Tips for Planning a Valentine’s Day Date
Since around the 14th century, this annual event dedicated to love has provided an opportunity for romance. But with heightened expectations around this time of year, your approach may require thoughtful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips for planning a Valentine's Day date that’ll impress the recipient of your affection.
How do you plan a Valentine's Day date?
Whether you’re making restaurant reservations for one of the busiest days of the year in hospitality, or cooking up a unique day out yourself, you’ll need to think ahead to ensure everything goes to plan.
Valentine's Day date ideas for 2024
What’s hot in 2024? Here are some dating options that suit the time of year and follow current trends.
Sound baths — sound waves have a powerful ability to soothe and heal the body. And a sound bath seeks to immerse its participants in non-melodic tones that connect with the parasympathetic nervous system. Different instruments may be used, but crystal bowls and gongs are common. Look out for a sound bath near you on or around Valentine’s Day.
UK wine tastings — did you know that the UK is seeing a rise in wine production, with bottlings from its vineyards (mostly in England) becoming more and more popular among connoisseurs? This is great for sustainability. So why not hit up a bar near you for a self-led or arranged UK wine tasting?
Dark sky gazing — the stars have long been connected to romance. So take some time to look at them this year, preferably in one of thecountry’s designated dark sky zones. Those close to the South Downs, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales can attend the Dark Skies Festival with themed activities this February. This is one for those who’ve been dating a while, given you may end up in a remote area at night.
What to do for Valentine's Day when you just started dating
If you’ve just started dating, there will be some limitations — you may not know what they’re into and if you met them only recently, you’ll need to stick to a public setting. You might not be keen to do anything overly soppy either, given this is all very fresh. So here are some more on-trend ideas for dates in 2024, suitable for the very early stages:
Rage room — release some pent up frustration (sexual or otherwise), by smashing up junk in a designated space. Armed with a boiler suit, goggles and an axe, you’ll have lots of laughs as you let loose in a controlled manner.
Splatter room — art’s answer to the rage room, the splatter room is a new phenomenon that allows you to throw paint at walls and canvases with abandon. It too allows for the release of stress, but without the aggression. And you might just create your own Pollock-inspired work of art in the process.
Inland surfing — You may have spotted enormous surf centres popping up around the UK. Set away from the coast and purpose-built with high-tech wave machines, these provide the chance to have a go at surfing year-round in a safe environment.
Valentine's Day activities
Look out for one-off events happening in your area too. Many venues and businesses lay on something special to celebrate.
And remember, you don’t need a Valentine to treat yourself, there are lots of ways to spend the special day alone and still have a lovely time.
Tips for planning a Valentine's Day date at home
Creating an ambiance is key if you’re planning your Valentine’s date at home. And you can work with whatever you’ve got to transform the space, no matter how small. Begin with soft lighting; either candles or fairy lights, to encourage a warm and intimate atmosphere. Provide something tasty, be it a full-scale meal, or a selection of curated snacks.
Unique Valentine's Day ideas
Introduce an aroma for a multi-sensory approach — essential oil diffusers, or naturally-based candles are often more pleasant than a synthetic-smelling plug-in or cheap room spray. Next, curate a playlist of meaningful songs. If you prefer, you can opt for a more upbeat than chilled-out vibe, with some colourful lights, a disco ball and fun tunes that’ll put a smile on their face.
Be sure to add in plenty of personalised touches. Consider a few small gifts accessed via a treasure hunt, or a single hidden gift, with a riddle for your date to find it. Demonstrating that you've put thought into the details will make the day more meaningful.
Valentine's Day ideas for couples
How do you continue to impress the person who knows you best? The element of surprise may be your best tool here, especially if you can’t afford to keep topping the previous year’s effort. And if you live together, spending time prepping your home may not be possible without them knowing.
But there are little things you can do; like hiding a handwritten love note in their lunch bag, taking an impromptu detour during your date (perhaps to reminisce at a location that’s special to you both), home-making a card and gift and giving them an at-home spa treatment yourself. Committing to putting your phones away as you spend quality time together, can be a simple, yet effective way to bond without distractions.
By incorporating these tips for planning into a Valentine’s Day date, you can create cherished moments and take your connection to the next level.
Related Questions
Is the guy supposed to plan Valentine's Day?
No, this is an outdated idea. Unless a guy has said that he’s making plans, don’t assume he’s coming up with something. Chat together about what you might like to do, or offer to arrange something yourself as a surprise.
What are the 14 days to Valentine?
It’s not very common, but some people like to mark the run-up to Valentine’s by giving a little gift each day in the two-week advent period. This can get expensive, so you may prefer to write little love notes or do something nice for your Valentine in the 14 days to February 14th.
Is there a Valentine's Day for singles?
Yes! There’s now an official holiday for singles in the form of Galentine’s/Palentine’s which takes place on the 13th of February each year. Lots of venues hold special events, parties and provide offers for those wishing to celebrate.