How does Speed Dating work? Speed Dating explained.

Speed Dating is ideal for you if you lead a busy life, and want to meet new people in a fun, safe environment. To find out what Speed Dating itself is all about, see our What is Speed Dating? page.

How does the whole thing work?

It's an opportunity to meet and date 15-20 people your age, who are serious about wanting to be in a relationship. You will date each person for four minutes, giving you the opportunity to decide if you may want to see that person again.

Is four minutes per date long enough?

Four minutes turns out to be the perfect amount of time. Four minutes is short enough to leave your date wanting more if they are interested and four minutes is also not too long if the other person turns out to be a disaster for you.

We want you to have a fun, but also, ultimately a successful evening. At Slow Dating, we don't want to rush you. We feel that three minutes is too short a time with all the moving between tables and the note taking. We strongly believe that four minutes is the right amount of time to decide whether you're prepared to invest more time in follow up emails and phone calls to land a real date with someone you meet at one of our events. Four minutes per date also enables you to meet 15-20 dates in one night without getting completely worn out.

How many dates will I get at a Slow Dating event?

You will normally get between fifteen and twenty dates depending on the venue location. Any more dates and you would probably be exhausted.

Why do I need to book in advance?

We need to ensure an even balance of men and women. As a professional organisation, we also need to ensure that the event is not oversubscribed.

What if I don't want to pay online?

Simply call our hotline on 0871 224 2828 and we can book you in over the phone - we take every type of credit and debit card. Alternatively send a cheque or postal order to us at

What happens when I arrive at the event?

When you arrive you will be welcomed by our professional hosts, checked in and given a personalised numbered name badge and a pen and invited to have a drink at the bar. You will be made to feel comfortable. When everyone has arrived one of our organisers will do a short introductory welcoming speech, explain some of the logistics, explain how to use your Speeding Ticket and so on and reaffirm that we are here to make sure you have a good time.

What happens next?

Once the dating part of the evening starts, those with badge number one will sit at table number one, those with badge number two at table number two and so on. After four minutes, we ring a bell, the girls will stay seated and all the guys will move round one table. This continues (with a twenty minute half time break) until you have met everyone there.

What if I like someone?

During the evening, simply enter a tick on the Speeding Ticket corresponding to the person you like to indicate you may want to see that person again. The following day you can either sign in to the web site and enter your choices directly, or call the office on 0871 224 2828 and one of the team will enter your ticks for you.

How will I know if I get any matches?

After attending an event, simply visit the web site and enter your ticks online and you will be able to see how many people have entered their ticks, how many have ticked you and who has matched with you. Our matching engine ensures that you will also be sent an instant email and SMS text message whenever someone you have ticked visits the site and ticks you, thus creating a match.

You can of course visit the site at any time to get the latest details. Chances are that you will be pleasantly surprised as to how many matches you will get.

Can you tell me if X ticked me? Can I have their contact details?

Speed Dating works by putting people who match in touch with each other. If you have matched with someone, you will be able to contact them again. To protect everyone involved we will not forward anyone's details unless there is a match.

I don't have an email address, can I still join in?

Yes. We cater for everyone whether you have an email address or not. Simply use your mobile number in place of an email address. We can then keep you up to date with instant matches by SMS text messages after the event that you attend.

Do many people come on their own?

About a third do - we make a point of ensuring our organisers will make sure you are comfortable. If you do come alone, don't be afraid to chat to other daters before the dating starts. Everyone is in the same boat, and most other people who arrve on their own will welcome you chatting to them too.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes of course. Many do for moral support and to help overcome those understandable nerves. Depending upon the venue, we can normally accommodate your friends who want to come along but not participate. There is generally no charge for "guests". Please feel free to contact us for confirmation.

How long does each event last?

We do our best to keep the event running to schedule which means the event will last just under two hours including a twenty minute half time breather. Generally an event will start close to 7.30pm and finish between 9.45 and 10pm.

How should I dress for speed dating?

We do not operate a strict dress code, however we generally advise to dress 'Smart Casual'. This is not a fashion show - jeans and a smart top are fine, but above all - be yourself! . Wear what you are comfortable with but don't forget that first impressions count!

Why don't you do more events for older people?

It is a case of supply and demand. We do cater for our more mature, more experienced customers by running events for those in their 40s and upwards. In fact we run more events than any other company in the UK. However, there may not be an event showing at the moment. To ensure that you do not miss out, simply register your details and you will be emailed once an event is scheduled near you in your age range.

How strict are the age ranges?

Relatively strict. If the age range for example is 26-34 then you are going to be out of place if you are in your forties. However if you are 36 and accept the age range then you are likely to enjoy the evening, and hopefully meet the right person.

How much does it cost?

Depending upon the venue we hire, it's typically £20 or £22 for the event, and that includes the emailing reminders before the event; the professional hosting of the evening and emailing and/or SMS text messaging your matches afterwards. There is no subscription with our Speed Dating evenings. Feedback from previous attendees show that over 90% feel that represents good or excellent value.

Can I cancel?

Yes - provided you contact us by email or phone at least seven days before the event you will be refunded in full - no questions asked! Feel free to check our comprehensive cancellation policy

How do I book for a group?

Simply click on 'Book an event'. Select the event you wish to attend and then select how many places you require for both ladies and/or men. You will then be asked to provide the information for all your friends. If you don't know all the information, don't worry, we can obtain that when you do know. You will then be sent a booking confirmation via email. Your friends will too be sent booking confirmations provided you have supplied their email addresses. Alternatively, call our booking hotline on 0871 224 2828 and we can book your group on in a flash.

Why do your prices sometimes change after I book ?

This does not happen very often, but occassionally we may offer last minute deals to selected customers to ensure there are even numbers of sexes on an event night. It is far better for everyone involved that events are fully sold out, rather than having a few empty places. At particularly popular events and at busy times, we do reserve the right to increase the price of an event. We thus encourage early bookings to avoid any disappointment.

Any other questions?

If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to:

• Use our live online chat system during normal office hours
• Call our hotline on 0871 224 2828

We look forward to hearing from you!