I’m a dating expert – here’s 8 ways to enjoy a romantic date on a budget
THE average cost of a date is now over £200.
So how can couples afford to keep the spark alive in their relationship?
Dating expert Hayley Quinn shares her tips for love on a budget with Ife Taiwo.
CREATE DATING ‘SHAREDROBE’
WE all want to look our best when going out on a date but you might not be able to afford a new outfit.
So why not club together with your mates and create a dating wardrobe that you can all share.
Dating expert Hayley Quinn says: “There are lots of services that allow you to get jewellery or clothes on subscription so you don’t have to buy designer labels.
“But if you want to take that one step further, you can form a group with your friends.
“Maybe create a WhatsApp chat and take pictures of the best items in your wardrobe then members of the group can request what they’d like to share. It’s also very eco-friendly.”
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BABYSITTING CLUB
IF you’ve got kids, the cost of dating can seriously add up by the time you’ve paid a babysitter for the evening.
Instead, start a babysitting circle with parents from your children’s school and compile a rota for looking after the kids.
Hayley says: “ in the UK are among the highest, if not the highest in Europe. Babysitting clubs are fantastic.
“You could even include your relatives, parents or siblings that have their own children in a circle and take it in turns looking after the kids.”
FOOD OF LOVE
COMBINE date night with cooking your dinner by whipping up a new meal together.
You could even go out to a restaurant for dessert afterwards to keep costs down.
Hayley says: “There are YouTube tutorials or even good, old-fashioned cookbooks.
“Many supermarkets now do recipe menus for meals under £5.
“So you can save money and then afterwards, you can go out for an indulgent dessert if you still want the experience of getting out of the house.”
BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE
IF you do go out, booze can be the most costly part of a dinner date, but some restaurants will let you bring your own.
Research ahead and get a bottle of wine from your local supermarket instead.
Hayley says: “BYOB is brilliant as you’ll probably find that alcoholic drinks make up a lot of your overall restaurant bill.”
Alternatively, go on a double date with friends, who you can split the cost of the date with.
Hayley adds: “You could go to a place where they do tapas or sharing platters so that the cost of the meal and the wine can be split between a few people.”
SNACK ATTACK
THE cinema can be a costly night out but spend less by bringing your own snacks and drinks.
It’s a common misconception that cinema chains strictly forbid the practice of moviegoers bringing their own food when they go to watch a film.
Hayley says: “In 2019, Cineworld, Odeon and Vue confirmed on Twitter that guests ARE allowed to bring their own snacks.
“So stop spending £10 on a bag of Skittles and £4 on a cup of Coke.
Instead, just head to the supermarket, get two bags of Haribo for £2 and a bottle of Fanta or Coke for £1.
“You won’t have to hand them over to cinema security.”
COURTING COUPONS
USING coupons might seem unsexy to some but it’s a great way to keep the cost of your date to an absolute minimum.
Sites like Vouchercloud, Groupon and LivingSocial offer brilliant deals, including buy-one-get-one-free meals for some of the nation’s biggest chain restaurants.
Hayley says: “With the cost of living a concern for many singles, using coupons on dates is likely to be far less stigmatised.”
BACK TO BASICS
THERE’S nothing better than the great outdoors — so why shouldn’t it be the setting for a perfect date with your loved one?
Go to a park and pack a budget-friendly picnic to really show your partner you care. After all, it’s the thought that counts.
Hayley says: “Embracing nature in your dating life doesn’t have to just be cold walks out in the park.
“It’s still just about warm enough to do some wild swimming, hiking is great, and picnics even in the autumn are good.
“Camping can also be amazing and there are a lot of great farm stays available.”
GET ON YOUR BIKE
FUEL prices are sky high, so think about dates you can cycle to.
Biking to a lovely Sunday lunch can add a touch of romance to your date — and even give your libido a boost.
Hayley says: “Bikes make great dates and are also eco-friendly.
“You could take a bike ride and go stargazing if you want to stay out a little later.
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“It’s far cheaper than using fuel for your car.
“Bikes can be really versatile and a good investment if you plan to go on lots of dates exploring the great outdoors.”
- For more information about Hayley visit