What's the cost of a great date? A total date package including expensive wine, elegant restaurant meal, and a newly released movie can cost a hundred dollars or more. That is even before the theater popcorn and candy. The good news is a cheap date doesn't have to mean fast food and the "dollar" movie theater! You can have a great date for less money if you exercise a little creativity, ingenuity, and preparation.

Create a dream date at home by preparing your own elegant meal and serving it with a bottle of wine on a candlelit table. Finish off the "date" with a rented romantic DVD movie. Another option is spending the day with your date by visiting free local attractions like museums, parks, art galleries, and historical sights. It's a fun way to enjoy each other's company and learning something new, too!