When you're planning a first date there is am immediate temptation to spend a lot of money. Perhaps you believe that showing off with cash will impress the other person and you'll appear more successful. If so, think twice. It's in your best interest to find something really inexpensive to do.
Here's why:
1. Set a low bar. If the first date works out, you'll be going on future dates with this person. Spending a lot of money on the first date will make it more difficult to impress him/her later on. By setting a low bar (cost-wise), you make it easier to exceed expectations in the future.
2. Remove the money factor. Money can't buy happiness. Even if you are well-off, going on an inexpensive first date ensures that your partner comes back for you, not the money. It can be hard to distinguish feelings at times, so it's always helpful to remove confusing factors like finances.
3. Have easier anniversaries. Women love to celebrate anniversaries. They even like to re-create important dates by doing the same thing again. If the first date with your wife was a $150 dinner, that can be a costly event to re-create when you have 4 kids. But if you went on a picnic or met at a small cafe, it's easy to relive that special moment.