Speed Dating - A perfect complement to Dating Online or a Dating Agency?

Speed dating is very very different to using an online dating site in the UK. For a start, you are *really* unlikely to know anything much at all about the people you are meeting. Secondly, your time is managed for you...so, if you find someone you like a lot, you will just get a taster (although that also means that you won't have to stay with someone who you can't stand for too long). Thirdly your dates are managed for you - although, in reality most speed dating companies will accept anyone who books. Finally, the whole thing is face to face - from start to finish. Take a look at Date the UK where they have recommended speed dating companies and offer a discount of 15% to registered (free) members

So, how does Speed Dating work?

• Generally between 16 and 40 men and women are involved
• You arrive at a venue and are given a number.
• You are paired off and get anything from between three and ten minutes to chat and get to know the person opposite you
• A bell or buzzer is sounded and the man moves on to the next table while the woman stays put.
• You both discretely mark your card as to whether you want to see him or her again
• At the end of the evening, you hand in your cards and the event organiser then 'matches' individuals and forwards email contact details if there is a mutual match.

Speed Dating vs Online Dating - the Good Points

For men, unlike online dating sites, there are generally more women who apply (although the organisers will always try to keep a 50/50 ratio for the night. So, your chance of a date is good

Everyone has to pay something...and it cuts out the kids who are messing around on their school pc.

Generally, there is an age group so that you will be meeting other people of around your age

Unlike online dating, you get a real chance, very quickly to see if there is any chemistry.

Taken in the right spirit, it is fun and a good night out for not too much money!

Most cities in the UK have regular speed dating events that you can go along to. So, whether you are in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Birmingham, you should find something for you!

Speed Dating Vs Online Dating - the Bad Points!

The venue can make or break the evening...and you don't get much choice!

Some of the participants can be there for a laugh or to help out a truely single friend. So, you might very well find that Mr or Ms X isn't single at all but only there to help their mate.

If you are a bit shy, it can feel very pressured

If you do want to talk for longer, you can't.

Just like there are serial online dating members, there are serial speed daters who use the events to find next week's meat(!) - so the same safety rules still apply.

How to make the most out of Speed Dating

All the normal rules of body language apply:- Smile, hold your head up and make eye contact

Try to have a repertoire of 'speed dating questions' just like you would for a job interview. Then, if you get lost for words you can fill the gap

Wear smart casual rather than office clothes...you will feel comfier with the less formally dressed attendees.

Have a drink before you go, if that helps you to relax

Take a friend, but try to make sure they are genuinely single too! and don't book at the same time, or you might find that they are sitting next to you!!!

Finally, don't be too picky about who you tick! remember, you've only given them 3 mins of your time so far. But, a word of caution, don't do as one lady we know and tick everyone or you will be inundated!!!

Who to consider and the alternatives to speed dating

We recommend HurryDate and miniDates for speed dating events around the country. They operate very different models, with HurryDate ensuring you meet as many people as possible, while miniDates slow the event down. It's up to you what suits you best

An alternative is to try a Singles Event like those offered by The Single Solution. You will find that they sometimes have a mini speed dating taster at their parties, which are set up to provide a mix of 50/50 professionals.

Good Luck and Happy Speed Dating