Save the Date Night… But which night is the best one for you?

(Disclaimer: This is based on my own experience with my husband and our Monday to Friday work life, so if that doesn’t apply to you, just do what works best for you!)

So, you’ve decided to go for it—weekly date night! That’s awesome! But now comes the big question: which night should you pick? There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what works for you as a couple. And hey, if you want to mix it up each week, go for it!

But if you work Monday to Friday like my husband and I do, weekends might seem like the obvious choice for date night, right? No work the next day, time to fully relax, and the whole evening feels like one big “I made it through the week!” celebration. 

But here’s the catch—weekends often fill up fast with social commitments. They’re the time to catch up with family, celebrate milestones with friends, or just enjoy quality time with the kids. And while those moments are wonderful, they can leave very little room to focus on each other as a couple.

If you’re a parent (like us), you’ll also know that weekends come with their own level of exhaustion. Between managing activities, playdates, and keeping up with the kids, weekends often feel more demanding than my actual weekday job of teaching! Adding a date night on top of that can make the morning after… challenging.

That’s why, after years of trial and error, we discovered that midweek date nights work best for us. It’s a dedicated time to connect without the distractions or busyness of the weekend. But which night works best? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each day:

Save the Date Night on… MONDAY – The fresh start of the week

Pros:

• Kick-start your week: What better way to start the week than with some quality time together? A Monday date night can set a positive tone for the rest of the week.
• Avoid Monday blues: A date on Monday could be the perfect cure for those dreaded Monday morning blues. It’s something to look forward to after a day back at work.
• Less crowded places: Date night spots may be less busy than on weekends, making it a more intimate, quieter experience.

Cons:

• Tough to get motivated: After a weekend of family time and chores, it can feel like the last thing you want to do is head out for a night out. By Monday, you’re still shaking off the exhaustion of the weekend.
• Only one day into the week: It’s tough to feel relaxed when you’ve just started your workweek, knowing you have four more days to go.

Save the Date Night on… Tuesday – The underappreciated option

Pros:

• Settled into the week: You’re over the Monday hump and might feel more relaxed, ready to enjoy the night.
• Less crowded: Date night spots may be less busy than on weekends, making it a more intimate, quieter experience.

Cons:

• Midweek fatigue: You might already be feeling the grind and lack the energy for a fun evening.
• Tuesday feels…meh: It’s stuck in the middle of the week, and you’re still facing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Not exactly inspiring!

Save the Date Night on… Wednesday – Hump Day!

Pros:

• Midweek pick-me-up: Wednesday date can feel like a reward after making it through the first half of the week, and is a great way to break up the routine, and it 
• Rarely overbooked: Like Monday and Tuesday, it’s often quieter, so you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cons:

• More work to come: You still have Thursday and Friday to face, which can feel daunting after a fun night out.

Save the Date Night on… Thursday – Almost there!

Pros:

• The weekend feels close: You’ve only got one more day to go, so Thursday night feels like a pre-weekend celebration – an “almost Friday” if you like.
• Less stress: With Friday right around the corner, you’re usually less stressed about work the next day, giving you the freedom to enjoy the evening fully.

Cons:

• Early night: You might find yourself wrapping up early to get enough rest before work.
• Tired from the week: By Thursday, you’re likely feeling a bit run down from the week’s workload, so it can be tough to find energy for a late-night adventure.

Save the Date Night on… Friday – The big finale

Pros:

• End of the workweek: You’ve made it! Friday night feels like the ultimate reward.
• Excitement in the air: There’s lots of people and lots of “buzz”, and everything feels extra special.
• Let loose: No work the next day means you can indulge in a longer, more relaxed night.

Cons:

• It’s busy: Everyone else is out, so expect crowds, long lines, and packed spots.
• Weekend fatigue: After a long week of work, kids, and life, you might be exhausted by Friday evening. The thought of getting dressed up and heading out can feel more like a chore than a treat. You might just want to collapse on the sofa instead.
• Waking up early for kids: The reality of an early wake-up to take care of the kids can kill the mood.

Save the Date Night on… Saturday – The social butterfly’s dream

Pros:

• Plenty of time to enjoy the night: With no work the next day, you can really unwind.
• More options: Saturday nights are great for events, dinner, movies—endless possibilities!
• Energy levels are high: After a relaxing morning, you’re energised and ready for a fun night.

Cons:

• Tired-out: After a full day with the kids, you might be more exhausted than after a workweek!
• Crowded: Popular spots are packed, so expect waiting and less intimacy.
• Waking up early for kids: Same as Friday night, the reality of an early wake-up to take care of the kids can kill the mood.
• Family and friends: Fridays often kick off weekend gatherings with friends or family, leaving little room to carve out time for a private date night.

Save the Date Night on… Sunday – The chill, low-key affair:

Pros:

• Relaxing way to wrap up the weekend: Sunday date night is calm, with no pressure to “go big.”
• Less crowded: Fewer people out, so you get a quieter, more intimate experience.

Cons:

• Pre-work anxiety: The looming workweek can bring stress and low energy, making the date feel a little less exciting.
• Weekend’s winding down: Sunday night is a reminder that the weekend is over, which can kill the vibe if you’re dreading the workweek.
• Family and friends: Saturdays are often reserved for socialising with loved ones, which can leave your couple-time feeling like an afterthought.

OUR PICK:

For us, Wednesday is our date night! It’s the perfect break in the middle of the week—enough of a breather to push through, but not so close to the weekend that you’re left wishing for more. It’s our sacred night! We rarely move it! But if we need to reschedule, we always make sure to find another night that week—any date is better than no date, right?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, though. The key is consistency!  No matter which day you choose, make it your sacred time together. Because in the end, it’s not about which day works best; it’s about making sure you always have time to reconnect, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.

What do you think—do you have a favourite night, or are you still figuring it out? Let me know!