How to Plan and Host a Speed Dating Party

Allow the guests to get a feel for each other before the party by providing a drink and appetizer table.

Speed dating parties are a fun and casual way to set up friends and co-workers. If you have a lot of single friends and acquaintances, try hosting one of these parties to help your friends find love. If you're single yourself, ask your friends to bring other people and maybe you will meet someone too. Make sure the environment is conducive to romance and allow the couples enough time to converse.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Tables
• Chairs
• Candles
• Music
• Flowers
• Appetizers
• Drinks
• Name tags
• Paper and pen
• Whistle
• Timer

Instructions

1. Send out invitations to your single friends and give a few to your friends to give to their single friends. Try to limit your guests to around 20 so everyone will get a chance to meet. It also helps to have an equal number of men and women.

2. Set up tables in your largest room, or in your backyard if there is not enough room in the house. You will need one table for every two guests. Arrange the tables in a circle or square if possible.

3. Decorate the room with fresh flowers, candles and romantic or party music.

4. Set up a table for appetizers and drinks. Crackers, cheese and fruits and vegetables are easy appetizers, but you can get as creative as you want.

5. Set out martinis and other cocktails for the guests. The guests will be able to converse in this area before the party begins.

6. Ask each guest to put on a name tag and grab a drink.

7. Give each woman a notepad and pen and ask them to take a seat at one of the tables.

8. Invite the men to sit down at a table once the women have gotten situated.

9. Set the timer for eight minutes and blow the whistle to signify that the time has started.

10. Allow the couples to converse. After eight minutes are up, ask the women to stand and rotate clockwise. They can ask for a telephone number at this time if there was an attraction.

11. Continue until each woman has met each man.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your guests know how much time they will get with each person before you start. That way they can make sure to find out the most important things.

References

• Merchant Circle: How to Plan a Speed Dating Event;