How to Host Speed Dating Event

Hosting a speed dating night at your restaurant or bar is a great way to foster romance while simultaneously drawing new customers. Many companies charge a registration or cover fee to attendees, which, when combined with food and beverage sales, will improve your earnings. A productive speed dating event will build your restaurant's brand and increase the probability of attracting first-time or regular guests, in addition to creating a pleasant and humorous environment.

What is Speed Dating?

In a single night, speed dating allows participants to go on small dates with anywhere from ten to twenty-five (or more) people. Each date lasts between 3 and 10 minutes, allowing the couple to get to know one another but also preventing them from spending too much time with a terrible match.

During the evening's matchmaking section, a set number of people will remain seated at the same tables thru out the night, while the remainder of the attendees will go from table to table. The host will strike a buzzer or a bell when the allowed time is over, signalling that it is time to move on to the next date. Attendees jot down the names of anybody they're interested in at the conclusion of the event; if there's a match, the host will provide contact information to both persons within a day or two.

What Do You Need for Speed Dating?

1. Decorations

While you are looking to get the most out of your event, you have to make absolutely sure that your restaurant is well decorated and that it looks pleasant for the attendees. Now, with the decorations, do not go overboard. You can go with simple lilies hanging over the ceiling with led lighting just enough to illuminate the room but not too bright to alter the romance ambience created.

For seating areas, you can get custom cafe chairs with upholstery and add a ribbon finishing. It allows the attendee to get in the mood easily.

2. Set the Time and Pick a Date

Your speed dating event will require you to pick a time and date on which the event will take place. If you have no idea, try one Saturday each month. This allows people to prepare themselves both physically and mentally.

Moreover, it helps people to get them to register for the event. Now, you can make the whole thing interesting by simply switching the registration requirements. You can get wholesale perfume boxes and get the attendee to buy a box instead of paying the fee. You can even swap this with jewelry. We understand that it can be quite difficult at times when it comes to knowing how to find a jewelry manufacturer who can give you a good offer with this, so take as much time as you need to get a decision.

3. Don't Forget the Fundamentals

Preparing a speed dating event is akin to planning a cocktail party in many respects. If you're serving food, request that the restaurant or caterer produce basic appetizers that may be eaten in little bits. Nothing too clumsy or unpleasant, and no garlic, thankyou! Keep the drinks light and refined, and stick to beer and wine at the bar; this isn't the time for shots. Plan on two to three drinks per person — enough to soothe nerves and cut thru social phobia, but not so much that you'll dread it the next day!

4. Distribute Invitations

You should do it at least three weeks before the event and request RSVPs so you can have a headcount. It's fair to charge a moderate admittance fee to cover your expenditures, and many online welcome platforms let you gather the cash when guests RSVP; just make sure the invitation is explicit about the expense of attendance and if food and beverages are included.

5. Make Sure They Have Something to Discuss

Prepare a few discussion topics and questions ahead of time to start the conversation going. You can provide each visitor with a brief list of questions or place a few discussion starters on index cards at each table. While you don't want participants to feel like they're reading from a script, having a fast list to turn to if their emotions get the best of them might be useful.

The Bottom Line

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to throwing the ultimate speed dating event. The most essential thing to keep in mind is that you are, in the end, creating a safe and inviting atmosphere for sensitive individuals seeking love. And besides, several of your attendees may fall in love, live happily ever after, and, perhaps most significantly, tell everybody they know about how great your restaurant is. Good luck!

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