The following ideas are mainly for how to plan a romantic evening at home.
It is more difficult to have a romantic night out, as there are many distractions as well as a lack of privacy.
The restaurant you choose may be noisy, or the wait staff might be rude, things that generally don't enhance the feelings of romance.
It is important to keep in mind when you plan a romantic evening that it is about showing the other person how much you care.
You don't have to spend a lot of money, and you shouldn't. Have fun planning and let your creativity shine through!
Your partner will be more impressed with the thought behind it, than if you had spent lots of money doing it.
Tips to Plan a Romantic Evening
Think about your partner. What do they like? What is their personality like? Would they enjoy a low-key evening spent with just the two of you, or would they like something over the top, perhaps a bit more public?
Then think about where they would like to go for the evening, if they were choosing. Make a list of places they'd enjoy or restaurants they would like to have dinner in.
Perhaps the pair of you would rather stay at home. Cook their favorite meal, make use of low lights and candles, and use your best dishes. Don't forget about dessert!
Can't cook? You may want to have dinner catered. Lots of restaurants offer this service, and the price tag is normally not extreme (depending on the restaurant, of course!). This also takes a lot of the stress out, since you won't have to worry about shopping for the food, or burning it once you start cooking!
Set the mood with lighting. Candles provide the most romantic lighting, and everyone looks great lit by candlelight! Buy them in different sizes and heights to get the right glow for your room. Groupings of tea lights give off a surprising amount of light, and are inexpensive. Try to avoid scented candles.
Further enhance the romantic experience with low, soft music. Set the volume so you can still speak in your normal tone and be heard. Anything else is too loud and you may risk spoiling the mood.
When choosing the music for the evening, pick songs that hold special meaning for the two of you. If you've been together for a while, try to choose music that was popular when you first started dating. This is sure to bring back memories for both of you. Classical music is also a wonderful option. It is relaxing and will compliment the conversation beautifully.
Get everything ready in advance. Set the table, purchase their favorite wine and chill it properly. Have ice water ready, as well as any glasses and other dishes you may need. Plan your romantic evening and anticipate what you'll need so you don't have to worry about rushing about later.
Think about what you will be wearing. Keep in mind where you will be going and the weather. Choose an outfit your partner likes to see you in.
Do you have children in your home? Try to arrange for them to sleep at a friends house (maybe you could trade nights), hire a babysitter, or enjoy your evening once they are tucked into bed for the night.
During the meal: Don't answer the phone. Better yet, turn the ringer off so you don't hear it ring to begin with. Don't answer the door, either. Your focus should be on your partner and no where else.
Remember to keep it simple, so you don't spoil the romance of it all; and most importantly: keep it a surprise! Half the fun when you plan a romantic evening is surprising the other person! On the day of, leave your partner messages or clues that lets them know you are up to something- just don't tell them what it is!
The amount of thought and effort you put into creating your evening together will be noticed by your partner, and they will be touched that you went to all of that trouble just for them. That in itself is sure to make the night romantic.
Plan a romantic evening- but don't forget to relax and enjoy yourself and your partner too! This night is for you as well!
Just stopping by for a quick peek and a few ideas? You can get back to the romantic date ideas page by clicking here.
