3 Ways to Get out of an Expensive Date and Get Things on Track

You’re planning the first date and you want it to be really special. But how special is too special? Is it possible to get carried away? You want to make this person feel good, but you don’t want to go broke in the process. Are the expectations just too high? How can you be sure to make this a wonderful date and not have it be super expensive? There are some effective ways to get out of spending your life savings, and yet not coming across as really cheap.

The thing is that you have to try to take the lead, but you have to do this is a nice gentle way. You don’t want to look like a control freak, nor do you want to look like you have some ulterior motive. You want to make this a great opportunity to put effort into planning a fun time together. You don’t want it to look like you’re keeping from spending money just for the sake of being cheap. You also don’t want to plan something beyond your means and then have this be the expectation every single time.

There are subtle ways to create an enjoyable date that can still stay within a budget. You can be sure to think through something that could be enjoyable, and may also be conducive to the two of you talking. If you go down the path of the expensive date, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be successful. Try to keep in mind that it’s all about the details, and those don’t need to cost you an arm and a leg in the process.

1. Suggest something romantic, fun, and that allows time for just the two of you: If you take control over planning the date, then just be sure that you put time and thought into it. If you are trying to get out of the expensive first date then plan something fun like a picnic in the park. Plan a fun scavenger hunt around town or take a cooking class together. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, nor does it automatically have to be a meal at the trendiest place in town. Make it fun and put thought into planning it, and they won’t miss the crazy expensive restaurant in the process.

2. Center the activity around something fun and memorable that you can do together: Make this date a fun way to get to know each other, and therefore center the plans on something that allows for that. Think of something like skiing or snow shoeing in the winter, or hiking or playing tennis in the summer. Plan a wine tasting event or take a painting class. These are all unique and fun ways to get to chat and also enjoy something fun in the process. It’s a win win because you don’t end up somewhere ridiculously expensive, and they don’t even miss it.

3. Keep it nice but be sure that you convey you don’t want to go for expected or cliché: If you feel like they are truly interested in an expensive restaurant then just make a mention that you don’t want to plan the traditional date. Tell them how you want to make it fun and different and this may capture their attention. It will also show your true interest, which is bound to impress them. Sometimes the unexpected or unique is the best way to go!

Just because you don’t go the expensive route, doesn’t mean that it can’t be special. Try to enjoy this time together and turn it into something great that they will remember, and that will keep them coming back for more!