NABD: FAQ’s About Speed Dating
1. What do I wear?
The best dating advice I can give any single men or single women is to dress to impress. Dress as if you were going on a first date. After all, you are going on 8-20 first dates all in one night! First impressions really count at speed dating and singles parties. It’s better to be a bit overdressed than underdressed. At Not a Blind Date, we choose stylish singles events venues, and we recommend dressing in line with the venues guidelines. If you’re attending our fitness enthusiast event then maybe those Lulu’s are the perfect thing! At lot of single professionals come straight from work so are in business attire. What to wear speed dating women – a nice dress and heels is a great option, but also make sure you are comfortable too. Don’t be afraid to wear a statement necklace or brightly coloured accessory to stand out and be memorable. What to wear speed dating men – nice shoes, jeans that suit you and tailored collared shirt is always a wining combo! Think that no one ever notices shoes? Ladies do. Trust me.
Simply put, be authentic, be you.
2. How long are the dates? What if I don’t like them??
They are 5 minutes each. That’s it, that’s all. It’s the length of time it takes to get a coffee or to brush and floss your teeth. To answer your question of “what if I don’t like them?” I’m going to be blunt; welcome to reality, chances are you are going to meet people every day that you don’t fall in love with or ever want to date. The date is only 5 minutes, you may know in the first 30 seconds that you don’t want to date them, great, good job. Now what you have to do is have a conversation with somebody for 4 and half minutes. Now I host these events and know that we don’t get crazy drunk jerks. In fact, that’s not allowed and if somebody is being disrespectful I will personally kick them out. That being said, it hasn't happened yet. If your problem is that you have to have a polite conversation for 5 minutes with someone you wouldn't socialize with normally, suck it up. If that’s your biggest fear about coming to speed dating, meeting new people you might not be soul mates with or best friends forever or whatever it is you expect, I suggest you stay home.
Also if you straight up refuse to talk to somebody because you are “way out of their league” you will be asked to leave as that is rude, just rude. If this seems like something you would do, I’m going to let you in on a secret; that is why you are alone and probably always will be. Don’t be a jerk, ever. I don’t put up with it and neither should you. Speed dating here at Not A Blind Date is all about a safe and comfortable environment with no pressure. So come with that in mind, be open, be nice and be sincere. Those are the rules for speed dating but I would suggest living by those rules all the time no matter where you are.
3. What do I talk about? What do I ask??
What do you normally ask someone you just met for the first time? Do that. It’s pretty simple. Ask them things you really want to know. If your passion in life is collecting stamps and you just want to find someone to collect stamps with you till the end of days ask them if they collect stamps. Be sure to check out our suggestions of questions to ask – and know that you’ll get a copy of these on the night of the event as well. Do tailor them to suit your own needs and refer to these questions as much as you like throughout your evening.
4. What if I don’t get a match?
Yeah, it happens. You may not connect with everyone and you may not get a match. If you connected with everyone you ever met you wouldn't be at speed dating and we wouldn't be offering it. If you want to get something, you need to do something. If you come and walk away with no matches, guess what? You win anyways. You just stepped outside your comfort zone and put yourself out there. You made an actual effort and worst case scenario; you just went on a series of practice dates, got back at it, met some new people and have to try again. Or you can stay home and whine about how you are single and are forever alone or you can get off your couch and do something. Basically I tell my single friends that if they don’t come to speed dating or get out of their house and make no effort to meet people they don’t get to complain.
5. How do I know if I get a match?
When you are on your dates you get a match card where you write down your dates name and then check either yes or no as to whether or not you want to go on a second date with them. Only if both of you select yes then we call you the next day and exchange your contact info. If you don’t get a match, we will let you know that too, so you’re not left wondering. The rule for speed dating is no one is allowed to give out their contact information of ask for someone else’s, it takes away a lot of the pressure and makes for a much more relaxed evening.
6. How much does it cost?
The events vary in cost, an average of $60 or so but given your event experience the cost will fluctuate to give you the best there is to offer.
7. Do people leave the night of together to hook up ever?
Not that I have ever seen. This is speed dating, not speed hooking up. I mean if that’s what you are looking for may I suggest the local bar? You’re welcome.
8. How often do you have speed dating / what are the other age groups?
We host speed dating once a month for each age group. We have age groups TRK and you can sign up for which ever age group you are seeking to date. You can check out our up to date online calendar at notablinddate.com for upcoming dates and times for speed dating. Due to the fact that our events aren’t guaranteed to repeat it is best to call well in advance and book yourself a spot as they fill up quickly.
9. Can I date the facilitator?
No, you are doing speed dating wrong.
10. Is there any success stories? Do people actually date after?
Yes! We have success stories. Currently testimonials are being compiled from our customers who have met their partners through speed dating and will be posting them on our website A.S.A.P. Relationships do develop from speed dating and it isn't a rarity. I speak from personal experience on this. Keep in mind you are coming somewhere where you need to be positive, open and you have to put yourself out there; much like the other people that attend, therefore you already have one really encouraging thing in common with everyone else there. Basically, calm yourself. This isn't an interview, it’s not a funeral and you won’t get beat up. Therefore, you have no reason to not come out for a night of speed dating and by “night” I really mean an hour and a bit. It’s quick and painless and as nerve racking as you think it’s going to be I can guarantee you that you will be pleasantly surprised how relaxed and fun it actually is!
