How Much Should You Spend on a First Date?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many people are preparing for a fancy night out with their so-called valentine.

Some Valentine’s dates will also be first dates and as most people know first dates can be kind of nerve wrecking. You have to think about where you’ll go, what you’ll wear and there will always be that awkward moment when you decide who is paying.

Traditionally the male in the relationship would pay for the date, however, there are more and more “untraditional” couples out there. If you’re planning on picking up the bill for your first date you will want to plan ahead. So, how much should you spend on a first date?

How Much Should You Spend on a First Date?

Spending a ton of money on a first date can be risky. After all, the date may not go well and you may never see one another again. Then you’ve simply wasted a chunk of change on a dead end (if you’re seeking a long-term relationship). So, how much should you spend on a first date?

According to Wise Bread, most women aren’t looking for an extremely expensive date (especially not for the first date). However, most men spend between $50 and $100 on the first date.

If you are worried about how much you should spend on a first date you can always set boundaries and talk about the date prior to meeting. For example, if you would like to “go dutch” (each of you pay for yourself) you should make that known before going out for your date. Also, keep in mind that the person that asks the other out on a date tends to be the one to pay for the date. If you don’t have the means to pay for both of you make sure to discuss it before your date.

Some Cheap (or Free) Date Ideas

If you don’t have a ton of cash to shell out on the first date, have no fear! There are a ton of cheap and even free dates out there. In fact, some of these ideas are more memorable than the traditional dinner-and-a-movie:

• Go to the bookstore – A date to the bookstore can be great, especially if you’re both book worms. You can both share some of your favorite literature with each other, check out comic books and magazines and possibly even steal a kiss in between the racks.
• Book a free tour – Many cities have free tours. The two of you could be tourists in your own town and take a free tour for your first date.
• Rent bikes – In addition to the free tours your city may offer you may also be able to rent bicycles. Riding around town on a pair of bicycles or even a tandem bike could be an extremely fun and cheap first date.
• Bar trivia – Many bars have trivia nights. They can be a great way to test your date’s knowledge! Of course, you’ll want to bring some cash for food and drink while you’re there but the game will be completely free.
• Go to a festival – Stay up to date on local festivals. You can take your date to a music, art or food festival. Most of the time these events are free (or pretty cheap).
• Outdoor activities – Head outdoors for your date! Find out if your date likes to go fishing, hiking or visiting parks. If so, you can take them to do that activity for your first date. Outdoor activities are also a great opportunity to have a cheap, yet romantic, picnic.
• Cook (stay in) – Instead of spending cash going out to eat on your first date why not invite your date to your home? You can show off your cooking skills and spend far less than you would eating out.
• Use Groupon or Living Social – You can also find a lot of cheap/free date ideas on apps like Groupon and Living Social. Oftentimes they will have discounted meals, movie tickets, event tickets and even trips!

Last but not least, when you are trying to budget how much you should spend on a first date you should focus on the overall experience and not the cash. You can create a special date without breaking the bank.

Photos:Courtney Carmody and llee_wu