Celebrating valentines on a budget

As the Beatles once said, money can’t buy you love. Although it would make Valentine’s Day easier, a lack of cash should not put a damper on Cupid’s connection. Here’s some ideas for getting out there with the one you love, or hope to someday love, without incurring overdraft fees.

First, think about the person’s interests and start building.

Are you dating someone who enjoys a nice glass of wine? It’s not always affordable, but wineries often offer tastings for $5 or less.

Next weekend, San Carlos-based Domenico Wines is hosting eight wineries from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 with free tastings coupled with chocolate pairings. Located at 1697 Industrial Road in San Carlos, the event is the first of a few next weekend. On Sunday, free tastings of the house wines will be available until 4 p.m. A $5 coverage begins at 4 p.m. when Candice & Co., a live swing jazz band, will play. A cash and wine bar will be available during that time. For more information visit www.domenicowines.com/.

Why not get hitched? No really, tie the knot. It could be for real, to renew a vow or simply a fun stunt, but a Vegas-inspired chapel will be designed at the W Hotel in San Francisco from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day offering free weddings along with champagne, a photographer and party favors for anyone wanting to take a leap of faith. Those who just want to watch fools rush in to get married are also welcome to come!

It may be free, but Urban Daddy (the Web site sponsoring the event) and the W hope to have a guest list. So don’t be rude, RSVP online at http://popupwedding.urbandaddy.com.

Maybe love is better expressed with a fight, nothing physical of course. Grab a pillow and head down to the Justin Herman Plaza, located at the foot of Market Street at the Embarcadero across from the Ferry Building.

In a mob-like fashion, more than 1,000 people gather annually to mark the day of love with a feather smackdown. There are some rules to this free event: Pillows can be filled with cotton or down, but not synthetic material and no extras; only people with pillow can be hit; and no hitting photographers.

The fight begins at the stroke of 6 p.m. Helpful hints from previous attendees include wearing a mask and closing your mouth —apparently feathers in the mouth equal choking. Also, pillows don’t always make it out of this fight in good shape. Bring a pillow with which you do not mind parting. No need to reserve a spot, just show up or visit www.pillowfight.info for more information.

Are you interested in someone who likes photographs?

There’s nothing like documenting the good times in a photo. It doesn’t have to be the best photo ever, just one that makes you smile. Taking it to a store like CVS, Walgreens or Target gives anyone the opportunity to edit a photo, like make it black and white if needed or simply make a copy in a short period of time.

Once edits are complete, grab a frame. Those same stores offer a variety of options in the below $10 price range. There’s a simple gift that has a special background. Reminding the recipient of the reasons that photo was chosen is easy: Use a permanent marker to write a special message on the back.

Or, start a scrapbook, something to document all the shenanigans to come. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just grab a photo album and get it started.

Valentine’s Day traditionally means dinner. Going out to eat is expensive, and often seems to have an inflated cost on holidays traditionally linked to the heart. Eat in. Cook together. The point is to be with the one you love, right? Try something new. Pick a recipe that’s new for you both and throw on the retro aprons to create a good time.

Making pasta is a fun challenge, as long as no one has a fear of flour or hates using a rolling pin. If making dinner together is too much of a challenge, give dessert a go.

Still wanting to go out but not willing to wait in the long lines, hit a pub. Seriously, go to a pub that serves food. Spending a low-key Valentine’s Day at Ausiello’s in Belmont four years ago fit the bill of romance well. There’s burgers, beers, plenty of games to challenge each other to and no one else around. No lines, waiting for reservations or a waiter hovering over the table hoping you’ll soon leave. Enjoy a brew and challenge your partner to shuffle board or liar’s dice.  

It’s simple, the day of love is to celebrate being with who you love not spending the most on that person.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.