We’ll admit it. Sometimes, we wish our love lives could play out exactly like a 2000s rom-com: the friends-to-lover tropes, rain confessions and happy endings? Sign us right up!
But the cutest scenes are the fun and creative dates, and it’s no secret that the iconic rom-com couples do them best. Whether you’re planning a first date with your class crush or a romantic night with your long-term S.O., here are a few date ideas inspired by your favorite onscreen lovers that are more than your usual dinner and movie.
27 Dresses: At-Home Fashion Show
We’ve all got that one dress (or 27) that’s reserved for special occasions only. While you might’ve had a birthday party or family wedding in mind, we’re here to tell you that a date at home can feel just as special.
Pull out your fave dresses and statement pieces (the quirkier the better), because you’re about to walk the runway for bae. Hit a few poses while they take pics (or rate your outfit combos), and you’ve got yourselves a DIY fashion show photo shoot.
10 Things I Hate About You: Backyard Paintball Date
@hulu Getting pelted with paint never looked more romantic. Now streaming: #10ThingsIHateAboutYou ♬ original sound – hulu
What’s more exciting than a little backyard competition? Put on your white jumpsuit, grab your goggles, fill as many water balloons as you can with paint and get ready to crush–oops, we mean play against–your date in a game of classic paintball.
Pro tip: We recommend playing in an area you can hose down afterwards (no mess, no stress!). Whoever ends with the cleanest suit wins.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days: IRL Sports Game
If it’s your date’s turn to pick the activity and you’re not up for the usual binge-watch, watching a sports game might be the perfect compromise. Check out a nearby basketball, baseball or hockey game and watch your fave team (and your love life) score points. And if sports aren’t your thing, DW! Just follow Andie Anderson’s lead–enjoy the snacks (especially the Diet Coke), cheer when everyone else does and hope that the kiss cam spots you and bae in the crowd.
Notting Hill: Bookstore Crawl
Imagine you’re in the corner of a bookstore, reading your fave Jenny Han novel, when your very own Will Thacker sits down right next to you.
Going book shopping is the perf way to unwind, relax and de-stress with that special someone. Grab a quick coffee, bring a couple tote bags and (bookstore) crawl through your TBR list. Whether you’re living in a friends-to-lovers, fake dating or grumpy + sunshine trope, we promise–perusing through the endless shelves with your date? *That’s* the kind of swoon-worthy romance you read about in your fave books.
50 First Dates: Brunch Date
Expectation: Brunch dates are typical, uneventful and tbh, a little awk.
Reality: Having brunch together is actually the perfect opportunity to have a quality convo (think: Henry *loved* having brunch with Lucy every day). We all need breaks from our busy schedules, and overlapping calendars can make quality time scarce for you and your S.O. That’s why an early morning brunch with them can be the perfect way to escape chaotic reality and instead, spend time debriefing your week with bae over waffles and scrambled eggs. The best part? Say hellooo to a new weekend tradition.
Tag us in your 2000s rom-com-inspired date pics on IG! @girlslifemag
Need more inspo for date night? Head right this way…
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Images: @livlaughwhatpodcast, @primemovies, @katehudson, @doctor2m_universe
All GIFs via GIPHY
