Romance doesn't need to break the bank

If money is tight, but you still want to romance your special someone, all it takes is a little creativity to plan an affordable date. Sarah Hardie offers 10 dating tips that will not put a dent in your wallet.
1. The classic picnic is big on romance and very easy on the wallet. Pack a blanket, some sandwiches, fruit and drinks and head to a romantic spot such as the park or the beach. Buying food from the supermarket can be a lot cheaper and healthier than splashing out on fast food.
2. Sunny days call for icecream, so take your date to an icecream parlour and go for a walk through the park or down the beach. This way, you get to enjoy the fresh air and get to know each other better, something you can't do by going to the movies, which can cost up to $50.
3. Local festivals are also a good way to spend a whole day together without spending a lot of money. Check out your paper's events section. The majority of these festivals feature free entertainment, including live music, fun activities, cheap food, and lots of booth browsing.
4. Biking is also a great way to spend the day together. Head out on the trails for some nice scenery and fresh air. The only cost to this is a cheap picnic lunch from the supermarket from $10-$15.
5. If it's raining and cold outside, snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate and some DVDs. To make it even cheaper, forget the new releases and rent some classic movies, which usually cost from $2-$5.
6. Board games are also a great way to spend a rainy day inside and are good for a laugh. Challenge each other to an old-fashioned game of Monopoly, chess or Scrabble. If you have no old board games lying around, go to a $2 Shop or The Warehouse and pick up a set of cards.
7. For a romantic night out, skip the expensive dinner and head out to your favourite restaurant for dessert and coffee. Depending on the restaurant, you can expect to spend between $10 and $20. Save even more money and up the romance factor by sharing a dessert.
8. Try the classic home-cooked meal, complete with candles and romance. A simple pasta meal can be cheap and delicious, costing between $10 and $20. Look on the internet for easy recipes and top it with a parsley leaf for that professional touch.
9. After your meal, grab a sleeping bag each and head outside for some star gazing. To make it more interesting, pick up a star-constellation guide from a bookstore - check the second-hand ones first, you may be able to get one for $1-$10.
10. If money is extremely tight, try going for a walk, relaxing on the beach, visiting museums or window shopping, all of which you can do for free.