What is Speed Dating?

Single people are increasingly busy both professionally and socially and can often find it a challenge to fit in finding a partner. What’s more we now live in an age where we’re used to things happening quickly. Speed dating is the perfect solution for the modern single person- with a basic format of a series of 3-5 minute conversations with a around 15-20 members of the opposite sex in a relaxed and sociable environment, speed dating has evolved into a modern dating phenomenon and has earned its place as a brilliant and enjoyable way to meet new and interesting people, gain a wider social circle and even find romance.

What to expect?

Upon arrival to the speed dating venue, you’ll be greeted by your host or hostess who will give you a name badge and a scorecard, and assign you with a number. If you arrive early, you’ll also have the chance to mingle with the other single people there for the event. Before the dating gets underway, all the girls will be seated and the boys with the same number will sit opposite.

How does the dating work?

The host or hostess will ring a bell to signal the beginning of the first date, where everyone will have a conversation and then at the end of the date, based on first impressions they’ll indicate on their scorecard if there’s been a spark! After the end of the first date, the host or hostess will ring the bell again and the boys will move on to the next girl.

This process will continue until all the boys have rotated around all the girls. Speed dating often takes place in bars or cafes so people will often remain after the dating for some socialising- which is ideal if they’ve met someone they liked! After the session, the people who’ve attended can go on to a website and register their interest in whoever they’ve liked- and see who likes them. They will then be able to make contact and the rest is up to them!

Advantages of Speed Dating

First impressions count: Various studies show that we make our minds up about people within the first three minutes of meeting them, which just goes to show that love at first sight can happen

Meeting someone compatible: Increasingly speed dating events will have a criteria, such as age or profession, meaning that you’re more likely to meet someone you’ve got something in common with

The right environment: It can be really hard to meet someone amongst a regular social circle or a night out in a bar or a club. Speed dating events provide a relaxed atmosphere- sociable, yet civilised enough for a conversation (rather than having to shout across a crowded dance floor)

Time is the essence: For busy professional people, speed dating offers convenience like no other social event- its efficient, structured and eliminates the need to make an awkward approach- ultimately everyone is there for the same reason….