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ABOUT SPEED DATING EVENTS

What is the format of a speed dating event?

On arrival at the venue, you will be welcomed and signed in by our team. There will then be a short period while you will be able to settle in, mingle, and grab a drink whilst everyone arrives. You will also receive a scorecard and a unique number for the evening. Original Dating doesn't make you wear name badges.

We will then give a brief introduction to the evening explaining everything that you will need to know about the format. 

Your first date will begin and you'll speak to that person for four minutes before the guys are asked to move to the next person in order. The event continues like this until everyone has met everyone else. After each date, you will need to indicate on your scorecard if you would like to see the other person again, this helps you to remember each person the next day.

Every speed dating event is split into two halves with a short break in between. 

How long does the event last?

With breaks, our events tend to last up to 2 and a half hours. Most people tend to stay after the event for a few drinks and to socialise further.

How many dates will I get?

You will get around 15-20 dates at an Original Dating event however as we can never guarantee exact numbers occasionally you will meet a few more and sometimes fewer than this. 

Will the numbers of girls and guys be equal?

We work very hard to make sure the numbers of male and female participants are equal or almost equal. Although we can never guarantee this - numbers at most of our events are equal.

I've been to one of your events and I'm keen to find out which of my friend matches actually ticked yes to me

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide this information. Speed dating is designed to be totally rejection-free so to provide this information would detract from this unique feature.

How long do I get with each date?

You will get 4-5 minutes with each date. Most other companies give three but we believe the extra time really does make the difference.

Do I get time between dates to make my ticks and notes?

You will get one minute to make your mind up between dates. Don't forget you don't have to totally make up your mind until the next day when you enter your matches online.

Can I bring a friend for moral support?

Yes, of course, although they will not be able to stay in the room after the dating event starts. Don't worry! By then you will have already started to meet plenty of people.

How many people come on their own?

We have found around 40% of our clients come on their own.

What kind of people go speed dating?

Typically our clients are young professionals that simply don't have the time to meet as many new people as they would like. Our clients are normal, often very attractive fun people. Basically the kind of people you want to meet.

I'm just outside your age guide for an event can I still attend?

Yes, but please be aware that the majority of people will be aged within the age guide. Be realistic, and only book events where you are likely to meet people of a similar age to you.

How many events can I attend?

You are welcome to attend as many speed dating events as you wish. Most people that attend events are new to speed dating so you are unlikely to ever meet the same people twice at our events.

Do you ever offer discounted tickets?

Very occasionally we do offer cheap last-minute tickets if we have a late cancellation. These cheap tickets are only ever offered to past clients so in order to claim these you always have to pay full price for an event first.

I can't make it now - can I send a friend in my place?

Yes - provided they are the same sex as you this will not be a problem. Just give them a copy of your booking confirmation to take with them.

What's the dress code?

We don't have a specific dress code. We would always suggest that you wear what you feel comfortable in but do make an effort. Some of our clients come from work so they are wearing business dress and others have time to get changed first - it's entirely up to you.

Can my company sponsor your events?

Yes. Contact us to discuss the various opportunities available. Our client base is high earning 23-35-year-old urban professionals.

We have organised private corporate events, TV events, and several large business networking events too. We have worked with TV companies, PR firms and more over the years.

Check out our events calendar for details of forthcoming speed dating events.   

 

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ORIGINAL DATING IN THE PRESS
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HOW IT WORKS

The beauty of Speed Dating London lies in its no-nonsense approach. You take an equal number of single girls and guys, put them in a room and give them a few minutes to chat with every other member of the opposite sex.

When you get there

Original speed dating events in London normally begin at 7.30pm. You will need to register with our hosts and to begin with they will issue you with a score sheet. This will help you to keep track of the singles that you would like to meet again and perhaps go on a date with. After a short period of mingling, your host for the evening who will run through detailed instructions and give you your starting position if you are a guy or table for the event if you are a girl.

Meet & Mingle

A London speed dating event is split into two halves, each lasting around an hour, there will be an interval at half time of about 15 minutes for speed dating London. You will have between 4 and 5 minutes with each person, after which you need to tick a box on your score sheet - "yes, I would like to meet this person again" or "no. Thanks but no thanks". Or "friend" if you'd like to get to know them platonically. Make sure that you do this after each date to keep track. Afterwards there is an opportunity for everyone to meet and mingle informally - this is often where the real action begins, so make sure you don't disappear too quickly!

Complete your score sheet

After the event you simply tick who you liked on the Original Dating website and the site works about your matches automatically. If the dates you have ticked as a "yes" have reciprocated you have a match. You will be able to view the first names and message them via our site online without revealing your email address until you are ready to. You'll be having proper first dates in no time.