1. Set a night: one of the best ways to ensure that you take a date night, and have it every single week is to have a set night. It does not matter what night of the week, just pick one.
2. Tell everyone: let your friends, family, work, church, etc. know that whatever night you chose is date night, and that is what you will be doing. People will be less likely to ask you to do something else if they already know you have something planned. So, ask for that night off work, make it on your schedule that you can't, and let your boss, etc. know that you will not be available EVER on the night you choose.
3. Set up a regular babysitter: if you have someone who plans on watching your children every Monday, for example, then you will be more likely to go on a date because not only will you be letting your spouse down, you will also be letting your babysitter down. They may count on the money etc. Plus, you never have the excuse of not having someone to care for your children.
4. Plan things: if you do not have a plan, you are less likely to go. So, plan in advance, or draw an activity randomly from a hat. Write it on a calendar. For example, write: "Go to Chili's for dinner." Then, you will plan on it for a week in advance, and if it is on your calendar, you are less likely to make alternate plans.
5. Write down how it went: one of the best ways to make date night a priority is to recognize how great it is as a stress reliever and relationship booster. So, when you get home from an especially great date night, take a minute and write in a journal how fun it was. If you later think about skipping it, or think something else is more important, look back at it. You will then realize how important it is to maintain date night, and make it a priority as it really boosts your relationship, and makes you happy.
6. Make a plan B: life happens, we all know that, so if you do end up with a work emergency, a family emergency, or your babysitter cancels, you may have to cancel your date on your specified date night. So, if your specific date night gets bombarded, then have another night as a backup. Also, have a plan B type date. So, if your babysitter does not show up, rent a movie, make a nice dinner, and put your kids to bed early.

Dating after marriage is also a lot of fun. You should not give it up, rather make it a priority. If you have little money, be sure to plan inexpensive activities, try hikes, picnics, play games with friends, go to a book store and enjoy looking through cook books, or grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. It does not matter what you do on your date night, just be sure to have one.