Here's How To Make Your Valentine's Day Insanely Romantic (Slideshow)

If you want to take your Valentine's Day over the top with romance this year, there are plenty of ways to do so, and they don't even have to cost very much money.

Planning a surprise is big way to keep the romance alive in your relationship. Sure, your significant other will expect flowers, small presents, chocolates, and a nice dinner out on Valentine's Day, but wow them by spreading your celebrations throughout the entire third week of February. Take them to dinner on Feb. 11, give them flowers on Feb. 17, or bring home some decadent desserts on Feb. 13. This is an easy way to let your love know the romance doesn't die on Feb. 15.

For "12 Decadent Chocolate Desserts," click here.
 

This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday. Take advantage of this mid-week date by taking a few days off work and planning a little getaway for you and your love. You don't have to go far; just find a new city you've both been dying to go to or a cozy, romantic bed and breakfast and enjoy each other's company away from the stresses of life.

For "20 Breathtakingly Romantic Valentine's Day Getaways," click here.
 

Make your Valentine's Day special right from the start by serving your love breakfast in bed. Decorate a food tray with some of your significant other's favorite flowers, brew them a nice cup of coffee, and cook their favorite breakfast foods. If the special attention starts first thing in the morning, it's going to start the day off on a highly romantic note.

For "The 10 Best Breakfast-in-Bed Recipes," click here.

OK, maybe you can't take two days off work at the beginning of the year. But you know what you can do? "Get sick." Taking a spontaneous day off gives your day an element of surprising (and sexy) romanticism. Use your free day to explore your city. Go to a museum, have a long lunch at a favorite restaurant, and enjoy a day free of work responsibilities with your significant other.

For "Art and Food: The 10 Best Museum Cafés Around the World," click here.

No matter what you're doing on Valentine's Day, you should dress to the nines. Ladies, break out an old, favorite cocktail dress. Men, feel free to don your favorite, slim-cut suit and a flashy tie. Even if you're just cooking dinner in, looking good will make the day feel special and romantic. Later, dress down with some sexy new lingerie and see where the night takes you from there.

We can't emphasize enough how important full attention on your loved one can be for igniting romance. This Valentine's Day, keep your cell phones far away. Do little things to remind your significant other that you love them. Instead of burying yourselves in your phones, have deep conversations, hold your love's hand, and give them little kisses on the cheek and forehead. These small acts will help you to feel connected.

Spending money on material gifts isn't the only way to show your affection for another person, but piling on the presents is a tangible way to show you care. You don't have to spend a whole paycheck on expensive jewelry, dozens of roses, or a fancy new outfit. A thoughtful card, a framed photo of a favorite memory, or a coupon book filled with small tasks you can do for (or with) your love are all great, budget-friendly gift ideas you can give en masse. 

Heat things up this Valentine's Day... in the kitchen. When you go out to dinner, skip the restaurant's dessert and go home together to make a new, interesting dessert you and your significant other have always been dying to try. A strawberry-infused tiramisu, a classic bananas Foster, or a rich dark chocolate tart are all romantic, decadent dishes you can easily make together.

For why you and your love should cook together, click here.

If you're the type of couple who usually buys the cheapest red or white wine at your local grocery store, expand your palette and treat yourselves to a fancy bottle of wine. Even growing your budget to $20 or $40 can open you to a whole new world of delicious wines this Valentine's Day, and the bottle will feel even more special if you pick it out together.

For 10 perfect wines for Valentine's Day, click here.

Spending quality time together is really what takes a Valentine's Day from pretty nice to insanely romantic. In addition to serving your love breakfast and bed and showering them with gifts, pamper them in big ways throughout the day. Give them a full-body massage, complete with music, candles, and incense. Try your best to give your girlfriend or wife a manicure. And at the end of a long day, run a bubble bath for your significant other. Then, feel free to hop in the tub, too. It is Valentine's Day, after all.