One year ago on Saturday, I married the love of my life.  It actually feels like we’ve been married a lot longer! (We’ve been together for seven years).  I feel so lucky to be married to my best friend.

When Ben and I were talking about what we should do for our first wedding anniversary, the issue of money came up immediately.  As much as we would love a weekend getaway or a fancy dinner out, those things just aren’t priorities right now.  (We are currently focused on digging ourselves out of massive student loan debt.)

Luckily, an anniversary date doesn’t have to be expensive in order to be romantic and fun.  Your anniversary isn’t about spending money – it’s about enjoying your time together and showing the other person how much you care about them.

Try out one, or a few, of these cheap and fun ways to celebrate your anniversary!

 

Go out for breakfast, lunch, or dessert instead of dinner.  You’ll still get the experience of dining out, but without the heavy price tag.

 

Check out an old movie at a cheap theater.  Most movie tickets are $10+ on the weekend, and popcorn and soda are absurdly priced.  However, some theaters offer cheap tickets to “old” movies (ones that have been out of the regular theaters for a few weeks or months).  Skip the popcorn and Icees – protect your wallet and your waistline.

 

Go on a picnic.  Bring a home cooked meal, cheap wine, and a blanket.  And don’t forget the bug spray!

 

Have a board game night.  Play scrabble, Jenga, and other fun two-person games.

 

Go for a bike ride together.  Get your exercise, take in the pretty scenery, and have fun.

 

Watch your wedding videos and look at your photo albums.  Snuggle up on the couch together and watch your wedding video, go through your wedding photo albums, and reminisce about that special day.

 

Check out local landmarks and take photos together.  Be a tourist in your own city.

 

Go to a museum or art gallery.  Many museums offer free admission.

 

Find a scenic spot and go hiking together.  This is completely free and it’s great exercise!

 

Share your first dance again.  Get dressed up and dance to your first song again.

 

Make your spouse a list of all the things you love about them.  If you’re really creative, write them a song or a poem.

 

Return to the site of your wedding reception and have dinner there.  Ben and I had our wedding reception at a dinner theatre.  Part of our wedding package included free tickets to the dinner theatre show on our first anniversary.  Dinner shows cost about $80, so getting a free show is a pretty sweet deal!  Our wedding ceremony was at a sculpture garden, so we returned to the park, walked around, and took fun photos together.

 

Go roller skating and hold hands during the couple’s songs.  If your anniversary is in the winter, go ice skating instead.

(Featured image courtesy of Megan Bailey.)

 

How have you and your significant other celebrated your anniversaries?

 

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