Budget Friendly Tips for Fashionable Lovebirds

Summer is the season for romance as singles and couples seek magical moments amid the sunny and hot weather. However, creating a magical date can be a nerve-wrecking experience; thinking about what to wear, how to do your hair, or stressing over what you will talk about is enough to make someone go crazy.

With so much to think about, the last thing you need to worry about is your wallet.With ten helpful tips from Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, there are plenty of ways to spark a romantic connection while staying fashionable and without blowing your budget.

Here are ten ways to enjoy a memorable yet inexpensive Summer date:

  

1. Get Pretty on Pennies

Whether meeting a date for the first time or going out with a longtime lover, women and men want to impress their dates. Running out to the store to buy a new dress, shirt or cologne is a bit extreme and costly. Consider borrowing clothes and accessories like a clutch and jewelry from a family member. Also, forgo the pricey pampering and do your own nails, hair and makeup. Beauty-challenged? Ask a friend for help curling your locks and pop by Sephora for a free makeover to really dazzle your date without spending a dime!

Tiffany says: You can also check into local beauty colleges for great rates on makeup application and hair styling, local salons that are looking for hair models, and new and upcoming makeup artists looking to build their portfolios for discounted rates.

2. Avoid Alcohol

Even if you find a cut-rate meal (early bird special, anyone?), a couple drinks can greatly add to the bill. You might want to hit a restaurant that doesn't serve booze or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices which is usually in the early evening. You can enjoy most drinks and food at very reasonable prices.

Tiffany says: Besides, too much to drink can wreak havoc not only on your wallet, but on your skin too!After blowing your budget on drinks, you'll also need some pricey corrective cream to fix the dark circles and bags under your eyes :)

3. Plan a Freebie

Dating doesn't always have to mean dinner and a movie. Some activities -- like hiking, biking or visiting farmers' markets -- don't cost a dime and tend to reveal more about your partner than a standard date.

Tiffany says: Plus you can usually pick something cute and casual to wear from your wardrobe rather than the extra expense of buying a new dress for dinner. And you will be comfortable too! 

 

 

4. DIY Date Night

Create your own dinner with a picnic in a local park. For a romantic touch, pack portable speakers with a pre-mixed playlist on your iPod as well as a bottle of wine and a few chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Not only is this DIY date an inexpensive alternative to a night on the town, but you'll score extra brownie points for taking the time to plan this special event.

Tiffany says: And its the perfect time to pull out a cute sundress or maxi dress which most women already have in their closet. Pair it with a cute pair of sandals, a simple pair of dangle earrings and you are set!

 

 

5. Date With Gift Cards

Buy a gift card at a discount from sites such as CardAvenue.com. They will save you anywhere from 5 percent to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.

 Tiffany says: You can also find gift cards sites that offer huge discounts on fashion and accessories like PlasticJungle.com. If you can't find something in your closet, check one of these fabulous sites: LeftOfTrend.com, Ideeli.com, and Guilt.com for some really great sales.

 

   

6. Dial Into Daily Deals

Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals -- up to 50-percent off -- on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. If you're worried about appearing "cheap," redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom.

Tiffany says: These sites are really great for getting discounted entertainment. And if you can't find something in your closet for the fancier events, you can use the the sites listed above to save money on your fashion and accessories too. 

7. Go Cultural

Many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.

Tiffany says: This is another fabulous date where you don't have to get worried about what you are going to wear. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. For a dressy-casual look try a pair of boyfriend jeans, ballet flats, and a cute cami or tee.

8. Create a Thrifty Movie Night

Instead of dishing out $20 for two movie tickets plus cost of popcorn, candy and soda, plan a romantic movie night at home. Pick-up a free DVD from your local library or a new release for just a dollar from Redbox. Then dim the lights and serve some freshly popped popcorn or your date's favorite candy for a theater-like experience.

Tiffany says: This is another fabulous date option that you shouldn't have to spend extra money for an outfit. A cute summer dress, jeans and a fitted tee, or even a pair of capris or leggings and a summer shirt will do just fine for a cozy night a home.

9. Seek Smart Advice from Smartphones

Use your mobile phone to find local deals and date ideas. The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that are sure to impress. The app randomly selects a "thing to do" for your next evening on the town, some of which won't bust your budget.

Tiffany says: You can also find some fabulous fashion apps for style ideas on the Smartphones and iPhones if you are lost for ideas on what to wear. Marie Claire offers a fabulous app for the fashion-forward.

 

10. Time-Sharing Babysitting

Finding a competent and dependable babysitter is often an expensive nightmare. It's almost enough to make a parent want to stay home. When you think about it, however, many others face the same situation. Why not swap services with neighbors, co-workers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out? Otherwise, consider sharing one babysitter among a coupe of families and splitting the cost. Consider searching SitterCity.com for vetted babysitters in your area who will match your needs and budget.

Tiffany says: Just like timeshare babysitting, you can also "timeshare" you clothes. If you have a good friend or family member that is the same size and has similar taste in clothing, consider going in together on a outfit that you can both wear to future events. Maybe you need you need a dress for a date on Friday, and she needs something to wear for a  bachelorette party next weekend. Split the cost and you are both set! 

A very special "Thanks" to Andrea Woroch for all of her fabulous money saving tips!

 

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, is available to share "10 Frugal Dating Tips for Cost-Conscious Lovebirds" with your audience for an in-studio, satellite or skype interview. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. For more savings tips follow @AndreaWoroch.