Valentine’s Day on a Budget

It is that time of year again.  Candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, and red & pink decorations everywhere.  Valentine’s Day is upon us!  It is the perfect opportunity to grab some quality time with the person you love the most in this world.  Let’s see what shall we do?  A romantic dinner at a four star restaurant?  A weekend getaway to a bed and breakfast?  Oh how lovely that sounds.  But let’s face it, who can afford to be extravagant on Valentine’s Day this year?  There is a wedding and a honeymoon to pay for (not to mention all the other day to day bills in our lives and this crazy economy).  Not to worry.  The Wedding League team has come up with a list of romantic Valentine’s Day ideas that won’t break the bank:

• Cook each other dinner: Together plan out the menu and go shopping for the food.  To make the menu special, consider having a three course meal comprised of salad, an entrée, and dessert.  Go through your cookbooks and find a new recipe, like my Chicken and Artichoke Hearts with Penne which is delicious, elegant and inexpensive, or fall back on an old favorite.  Set the table and create a romantic atmosphere by dimming the lights, lighting some candles and playing some soft music.  And guys, help your lady with the dishes.
• Movie Marathon: Order some take-out, pop some popcorn, grab a box of Junior Mints and curl up on the couch together to watch a few movies.  Go for some old favorites, catch up on this year’s Oscar picks, or try some of People magazine’s varied Valentine’s Day movie selections from their Feb. 14^th, 2011 edition: When Harry Met Sally, The War of the Roses, Date Night, or Sabrina.  Basically, just relax and cuddle.
• Spend time together outdoors by taking a hike.  Try to find a spot where there is a waterfall, pretty stream or meadow.  Take lunch with you and enjoy the simplicity of nature and being together.
• Make yourselves a picnic at a park or the beach.  When Nicole and I were little we used to go to Lacy Park in San Marino.  With its open space, walking paths and rose arbor, it really is a lovely little spot.  Bring the dog and enjoy walking in the sunlight.
• Instead of just spending the day with your significant other, why not spend it with some other couples?  Have a few of your couple friends over for a potluck and game night.  You share the cost of food by everyone bringing something (same goes for drinks, but please be responsible) and then have some fun playing games.  Some of our favorites include Taboo, Outburst, SingStar and Beatles Rock Band. 
• Share the love.  You have already found someone to love for the rest of your life.  Why not share that love with others this Valentine’s Day?  Instead of going out to dinner, go serve food at a homeless shelter or work at some other charity.  You will still be together and you get to help others.
• About presents: If you want to limit how much you spend overall on Valentine’s Day this year, then make a deal not to get each other presents.  Just spend a little money on an activity together or save that money for your honeymoon.  And of course, at the end of the day there are always mutual massages! 

Well there you have it folks, the Wedding League guide to Valentine’s Day on a budget.  Just remember, this holiday is about celebrating love.  As long as you make some time in the day for each other it will be special.  There is no reason why you need to spend a lot of money on Valentine’s Day this year, especially because your engagement is all about celebrating your love for each other.  Which reminds me, fun though planning your wedding is, it can be stressful at times.  So on Valentine’s Day do not discuss your plans for the wedding, just relax and enjoy each other!

Wishing you lots of love and a happy Valentine’s Day,

Heather

Your Wedding League Savvy Wedding Captain

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