All images in this post belong to Collection 26.
If a typical romantic dinner or picnic doesn’t inspire you, start a new tradition with your groom or bride-to-be by creating a ‘couples-bucket-list’ of things you want to do together. These may be activities you have been too scared to try on your own like skydiving, or something simpler, such as exploring a local town or city you’ve always been curious about.
What better time to start ticking items off your list than on your first Valentine’s Day as an engaged couple? You can keep the tradition going each year but don’t forget to tick things off each month and adding anything new challenges come up once you have tied the knot.
What do you do when all of your funds are directed towards your wedding? February 14th doesn’t need to be about going to an expensive restaurant or on a luxurious weekend break. For the couples more focused on saving for their special day, you can create an equally memorable date whatever your budget. The key is picking something meaningful to both of you, why not try putting a romantic spin on some of your wedding tasks or using the occasion to get the groom more involved with some of the planning!
If you’re having a romantic night in together, get in touch with a few of your favourite cake makers and ask if they could send you a selection of mini samples. Using the cakes for dessert will allow you select a cake for your big day, and supply a gorgeous dessert for you to enjoy.
If you haven’t arranged the caterers for your wedding day, ask your favourite caterer to do a tasting for just the two of you on Valentine’s Day. This may be a fun alternative to going for a romantic dinner while being productive in your wedding planning. Similarly, if the drinks are particularly important to you, why not arrange a wine tasting to select the wines to be served on your wedding day. They may even provide a few tasty snacks during the evening to give you some inspiration for your reception canapés or wedding breakfast.
After the initial excitement of the proposal, the planning stage of your engagement can be a stressful time for even the strongest of couples. Especially if you have been having a few ‘creative differences’ with your other half on ideas for your wedding day. Rather than letting this get in the way of enjoying the build up to one of the most important days of your relationship, why not plan a wedding-free weekend trip to remind you both of why you are engaged in the first place!
To really take advantage of alone time, you can take a look into a technology free retreat. Weather this be a quiet island paradise or glamping under the stars in a comfortable (and well-heated) yurt. Take a few days away from it all where nothing wedding related can be discussed – this will make the small creative differences seem much simpler to resolve and will remind you both of what is more important! – And remember to come up with a fun forfeit for the first person to mention anything wedding related!
Are you engaged this Valentine’s Day? We’d love to know your plans! Leave us some love in the comment box below.
]]>a.) A great excuse to plan a really special date or tell your crush how you feel.
b.) Fine if you’re with someone, awful if you’re single.
c.) A great money-making scheme for card and present companies.
a.) My other half. Or counting my Valentine’s cards from my many admirers.
b.) Myself.
c.) Whoever I happen to be with. I plan to ignore it entirely.
a.) I think it’s very romantic – and who doesn’t like gifts?
b.) Fine, but nobody’s given me a good gift in a very long time.
c.) Impersonal and gullible. Why not give gifts on days that mean something to you as a couple?
a.) I plan to get really dressed up. It’s nice for us to both make an effort sometimes.
b.) It would depend on the date and where we were going.
c.) A onesie. My date is with the TV, ignoring Valentine’s Day.
a.) Just one? Feel flattered but shrug it off. If they really like me they’ll make themselves known some time.
b.) Try to find out who it is to see if I’m interested in them.
c.) Chuck it in the bin. Anyone who’s really interested in me can tell me to my face.
You’re a hopeless romantic and you absolutely love Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a relationship or just batting off admirers, you adore the opportunity to show off your romantic side.
For gifts, go with something romantic and traditional. Jewellery, roses, heart balloons, the whole deal. If you’re dropping hints for yourself, what could be more OTT romantic than this gorgeous diamond heart pendant from vashi.com? For a card, go with something pretty with a sweet message, like this adorable Valentine’s Day stationery from Knots and Kisses. And the big date? A romantic table for two at a secluded restaurant, of course. If you can’t splash out on Valentine’s Day, when can you?
You’ve been burned, but you don’t entirely hate Valentine’s Day. If you’re in a relationship, do something extra special to get back in the spirit of things. If you’re single, grab your single mates and have a party, a la the movie, Valentine’s Day.
For a card, go with something short and sweet like this adorable message from Emma’s Invites on Etsy – it sends a message but it’s not too committal. You’re going to need something really personal and meaningful to restore your faith in Valentine’s Day, so if you’re in a relationship, seize the opportunity to express yourselves to each other. Whether you’re with someone or not, do something big to make yourself feel special, whether it’s indulging in these gorgeous pink cocktails with the girls (image courtesy of Collection 26 from one of their awesome events) or romantic fireworks (metaphorical or otherwise) with your other half.
You hate Valentine’s Day. It’s not that you’re not romantic, just that you don’t like being told you have to be. It’s OK, as long as you’re with someone who’s on the same page as you. If not, here are a few suggestions.
If you’re in a relationship with someone who loves Valentine’s Day, at least get them a sarcastic card to show them that, even though you don’t care about the day, you care about them. The above card from AvEHdesigns on Etsy is perfect for Valentine’s Day-phobes. Then stay in all evening watching unromantic movies. Bonus points for horror movies that have you staying extra close. You know, for safety. And finally, get a piñata and smash it to pieces. My favourite is this particularly sickly adorable pony from Birthday Express.
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