely stroll along a river or market after and you’ve just done an awesome date for under £20.
- Find your inner child, go to a fun fair and splurge on romance on a couple of £3 rides, some popcorn and a stick of candy floss. Take lots of fun pictures on your phone and hold on tight on the Waltzer.
- Gym it, if you’re not a member of a fancy gym with a jacuzzi and sauna you can call one up and tell them you’re interested in joining. They usually offer a free day pass where you can bring your date for a relaxing few hours.
- Play a sport, suggest a game of tennis or bike ride. Bring your date a bottle of water to show you care and maybe stretch to the ice cream van after.
- Go to a poetry or book reading, will seem super romantic and as they are usually free won’t cost more than 2 coffees, splurge on the book for your date for an extra romantic gesture.
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