Is romance dead? Brits put a budget on love
With disposable incomes squeezed ever tighter, research from NerdWallet finds that practical partners do not expect their loved ones to spend big to spark romance
The idea of spending big to impress a partner seems burned into popular culture, but a new study by leading financial comparison website, NerdWallet challenges this widely held perception. The research reveals Brits across the country are willing to spend an average of £180.14 on a romantic gesture.
Respondents consider Christmas (27%) and birthdays (32%) the best excuses for splashing the cash on love, with less than one in 10 (7%) selecting Valentine’s Day. This is perhaps unsurprising considering 55% of Brits think of Valentine’s Day as forced and unromantic.
When it comes to expectations, two-thirds (66%) would prefer their partners to play it safe and never break the bank for romance. This could be a sensible mindset to have, given the rising cost of living and nationwide tightening of personal budgets.
On average, men are happy to spend almost £75 more than women on a romantic gesture (£221.59 versus £146.60), and a third of men feel that money spent on a gift or gesture does play a role in how well it is received, compared to 18% of women. However, 70% of women said that they would never expect a partner to spend beyond their means when making a romantic gesture. What’s more, 59% of all Brits feel that a gesture’s cost does not influence how romantic it is.
But just how far will the national average of £180 get you on a romantic date night? Here are a few options for those looking for love on a similar – or cheaper – budget:
● A night out on the town – take your love to new heights with dinner for two at the Marco Pierre White steakhouse perched at the top of the Shard in London for £85.
● A night in on the sofa – an M&S dine-in deal, a ‘free’ movie on your favourite streaming service, and a letterbox spa kit for two altogether comes in around £85.
● A night to remember – experience the glitz and glamour of an evening at The London Cabaret Club Show, complete with a three-course meal for two and an after-party complete with a DJ for £180.
“Although budgets are being squeezed and wallets hit because of increasing living costs, it’s still possible to strike big on romance with a modest budget. Setting aside small amounts of money each month is an effective way to grow your ‘romance pot’ so you have the funds available to treat your partner – whether it be a dinner out, a movie night on the sofa, or a more extravagant gesture,” says Connor Campbell, Senior Writer at NerdWallet.
Campbell continues: “Being savvy with your finances ought to be considered more romantic. If Brits are taking a sensible approach to making their loved ones feel special within their means, that demonstrates a considered approach to spending which will benefit couples looking to reach other milestones, such as a dream wedding, expensive honeymoon or buying their first house.”
Daters wanting to push the boat out without breaking the bank can even draw inspiration from the silver screen. For over one in 10 Brits, being transported to their favourite romantic movie scene, such as the iconic lift from Dirty Dancing, the pottery wheel moment from Ghost, or the “I’m flying” sequence from Titanic, would be seen as the ultimate movie-inspired gesture.
Armed with this knowledge, NerdWallet has priced up a selection of popular movie moments that would bring a touch of Hollywood magic to your next date night – including three for under £60.