Frequently asked questions
Although Dating Trail features speed dating events from a variety of UK speed dating organisers, the basics of any speed dating event tend to remain the same. For a detailed description of a specific speed dating event it's worth clicking through to your chosen supplier website however below we've put together a run down of what you can expect to experience at a typical speed dating event in the UK.
Speed dating
What's the format of a Speed Dating event?
On arrival at your chosen venue you will be welcomed and registered by your hosts for the evening.
Normally at this point you'll receive your scorecard (to keep track of who you've met) and a pen.
There will then be a short period while you will be able to settle in, mingle, get a drink and chat with the other attendees.
Once everyone has arrived the hosts will start by giving you a brief introduction to the evening explaining everything that you will need to know about the format and how the matching will work.
Speed Dating events are normally split into two halves with either one or two short breaks.
Once the event starts you will then be asked to sit at your pre-determined starting table with your first date. At most events girls remain at the same table for the duration of the event and the guys move around the tables in numerical order after each date.
After meeting each person, you will need to indicate on the scorecard whether you would like to see the other person again (or not!)
A whistle blow or a bell signifies the end of each date.
Once you've met everyone the hosts will end with a brief rundown of how the online matching system will work and you'll be free to continue mingling and chatting for as long as you like!
How long do speed dating events last?
With breaks most events tend to last up to 2 and a half hours. Afterwards you'll find that most people will stay on for a few drinks - this is often when the real fun begins!
Will the numbers of girls and guys be equal?
Speed dating organisers work very hard to make sure the numbers of male and female participants are equal or almost equal. Although we can never guarantee that everyone who has paid will turn up.
How many people will I meet at the event?
You will meet around 15-20 people at most speed dating events however organiser can never guarantee exact numbers occasionally you will meet a few more and sometimes a few less than this.
How long do I spend with each person?
Depending on the company you choose you will get around 4 minutes with each person so do make the most of your time!
What kind of people go speed dating?
Typically people are young professionals that simply don't have the time to meet as many new people as they would like. A high percentage are university graduates but not in all cases. In our experience clients are normal, often very attractive fun people. Basically the kind of people you want to meet!
Do I get time between dates to make my ticks and notes?
Yes - but not that long! It's important for the organisers to keep everyone moving, particularly if the event is very busy so try to make your ticks and notes quickly after each date. You'll be able to make more detailed notes during the breaks. 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?
In most cases this is fine, although they will not normally be able to stay after the dating starts. Don't worry! By then you will have already begun to meet plenty of new people. Do check with the company first if you want to bring a friend who isn't taking part.
How many people attend events on their own?
We have found around a third of our clients attend speed dating events on their own. There's not problem with this - after all speed dating events are about meeting new people anyway.
I'm just outside the published age guide for an event can I still attend?
In most cased this won't be a problem, but please be aware that the majority of people will be aged within the age guide. There's such a variety of speed dating events available that I'm sure you'll find the right event for you on Dating Trail.
How many events can I attend?
You are welcome to attend as many speed dating events as you wish. The more events that you attend - the better your chances of meeting someone you hit it off with!
I can't make it now - can I send a friend in my place?
In most cases yes - but you will need to contact the company that you placed your booking with. You will have their details on your booking confirmation email. If you can't make it it's essential you inform the company as this can effect the running of the event.
Is there a Dress code?
The majority of speed dating events don't have a specific dress code. We would always suggest that you wear what you feel most comfortable in. Some clients come from straight from work so they're wearing business dress and others have time to get changed first - it's entirely up to you! If you're looking for a bit of inspiration on this front, visit our style tips section.
Booking Questions
DatingTrail is a speed dating marketing website. Therefore we cannot handle your booking enquiries. When you have found an event that you want to attend - click the booking link which will take you through to the organiser's website. Once their you will be able to read up on their FAQ's and even drop them an email.
Online Matching
Most of the companies on our website offer online matching. This means that after an event you log in to their website and 'tick' the people you want to see again.
The system will then work our any mutual matches and your email exchange contact details to enable you to get in touch with your matches.
Online matching will take place the morning after the event. You will normally receive an email when the system has been opened.
For further, more detailed info please contact the company you choose to book with.
Technical Issues
If you have any technical problems with the Dating Trail website please contact us. If you have problems with the website of your speed dating company please contact them directly.
Wine Tasting Dating
Wine Tasting Dating evenings are a novel way to meet new people whilst trying great new wines. Wine tasting dating allows you to meet people in groups of 6-10 rather than one-on-one like traditional speed dating.
What should I expect a Wine Tasting Dating event?
A number of dating companies organize these evening and each uses a slightly different format. The information below is a general guide but please do check your chosen company's website for detailed information.
The format in general
Once everyone has arrived the host will begin a brief introduction including hints and tips plus and a brief description of the wines you will taste during the event.
Everyone will then take their seats and the tasting of the first wine begins. Please remember to arrive on time as we can't always let you in if you're really late!
Once everyone is seated in their first group of six (it's normally 3 guys, 3 girls) the wine tasting begins. You then have around 12 minutes to taste the first wine, chat and get to know your first set of co-tasters.
When your time is up the end of the date is signaled and at this point the groups move on to their next table and collect the wines for their next tasting group. The male groups tend to move around whereas the girls normally stay at the same table. The rotations continue until all groups have met all the members of the opposite sex and tasted all the available wines.
Quiz Speed Dating
Quiz Speed Dating one of the latest spin-offs of speed dating. Quiz Dating is essentially a speed dating event and a fun pub quiz all rolled into one.
What's the format for Quiz Dating?
Normally the group is divided into teams of around 3 girls and 3 guys per team and seated at your starting tables where you get to meet your first team mates.
The quiz begins and the first few questions are called just like a normal quiz night. As you ponder the answers you of course get to chat with and get to know your new team mates as a group. Now, remember this is an Original quiz so it's bound to have a twist!
At the end of the first round the guy's teams then move on to the next table of ladies and the quiz normally continues like this for 4 rounds until all the guys have met all the girls.
Dinner Dating
Dinner Dating is an established concept in the dating industry and several companies operate in the market. Most dinner dates take place at premium venues and the ticket price will normally include a three course meal and an additional activity. This activity can be anything from dancing, cookery lesions, a theatre show or even go-karting.
Lock and Key Parties
Lock and Key parties are one of the most fun ways to meet lots of new people in one night. Lock & Key parties are larger scale than speed dating and often attract in excess of 250 people per event.
Expect less structure than at a speed dating event, essentially the lock & keys provide you with the perfect icebreaker and forms the catalyst for a very sociable, fun night out with and even the chance to win prizes on the night!
What is the format of a Lock & Key Party?
On arrival Girls are issued with a small padlock to wear around their necks and guys are issued with a key. The is you icebreaker! The idea is to simply to work the room, trying keys in Locks and vice versa. All the time meeting new people as you go.
These events allow for you to be as forthcoming as you like - you can either feverishly work the room or simply stand back and let people come to you.
What happens when a key opens a Lock - Is that the end?
No, this is a match! Once your have a match with someone simply return to the registration desk and present you open lock and key. The hosts will then issue you and your match with a new lock and key and also you both will receive a draw ticket. You are then free to continue meeting new people or chatting to your match.
How long do the parties last?
Between two and four hours.
What are the chances a lock opening?
You normally have a great chance of getting a lock and key match. There are normally several keys in circulation for each lock so you will get many matches in one event provided you are mingling!
How many people attend?
Although we can't guarantee exact numbers our events typically attract 120 people plus. Some events exceed 500 people.
Are the numbers of girls and guys equal?
Yes - as much as possible. It's very rare for there to be a big disparity.
Do these events actually work?
By the law of averages because you are meeting so many people you are very likely to meet at least one or two people you like and want to see again!