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The Bachelor knows how to plan a date, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to create romance.
THE popularity of TV’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have really upped the ante when it comes to dating.
From private ballet recitals at the Sydney Opera House to seaplane rides and intimate escapes, no expense is spared in their quest for true love.
Most of us, however, need to stick to a budget but that doesn’t mean being cheap.
Here are seven ways to save money on dating without seeming tight.
1. There’s no need to go to a restaurant.
Bring the restaurant to you. Create your own candlelit, romantic dinner for two at home without any distraction from overattentive waiters or noisy fellow patrons.
2. Midweek meal deals.
Plan a date early in the week rather than on the weekends when many pubs, clubs and restaurants offer deals such as $10 steaks.
The Bachelorette’s Sam and Sasha strike a romantic pose.Source:Supplied
3. Do your research.
Going out to bars and clubs to find love adds up quickly when you tally together dinner, drinks, taxis and entry fees. Online dating sites mean you can be choosy about who to go out with so you don’t spend money on fruitless bar-hopping excursions and can save up for that one special date. Popular site eHarmony is offering a free trial this weekend.
4. Look around.
Look up the events calendar of your local paper or go online for listings of free events like art shows and festivals that you can go to together.
Coffee can be both romantic and a less stressful than a big night out.Source:News Corp Australia
5. Go out for coffee.
Sometimes a morning or afternoon coffee is both romantic and a less stressful than a big night out with all the expectations that can entail — and a lot cheaper.
6. Be thoughtful and imaginative
Money may be able to buy an impressive date but nothing says romance more than putting in some effort to think what would really make your loved one happy. Are they into food? Find an area that serves the best Indian or Lebanese or Chinese food and discover some new tastes together. If they are a fitness fanatic think of a new spot to walk with a great view or rent a canoe or paddleboard.
A bike ride can be both fun and romantic.Source:Supplied
7. Hire a bike.
It’s great fun and could be combined with a coffee or a drink afterwards and still be an economical option. It could also take you out to the countryside or further afield so you can discover somewhere new together. Or if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s hard to beat a romantic stroll on the beach.