What Sort of people go Speed Dating and to Stylish SIngles Events?

Most people that come to Xpress Dating Services events are professional people whose busy lives are preventing them from meeting that special someone. They are usually smart, articulate, interesting people who are not meeting people through socialising, work or their own circle of friends. Also many guests wish to meet other single people with similar interests of their own sex and age group to expand their social circle as many of their friends are married or in committed relationships.

Why Xpress Dating Services?

There are a great many speed dating companies around, many very good ones that are run professionally, discreetly and efficiently – others which are not! A lot of people are under the impression that it is ‘easy’ and there are a lot of opportunists out there who give it a go. Believe us it is NOT easy and we have worked extremely hard to become an established company with an enviable reputation, an enormous client base and 170 successfully designed and planned speed dating and Stylish Singles events under our belts (as at December 2006) and have over 5000 guests on our database. We offer a superb guarantee and unique client commitment – please see Why Xpress Dating Services and Customer Guarantee via our Home Page.

What other events do Xpress Dating hold?

Xpress Dating structure numerous Stylish Singles Events. We hold glamorous Black tie Balls, (often with a Casino Night or other form of entertainment), Sparkling Christmas Parties, Summer BBQ’s, Ascot race nights, Red Hot Latin Salsa Parties and Masquerade Parties, to name but a few. All of our events are well structured and we ‘tastefully’ plan creative ways to ensure our guests mix and mingle as much as possible. All of our events are held in one of our venues with absolutely exclusive use at all times, buffets, supper buffets or canopies are included as well as a delightful welcome drink, depending on the individual event. Xpress Dating Services are planning more and more Stylish Singles Events and these are becoming increasingly popular with our clients. We have held events for up to 120 guests.

For details of our events please go to the forthcoming events guide and follow the instructions for details.

Do I have to book?

Yes without exception. All bookings have to be made on-line or over the telephone prior to an event and payment received in full. We have to ensure that there are as equal number of ladies and gentlemen as possible. As a professional organisation we need to ensure that our events are not oversubscribed and have had instances when we have had to turn away up to 60 people for one event.

IMPORTANT – We do not allow anyone to just ‘turn up’ as we take every guest’s personal information and payment in advance, confirmations are sent out with all relevant information for the event included. We feel we have a responsibility to ensure that we know as many details as possible for each and every guest participating.

How much does an event cost ?

The current charge for a Speed Dating event is £20.00 (2006 price – but please check our forthcoming events guide for further confirmation)

Other Stylish Singles Events cost will as specified on our website depending on what is included in each particular event. (again, please check forthcoming events guide)
Please note that Xpress Dating Services DO NOT apply any booking fees or any other hidden charges for telephone or on-line bookings.

IMPORTANT – We do not allow anyone to pay on the evening, pre booking is essential.

How do I book ?

There are 2 ways to book - on-line via our website www.xpressdating.co.uk or over the telephone to our offices by credit/debit card on 01527 877677

What are the age groups?

We do various age groups for speed dating, primarily 25-35, 25-39, 30-40, 30-45, 35-49, 40-50 and 45-55. The volume of events is dictated by our client base and response to our marketing campaigns. Our largest response is from guests in the 25-49 year old range and our scheduled events reflect this. We do however run events for older age groups and our Stylish Singles Events are specifically designed to encompass everyone from 20-60.

How strict are the age groups?

The age group is a guideline only but we would only accept guests slightly over or under the specified age. We would not take a booking from anyone significantly outside the age range as this would be unfair on the other guests participating. If you did not achieve any matches it could be a demoralising experience for you. Always be honest about your true age when booking.

What do I do when I arrive for my chosen Speed Dating event?

You will be given two times on your confirmation of booking. The first time is your arrival time (Sundays 7.15-7.30pm Midweek 7.45 – 8.00pm) and a Start time (Sundays 8.00pm and Midweek 8.30pm). When you arrive there will be graphics directing you to the registration desk near to the main entrance and your hosts will be there to meet you (your hosts will either be wearing Xpress Dating Services branded T Shirts or be dressed in black). You will be given a name badge, scorecard and pen and asked to complete a Confidential Client Profile prior to the start of the event. Your hosts are available at all times should you need to ask any further questions during the evening – they are there to help and ensure that you enjoy your evening as much as possible.

Stylish Singles Events start time will be confirmed on your confirmation of booking and will vary from one event to another.

How do I know what to do at my Speed Dating event?

On the reverse of your scorecard are the instructions for the evening, speed dating etiquette and information about how your results will be sent to you the following day.

How many people will I expect to meet Speed Dating?

Most of our venues we will take a maximum of 20 ladies and 20 gentlemen at each event (we have held events with larger numbers and our guests have been exhausted; we now strictly limit the bookings). However certain venues dictate a smaller group with a maximum of 15 ladies and 15 gentlemen. We would envisage between 15 and 20 but this can occasionally vary depending on the venue. With our ‘double events’ we run two speed dating age groups separately throughout the evening but guests will have the added bonus of meeting guests in the alternative event throughout the evening. These are run when we have exclusive use of a venue.

What is a ‘Double’ Speed Dating event?

Double events are when we run two speed dating groups separately at the same venue, on the same evening and these are only held when we have exclusive use of a venue. These are excellent as there is the added advantage of complete privacy and discretion and you have the bonus of meeting guests in the alternative event throughout the evening. We would however ask that you only book a speed date if you are within the specified age group or 2/3 years older or younger, please remember that you will have an opportunity to meet guests in the alternative age group throughout the evening. Occasionally during these events we host a further small speed date at the end of the evening when the final list of guests is available and we believe that there are some guests that are ‘borderline’ in age and would benefit from an extra opportunity at the end.

Are the Speed Dating events private?

All of our venues are up market, contemporary venues and we always have an exclusive area to conduct our speed dating, and with some of our events we have exclusive use. We firmly believe that our guests should enjoy total privacy and discretion at all times. It is also vitally important that our guests can concentrate, have minimal distractions and the noise level allows an evening of relaxed conversation.

How long does each Speed Dating date last?

As a rule between 3 and 4 minutes, depending of the amount of guests present. This is plenty of time to decide whether you would like to invest a whole evening of your time with that person. You will find this to be a perfect amount of time, if you are interested in a particular date it is short enough to leave them wanting more but long enough if the other person is hard work and conversation is difficult. Please see our list of suggested speed dating questions if you would like a few ideas.

What do I talk about when Speed Dating?

This question is asked on numerous occasions by many of our guests. We have compiled a list of suggested questions which will give you some ideas as to interesting and thought provoking topics of conversation. Please see the section ‘conversation topics’.

What if three/four minutes is not long enough?

During the evening you will have a break half way through to refill your drink, freshen up etc and is an ideal opportunity to have a further conversation with other guests you would like to speak to again. Alternatively we aim to finish our events at approximately 10.00pm - Sundays (10.30pm at midweek events) to give all guests an opportunity to have another drink and chat to other guests prior to going home.

How do the Speed Dating scorecards work?

The scorecards are constructed in two halves. The left hand side is to be completed and handed in at the end of the evening to a member of the organising team and the right hand side is for your own use and is to be taken home with you at the end of the evening for your own information. We ask that you complete the name and number of each date and tick ‘yes’ or ‘no’ whether you would like to meet that person again. Please remember when ticking that you are not committing yourself to a relationship with that person, you are only indicating whether you would be interested in investing some extra time to establish whether you wish to embark on a relationship, have that person as a friend or you may decide that you have nothing in common and do not wish to pursue any sort of relationship at all.

How many people can I tick when Speed Dating?

There is no limit you can tick as many or as few as you wish. It is totally acceptable to organise several meetings with different ‘dates’ you have matched with during a speed dating event. Remember that one of the elements of the concept of speed dating is to allow guests to have an element of choice.

What if I do not tick anyone?

If there is no one at the event that you wish to see again (i.e. you do not tick anyone) you can rebook ONE further event of your choice free of charge (This offer applies to Speed Dating events only – please refer to our terms and conditions).

What should I wear?

This is one of the main questions people ask, particularly the ladies! We always say ‘smart casual’ is best. Just think of what you would wear for a mid week date. It is important to remember to be yourself and let your ‘chosen outfit’ reflect your true personality and not try to be someone different. Remember first impressions count.

For Stylish Singles Events we always include a ‘dress code’ on your confirmation of booking.

Can I come to an event alone?

Yes of course, a great many of our guests do (about 30%). All, but one, of our venues have private car parking and we ask our ladies to telephone us from their cars and we will meet them outside and bring them into the venue, where practical. We will introduce you to other guests at the event – remember everyone is there to meet new people and our guests are very friendly and will welcome chatting to you (particularly if they have come alone too). We strongly feel that for some people it is an extremely nerve racking experience and we do our up most to ensure that none of our guests feel uncomfortable and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Can I bring a friend Speed Dating?

Yes of course you can, but why not encourage single friends to partake in the event too? Although your friends are welcome to join you in the bar area prior and after the event we do not allow anyone other than the participants and organising team to be in the speed dating area during the event.

How many events can I come to?

There are no restrictions at all as you may not always meet someone you wish to see again at your first event and you will probably find that you are more successful at future events when you are comfortable and familiar with the format of the evening. Please bear in mind that although there are new people all the time at our events it is possible that you may see someone that you have seen previously – please remember that they have seen you too. Many guests come speed dating again or to some of our Stylish Singles Events.

How do I get my Speed Dating results?

We e-mail or text you the following day with your results (using the information that you have included on the front of your scorecard during the event) and supply you with the first name and mobile number of anyone you have ‘matched’ with during the evening. We can also relay how many people ‘ticked’ you but we do not disclose their names or any personal information unless a match occurs, please contact our office on 01527 877677 or e-mail us on info@xpressdatingservices.co.uk should you wish to receive further information.

Why Speed Dating/ Stylish Singles Events and Who are Xpress Dating Services?

Xpress Dating Services was started by two ladies, Jane Carter and Dawn Hollyoake. Jane was working in the exhibition and events industry and had considerable organizing experience designing and structuring prestigious events; Dawn was a Psychology student at Worcester University and was studying relationships for her dissertation. As a single lady Dawn wanted to experience all the different methods of dating. During her research based on this topic, the subject was investigated, scrutinised and analysed in enormous detail and all the different methods experienced at first hand.

When Jane and Dawn were looking at the concept of speed dating and attempting to enrol Dawn in an event they found that there was not a suitable event in the right location, the right age group and at a venue that she would like to attend so tongue in cheek they thought they would organise one themselves! When they looked at speed dating events Dawn wished to meet a professional person in a discreet upmarket venue rather than encounter the ‘townie element’ or opportunists that she felt she would meet attending an event located in a city centre. She also did not relish the prospect of parking in a multi-storey car park and navigating a town alone as a single lady, so for her private parking was a ‘must’.

Xpress Dating was born in May 2004 and marketed to a professional clientele structuring stylish events in upmarket locations – they wanted to be different. In 2006 Dawn, after successfully finishing her degree, decided that she wished to specialise in Psychiatric Nursing and felt she could not longer give the company the commitment that it needed so her shares were taken over by Jane’s husband Brent who is now actively involved in the company, Dawn still is very involved and works at many events and is always at the parties!

We strongly believe that speed dating is the most effective, safe, enjoyable way to meet people of the opposite sex and we have a strong commitment to the concept. With speed dating, as oppose to alternative methods of dating (e.g. internet dating, personal introduction agencies, newspaper adverts) for 3 main reasons we believe it is the best:

• Single people cannot hide behind a computer terminal building a picture of them that may be 10 years younger or a foot taller than in reality – what you see is what you get and this tends to attract a far more genuine clientele.
• With other methods of dating you will probably spend many evenings with completely unsuitable dates which on sight you realise are not for you. This is an extremely time wasting and embarrassing scenario.
• It is an extremely safe environment and you are meeting people in a controlled environment – no waiting in dark restaurant car parks for a complete stranger.

Where did Speed Dating originate from?

The concept of speed dating originated in California in 1999 by an orthodox rabbi called Yaacov Deyo who designed the idea due to his concerns that many young Jews were marrying outside their faith and thought this an efficient way to establish potential matches. The first event for Jewish singles took place in 2000 and took a major leap forward in 2002 when Miranda in sex and the city attended an event in New York. Although the concept started in America it was considered an exciting and effective idea in the UK and is now a fun and funky way to meet potential partners without the historic stigma of personal introduction agencies and internet dating.