05/03/2012
Speed Dating – How it all works?
Speed dating is a fun experience which everyone wants to try at least once! For some of us it’s something new, and for others, it’s a tried and tested idea. They think it’s amazing so they come again and again. To make sure everyone knows how to speed date, these simple guidelines and frequently asked questions will answer all your queries and leave you at ease.
What is speed dating?
Speed dating is where you have lots of dates in one night. Each date will last 3-4 minutes and its lots of fun. As you finish each speed date, you decide whether you want to meet that person again or not. If you like the person, you put a ‘ X ’ on your sheet. You can leave it blank if you didn’t like them.
What sort of people go Speed Dating?
Most speed daters are professionals who want to meet new people. They’re generally normal, attractive people who just aren't meeting people through their work or immediate circle of friends.
How many people will I meet?
We aim to have 20 men and 20 women at each speed dating event. Hence you will have 20 speed dates. However, this number varies depending on the venue. Plus, if you have any more speed dates, you will be lost for words and forget who you have met by the end of the night.
Is 3 to 4 minutes long enough?
Yeah, 3 or 4 minutes is long enough. The timing is long enough for you to know if you like someone or not and whether you would like to devote a few hours getting to know each other on a further date. Plus, three or four minutes is a long time to spend with someone you don’t ‘click’ with.
How can I expect the evening to go?
The evening is most likely to be a fun and enjoyable experience that you will share with all your friends and colleagues for the coming days and weeks. When you arrive you will be greeted by one of our hosts who will register you and supply you with your name badge and scorecard. Whilst everybody is arriving and registering themselves, you are welcome to buy a drink at the bar and enjoy the company of fellow speed daters. Once everybody has registered, we will be seated. To begin, the layout of the speed dating event will be shared with you and an opportunity to ask questions too.
The speed dating event will be split in to two parts. In the first half, you will get ten 3-4 minutes speed dates. After each speed date, the gentlemen will be asked to move round in a clockwise direction. In order to give everyone a short break, refill their glasses or just a chance to relax, a short 15 minute recess will ensue. After the break, the remainder ten speed dates will occur. At the end of the evening, all completed tick sheets will be collected.
After the speed dating sessions have finished, don't go rushing off, as the evening doesn’t end there - the bar stays open and the guests usually stay on and mingle to get to know each other better.
What should I wear?
Smart casual is best. You want to feel confident and comfortable – that’s the main thing.
Can I come alone?
Most speed daters will come alone. Once you have registered, you are more than welcome to mingle and have a drink with others at the bar. Plus you can bring a friend or two if you like – the more the merrier.
Will I get lots of dates?
There is no guarantee on the number of dates you will. A match only occurs where both people have indicated that they like each other and want to meet again. The number of dates you get will depend on the number of matches you have. Be sure to choose carefully to ensure you get the most out of each date. Note, you will only get a date if both persons have ticked or said YES.
Do I get to see who like me?
For safety and to protect the identities of all those attending, we are unable to share personal information such as who liked you. We will only share personal information where a match has occurred and both persons have confirmed it is okay for us to share their personal information with their matches. Note, you will only get a date (and find out if someone likes you) if both persons have ticked or said YES.
When will I know if I have a match?
The most exciting and nerve racking thing about speed dating is waiting for and finding out about your matches. You will be contacted within 24 hours of the event to let you know your matches. We can let you know via email or text.
How do I pay for the event?
The event will cost £10 per person and everybody is expected to pay for the event at registration. When you come to the event, you will be asked to register. During the registration process, you will be able to pay for participating in the event via cash only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept credit or debit cards due to restrictions at the venue. Moreover, there are no refunds unless in exceptional circumstances.
Does your venue have wheelchair access?
Due to the variety of events we run and the range of venues we use, we cannot guarantee wheelchair access. It is advised that you one contact one of the organisers before the event in order to confirm wheelchair access. Due to that events will be held in pubs/bars, they should all have wheelchair access.
Being safe and having fun
Having fun is what speed dating is all about. However, you have to ensure your safety at all times. In order to ensure you have fun in a safe environment, the hosts will do everything they can. The hosts will ensure they are fully alert to what is happening at the event and will act upon on any of the concerns you share with us. Similarly, for your own safety, you should not share any personal information with anyone. The speed dating event is held in a pub/bar hence a public place. You are therefore around lots of people so you will feel safe and able to have fun in a secure environment.
