Are you considering hosting a speed dating event? Although it seems like it’s no longer needed due to online dating sites, it would be a great experience for those who haven’t tried it yet.
Speed dating has been around for decades. It’s where people meet, introduce themselves, and see if there’s a potential partner listed. Usually, there are small tables with two chairs each. A pair is sitting across from each other it looks like they’re having a date. However, unlike regular dates, speed dating is timed, so you’ll be given about five to ten minutes to get to know each other.
At the end of the event, it’s up to you if you’re going to give your personal information to the one who has your best interest. But if there wasn’t, it’s a fun activity that at least you’ve tried.
Want to know more about organising a speed dating event? Below is the list of tips you should follow!
1. Set a terms
As the event planner, you should be the one who’ll set the terms of the speed dating. It’s fine if you include activities that will get you to know people well. However, before starting with the event itself, you should also have a list of qualifications of people who want to participate.
For instance, you can list the age requirements, address, and other necessary information. Once that’s set, you can move on to the rules of the event. You should include the time allotted for each date, the attire, and basic information about the event.
Of course, you can hire other event planners to help you, especially if it’s your first time.
2. Finalise the budget
Do you have a target budget for the event? Hosting a speed dating event can be a fundraising event or a reason to help your friends to be in a relationship. But whatever the reason is, you need to have a budget.
If your current money won’t cover everything, it’s great if you can charge the participants. Besides, if you don’t charge people, your event might turn into a party. If you’ve been to a successful speed dating before, you know how should you event look.
Meanwhile, it’s not just about having entrance fees. There should also be something the participants can get aside from being there, like food or drink.
3. Pick a venue
Usually, speed dating is held at restaurants. However, you can also do it in a hall and just bring the food and drinks. Additionally, speed dating venues depend on your target number of participants. However, it’s usually a small crowd.
Imagine yourself dating 30 people in just one day, it’s exhaustion, right? So as much as possible, limit the number of participants. At a restaurant, you can fit around ten pairs or less, depending on the venue size.
But since you’re a beginner, a small, intimate crowd would suffice. Who knows, maybe all these pairs became couples in the future.
4. Advertise online
Nowadays, everyone has social media accounts. And if they’re tired of swiping left and right, this can be their chance to get back into the dating scene. So how do you advertise your new event? Usually, event planners post their posters across social media platforms, which include all the details your target participants should know.
Since it’s new, and you’re not sure yet how people will react to it, just keep it fun and light. Moreover, avoid making it look like spam because that can be a sign that this won’t work out well. It’s best if you already have a lineup or prospective participants so that the advertising part is like informing the public about this interesting event.
Does your event have a screening? Do they just need to RSVP, and that’s it? How do they know if the event is safe? These questions and a lot more can be asked, so it’s best if you provide every detail needed to gain attention.
5. Prepare the logistics
What is the theme of speed dating? The logistics and other preparations will be based on your chosen theme. Since it’s still Valentine’s season, you can still do the hearts and the romantic lights.
On the other hand, if you just want it to feel like they’re on an actual, regular date, that’s also fine. Imagine the flow of the event. If you think you’re missing something, that might’ve been true.
In terms of logistics, there should be enough tables and chairs, food, and drink for all the participants. Additionally, there should be music, lights, and all the necessary things you need on a date.
Are you excited to host your first-ever speed dating event? Since event planners don’t usually have this kind of event nowadays, this will be fun! Let us know how everything went by leaving a comment below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.
