How to Plan a Perfect Romantic Date (10 Easy Steps)

 

How to Plan a Perfect Romantic Date (10 Easy Steps)

 

Whether you’re trying to plan your first date with someone or you want to spend some quality time with your long-term partner, planning the perfect date can be tough. We’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to overcome some of the obstacles that get in the way of planning the perfect date night in just 10 easy steps.

1. Come up with an awesome date night idea

The first step to planning your date night is to come up with an awesome date night idea. Ironically, this first step is sometimes the hardest. How many times do you go back and forth with your date or significant other? Does this sound familiar, “I don’t know, what do you want to do?”

Yes, sometimes figuring out what to do on your date night can seem a little daunting, but try not to overthink. Remember, the most important ingredients to the perfect date are quality couple time, spontaneity, discovery (learning something about or with each other), and connection. As long as those are present, it doesn’t really matter what you do.

2. Schedule your date (and stay committed)

Have you chosen you chosen your next date idea? Awesome! Now it’s time to put it on the calendar!

Discuss availability with your date to find out when you are both available. A day when you are both free for the whole day is ideal, but having just a couple of free hours works in a pinch.

3. Create your date itinerary

If you are planning a more complicated date night with a lot of different activities, it can be helpful to create an outline of everything you’ll need to plan for to keep you organized. This is a great time to double check operating hours of the restaurant, movie times, driving times or distances, and anything else that is time sensitive.

 

4. Check weather and gather everything needed

Much like our previous step, being prepared can help you forego any stressful events that can arise.

Checking the weather if you are doing a night out can be crucial. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but stuck in the freezing cold without a sweater can be a date night killer. Or trapped in a long-sleeve shirt when it’s 100 degrees out?

5. Plan out the logistics (including babysitter if you’re a parent)

Make sure you plan out the logistics the day of your date. Will you be taking a car or will you be using a ride share service? Do you need a babysitter for the little one(s)? When do you need to leave? When will you get home?

Answering these questions ahead of time will help your date experience run smoothly and can help prevent any hiccups. Especially when it comes to babysitting. Have a backup sitter or call up a family member, just in case the first is unable to watch the kids. Stay prepared and have a backup plan so you can make sure you stay committed to your date.

6. Stay spontaneous

Okay, everything is planned out and you both are ready to have an amazing date! Woo! The next few steps are things to think about before your date to help maximize your time together.

The first thing to think about is making sure you leave some flexibility for spontaneity. While out on your date, look for those moments. See a photo booth? Jump in and take some wacky photos together! Notice a new ice cream place neither of you have tried? Go grab a scoop!

Those spontaneous moments lead to what we call discovery. Discovery is the act of learning something new about your partner or creating new experiences with each other. It doesn’t matter if this is your first date or you’ve been together for 50 years, there is always something new to learn. These discovery moments help inspire that learning that creates a strong bond and foundation for a new relationship. They can also help break the monotony couples fall into in their relationships.

7. Find ways to engage with each other

When spending time together, make sure you stay engaged. Keeping with that theme of discovery, find ways to interact and engage with each other. You can check out some of our outrageous conversation starters for a little help and inspiration.

8. Focus on the one-on-one time (AKA put away the phones)

The best part about an awesome date night is that quality time. So, to maximize that time together, eliminate all distractions. Put the phone on silent, or better yet, turn it off (If you don’t need it for emergencies, of course).

If you are going out to a restaurant, make sure you stay away from the TVs! Again, to make sure your date night is successful, eliminate distractions. Even just the announcers and people cheering in the background can take away from the moment.

9. Collect memories to reminisce upon

Don’t forget to collect memories! Whether it’s a photo of you both, a little souvenir, or some other memento, having something to look back on can help remind you of those feelings and help inspire you to plan your next date night!

10. Plan your next date night!

So, you’ve just had an amazing date night together. What next? Plan the next one!

After the first date

Does your date sound like someone you could be in a relationship with? If so, do you want a second date with this person? End the date by discussing what next steps you both want. If they both agree with going forward, start making plans for a second date. Find another day you are both free again.

For couples in committed relationships

Date night is not a “once in a blue moon” event. To consistently strengthen your relationship, you need to invest in date night. What better way to do that than to plan the next one right after your time together?We suggest planning at least one night to reconnect per month.

Happy Dating!