If you’ve never been to a speed dating event, the idea can feel a little intimidating. Will it be awkward? Will you run out of things to say? Do you have to drink? Short answers: probably a little awkward at first, no, and no.
At Love on Tap, we host speed dating nights at breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores and other local venues. Here’s exactly what happens, start to finish.
Step 1: You arrive and check in
Show up a few minutes early, check in with your host, and pick up your scorecard. This is where you’ll write down your top picks later. Grab a drink if you want one. Every venue has options, and plenty of our spots have non-alcoholic choices. Then find a seat and say hi to whoever is nearby.
Step 2: You meet one person at a time
Once the event starts, you sit down with your first date and chat one-on-one for five to seven minutes. There’s no script. Talk about work, weekend plans, your favorite local spot, whatever comes up. When the bell rings, you move on to your next date. Over the night you’ll meet roughly 8-13 people.
Not sure what to say? Start with an easy question: “What’s the best thing you ate this week?” works better than you’d think.
Step 3: You write down your top picks
After your last date, you write down the people you’d like to see again. You don’t circle everyone, and you don’t have to pick anyone. Just note your favorites. There’s no pressure in the room, and nobody finds out who you chose unless it’s mutual.
Step 4: We handle the matching
If you picked someone and they picked you, that’s a match. The next day, we send you each other’s contact info so you can take it from there. If there’s no match, nobody is told who said no.
What if I’m shy, or I don’t drink?
Both are very common. Our events are at all kinds of venues, including coffee shops and bookstores, and you never have to drink to take part. All orientations are welcome. Many people come alone, and the format does the work for you, since you only ever have to talk to one person at a time.
Tips for your first time
Arrive relaxed. A few minutes early beats rushing in.
Ask open questions. “What do you do for fun?” gets more than “Do you like your job?”
Be yourself. You’ll meet several people in one night, so there’s no need to perform.
Keep your notes short. A word or two on your scorecard helps you remember each person later.
Don’t judge in the first minute. Give each conversation a real chance.
Ready to try it?
Speed dating is one of the quickest ways to meet several real people in one evening, with no swiping. Check out our upcoming events at loveontap.dating or follow us on Instagram @loveontapdating and grab a seat. We’ll see you there.
