Date Ideas for Special Occasions

Going out on dates with your spouse can be exciting, fun and very romantic; but what do you do when you’re out of date ideas or you’re looking for ideas fit for a special occasion? Thankfully, you don’t need to look far: the following is a guide to some great date ideas that are perfect for special occasions. Of course, feel free to change these ideas up depending on the needs and personal interests of your spouse; for instance, if your spouse isn’t a big fan of the outdoors, consider indoor adventures rather than a hike on a nature trail.

What makes date night different on special occasions?

It's important for married couples to have date nights often.  These dates are often simple and inexpensive, and that's OK.  The point here is to spend time together as a couple.  But date nights on special occasions need to be, well, special too.  There's a variety of special occasions that merit something more than the usual date night:

• Wedding anniversaries
• "Big" wedding anniversaries (1st, 5th, 10th, 20th, etc.)
• Her birthday
• His birthday
• Anniversaries for your engagement, first kiss, or whatever you want
• Big accomplishments (new job, a raise, your book got published, etc.)

If you can afford it, spend a little more to celebrate your love and accomplishments together.  Make the evening special.  Be on your best behavior.  Get off your phone - pay attention to your spouse.  Make it memorable, these occasions and events don't happen every day!

The following are a few date ideas you might consider for your next anniversary date, birthday date or date for any other special occasion.

Go on a secluded picnic to a romantic spot

Picnics are a great way to connect with your spouse in a novel way that lets you stay away from bustling, crowded restaurants or intrusive waiters. For a special occasion, pick a romantic spot for your picnic, somewhere where you can be alone or at least mostly alone. If you can, set up the spot beforehand with some little touches such as LED candles or twinkle lights, a comfortable cushioned blanket - and don’t forget the sunscreen, bug spray or whatever else you may need!

Take a hike to see a natural attraction together

If your spouse loves the outdoors, then an outdoor date in the woods or a national park where you can view some beautiful natural scenery is a great idea for a special occasion. You should look for a specific natural attraction as your end goal for this hike, such as a roaring waterfall or a particularly recommended scenic view. This will be the perfect time during your date to cuddle, drink some (carefully packed) food and enjoy the view.

Head out to the theater

Special occasions are the perfect time to dress up and head out to the theater. No, we're not talking about the movie theater here.  What “theater” means will depend on your personal interests, so don’t feel limited to one type of theater for a special occasion. If your spouse likes ballet, see ballet; if they prefer musicals, book tickets to a musical touring production heading your way; and if they’d prefer to head out and see a head-banging metal band, then book those metal band tickets and perhaps set up a massage appointment for the next day for your soon-to-be aching necks.

Have a romantic “night in” with food, music and mood lighting

You don’t necessarily have to leave the house for a special occasion date, especially if you’re on a budget. For a special occasion in-home date, set up your home to be as romantic as possible - mood lighting, background music, and a delicious meal including dessert.  And don’t forget the centerpiece!

Book a reservation at an exclusive restaurant

Going out to restaurants as a date doesn’t have to be status quo. If it’s a special occasion, look for an exclusive restaurant that requires reservations well in advance; your spouse will surely appreciate the effort it took to get reservations, which makes it a much more special occasion than heading to your favorite go-to restaurants for dinner.