Frequently Asked Questions about Dating Events

We have answers, if you have questions!


Why Speed Dating?

Let's face it, by now you know it takes meeting a number of people before you find someone you click with. But the problem is, how do you meet them in the first place? Sure there are ways - pubs, clubs, blind dates, dating services, online, etc. But they all have their disadvantages and they take time, lots of it. What fun is it to wait around for someone to talk to you in a club or when you're out and about? What fun is it to risk rejection over and over again striking up conversations with people when you don't even know if they are single? And what if the conversation goes well, what about the awkwardness afterwards with asking for phone numbers, etc. With When the Music Stops, you meet between 12 and 30 other singles in about two and a half hours. Think of it as 'facilitated introductions'. Afterwards, if there's a mutual interest, you'll get an email or text with each other's contact information. There's no pressure, no embarrassment and no games!

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What about Dinner Dating?

Dinner Dating is another fun way of 'playing the numbers game' and meeting new friends or potential partners en masse, this time around the dinner table in a nice quality restaurant, with a meal included too. You join the dinner party at a prescribed time and everyone gathers over a complimentary glass of wine to break the ice. Everybody has a named place around the table and the guy's move round between courses to ensure that every one has a chance to chat to each other during the evening. There is no formal feedback, you get the chance to exchange numbers on the night or we're happy to pass your number to another participant the following day on request. It's great fun and an excellent way of meeting!

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What are the main differences between the two?

The main difference is usually numbers, we restrict numbers at Dinner Dating to ensure that everybody gets to see each other during the evening and typically can spend around 20-30 minutes together around one large table. Speed Dating is a personal one to one in private at an individual table, with a formal feedback mechanism through our Match Sheet system within 48 Hours. Why not try both and see which you prefer?

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Tell me about your 'Party Night' events

Our Disco Party nights are run in hand picked locations nationally, usually well known Hotel locations that are easily accessible with lots of free, safe parking too. Typically they run from 8.30 through until 12.30 or 1.00am. They feature a top quality DJ and music from down the years as well as up to the minute current chart hits and give you a real chance to let your hair down at the weekend without breaking the bank! The events are aimed at 'nice' people, who are single and are looking to meet new friends of both sexes. Maybe they are looking for Mr or Ms Right but perhaps they aren't quite ready for a 'heavy' dating involvement yet but want to have a great night out. Whatever category you fit into, it's fine by us! There is no feedback or 'Matching' but why not complete your free profile on either or both of our websites Connections or Friends? People you have met can then get in touch!

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Who Goes To When the Music Stops Events?

The majority of our participants are busy professionals - people who value their time. The reality is you, like most of our participants, have little trouble building a relationship with someone you know but simply don't have the time to meet people in the first place! Our events solve this dilemma by helping you meet many new people in a short time and in a fun, no pressure way. Also, our participants are people who aren't comfortable with, or just tired of, many of the traditional dating approaches. But the bottom line is that they're people like you - interested in finding someone they're compatible with. And they want to do it in a safe, comfortable, efficient and dignified manner. When the Music Stops Events are open to all singles although on occasion we have special events for people desiring to meet those sharing a similar affinity, interest or background.

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Do I need to be a member?

In short no When the Music Stops is different as we don't have an expensive joining fee or hefty monthly subscription, you're welcome to join us at any of our events as membership is entirely FREE and if you join us at any of our events you join automatically at no cost at all. Membership benefits are as follows:

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Why complete a Dating Profile?

Well firstly it's FREE, so why not? It will only take a few minutes of your time and give you the chance to meet people and contact them through the site as well as face to face at our events. We also believe though that it enhances your customer experience with When the Music Stops and gives you the added benefit of being able to find out more about the people you met at one of our events, their likes and dislikes and whether or not you would like to get to know them more thoroughly. They can also find out more about you too - and that enhances your chances of getting matches and follow up contacts. We therefore encourage all participants and members to take up their free profile on either or both of our sites, you can de activate them at any time if Mr or Ms Right comes along or your circumstances change. So go for it!

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Will I meet people of all ages?

Not usually, most of our events are age compatible. Most When the Music Stops sessions are designed with a 15 year or less age range which can change from event to event helping to ensure our repeat daters have an opportunity to meet new people each time. For example, one month we may have 25-40 and 40-55 and the next we might have 30-50 and 45-59. We've found that while some people want to meet others that are close to their age, age is only a number and people seem much more open minded about older or younger partners these days. You may be pleasantly surprised therefore. When the Music Stops specialise in events for people in their 30's 40's and 50's.

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What About Exceptions To Age Or Interest Categories?

I'm 29 but prefer someone older, but the event I want to attend says it's for singles who are 30-45 can I still attend this event session instead of one in my own age range? … OR … I'm caucasian but am interested in meeting someone who is not, can I attend a Special Event that says it's for Afro-Caribbean Singles?

We believe in diversity and have an inclusive policy so we do not prevent people who do not fit our age or specific event categories from participating in the event of their choice. Give something different a try if you wish, you're welcome!

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How many people can I expect to meet in a night?

Typically 12 to 30 dependent on whether it's Dinner Dating or Speed Dating. It's not too few and not too many. Instead of spending 20-30 hours in 10 blind dates, you can have up to 15 Speed-Dates in a couple of hours or so! Our minimum participant threshold is 8 men and 8 women for a Speed Dating event with the timings adjusted to give you more time with each person. Our minimum number for a Dinner Party is 10 and often the smaller events can prove to be very enjoyable AND very successful too. Typically our Party Nights cater for up to 100/150 and the most popular of this type of event can pull in anything up to 400.

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How long does an event take?

Typically, for Speed Dating the registration will begin at 7.30pm and the event will begin around 8pm. There will normally be two 20 minute breaks during the event, so the session will be over by around 10:30 pm. The rest of the evening can be spent in the relaxing and friendly environment that our venues are known for with new found friends. At our Dinner Party's there are very few formalities, so just come along 5 minutes before the event is due to start, a relaxing glass of wine will be waiting for you. Our Party Nights usually run from 8.30 through to 12.30 or 1.00pm.

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How much time do I have to talk to someone?

For Speed Dating typically 5 minutes per person but depending upon attendance and other things you may have as high as 7 minutes. We'll let you know how much time you have before we start the event. During our Dinner Parties the timings are typically 20-30 minutes with each person.

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5 minutes doesn't seem like a lot of time, is it enough?

Remember, you're not on a date, you're on a Speed-Date! Speed Dating is a great way to see if you'd be interested in a full date or just more conversation later. Sometimes 5 minutes is too long if you know what we mean. But in 5 minutes most people can tell if there's chemistry, if they like the way someone speaks, if the person is mature and intelligent, and if they want to know more. At which point they'd select that person by putting a tick against their name on the Match Sheet and hopefully the other person would do the same! Once again for those that prefer a more relaxed style, our dinner parties are run at a more leisurely pace and you get to chat to each person for considerably longer.

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What should I talk about?

You'll see that once you start the event everything just flows. But don't worry, we'll give you some tips to help you out and for Speed Dating provide a set of 'fun' questions too, so you will NEVER run out of conversation. One tip, think about what you'd want to know before going on a date with the person. Some people ask harmless easy questions like "What hobbies do you have" or "What area of town do you live in" and others may ask tough questions like "Is there a time when you would feel justified in telling a white lie?". The possibilities are endless but relax and try not to be too serious, just have fun. Another tip, try to avoid the more mundane questions like "what do you do" and "where are you from" as this can be repetitive. Try to stand out and differentiate yourself from the others. And if you are sitting across from someone you're not attracted to, please remember that they still have a story to tell, so please be polite and patient.

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How should I dress for the event?

It's your call but we recommend smart casual dress for our events and our dinner parties are an opportunity to 'dress to impress too. Jeans and trainers might not project the best image however and so we don't allow them! Seriously, many people come directly from work so you'll see business casual or even a suit or two. If it's a later event session people might be dressed down a bit. You know what to do, be comfortable - look good

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How do I receive my matches?

When you arrive for a Speed Dating event you get your Match Sheet, where you will write your email address or mobile (or phone) number at the top of your sheet. It's your decision which one you want your matches to have. You can provide both if you wish and your matches will have 2 different ways to get in touch. We will contact you - normally by text but email is also very convenient. Don't forget too that not everybody has email, so that may restrict your matches on occasions particularly in older age groups. There is NO formal feedback for Dinner Dating, you have the chance to exchange information on the night or will gladly do it for you the following day by passing your number or email info on to another participant. We will NEVER give out another persons information to anyone though, so please don't ask for this.

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How long does it take before I get my matches?

You will normally receive your Match Email or text within 48 hours. If you don't get a text or email within two days please contact us since EVERY Participant will get a Match Email/text from us whether they have matches or not. Don't forget that there is no formal feedback for our Dinner Party or Party Night participants

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What if I don't get any matches?

It can happen but over two-thirds of our Participants get at least one match (some get quite a few and the record is 11!) and some events have even had 100% of people get a match! If you're real picky and only say Yes to 1 or 2 people, then it might take a second event to get a match, then again, maybe not! Our advice is if you're not completely sure, just say Yes because you never know?give them another chance and they may surprise you. If asked, your friendly Event Coordinator will be happy to give you some suggestions on how to improve your match rate, just ask.

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What if there aren't any matches, will I still get an email?

Yes, your message will simply state that there were no matches for you. Remember, it takes two to tango, so please give people a chance, if you are frugal with your ticks it increases the chances of you not getting matches at the end of the night.

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Who contacts who?

We encourage both parties to contact each other. Remember, you already know the other person is interested in meeting you!

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What if I email or call someone and they don't return my call?

Why not try one more time? Sometimes people go on holiday or don't check their email every day so give it a few days. We encourage everyone to please be courteous and return calls and emails even if you change your mind and don't want a date with a person. Sometimes though in the cold light of day people do occasionally change their minds, don't take it personally?.just book in for your next event.. it's a numbers game after all.

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How much does a When the Music Stops event cost?

Most Basic Speed Dating Events are from around £15.00 but if costs are higher (room hire, staffing costs, food and drink etc) it may be a little more than this. We occasionally make events available to our clients on a "two for the price of one" basis, just look for the "2-4-1" link on the events page or sign up for our newsletter to get our special offers. All you need to do is complete the booking form as you would normally - and for any 2 people you book, you will be automatically billed at 50% of the published ticket price.

Specific interest events or events that involve food may be a bit higher. The amount is clearly shown when you register and may vary slightly from place to place. Our Dinner Parties start from £30 but again the price maybe higher if higher costs are incurred by is. Our Party Nights cost around a fiver! If you pay by credit card, you will see the amount and whenthemusicstops.com on your credit card statement.

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How many events can I attend?

As many as you want, you are looking for somebody for a limited period so you're extremely welcome to participate quite intensely at this time but we lose customers all the time because they find a lasting match through one of our events! We hope this happens for you too!

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What About Refunds/Your Cancellation Policy/Missed Events?

Please see our Cancellation Policy Page for details.

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I like it! I'm ready to sign up. Now what?

That's the simple part. Don't be shut out, go to our home page and click on any of the events that interest you. Make your choice now before the event fills up!

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I wanted to register but it says the event is full, what do I do?

We're sorry! To ensure the best possible experience, each event has a maximum capacity and our system is programmed with this information. When the event fills up, the system does not permit any additional registrations for that event.

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Can I sign up with a friend?

Naturally, in fact we encourage it. Sign up with two or three! However, we prefer that each person provides contact numbers or email addresses separately so we can send each of your matches confidentially.

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What If I Don't See Any Scheduled Events In My City/Town/Area?

An event may be in the works but isn't listed on the Website yet. Also, we're rapidly expanding into towns everywhere and we might be there soon. We recommend first and foremost to join our newsletter list so you'll be the first to know about a newly scheduled event. Also, we'd appreciate it if you would recommend your area. Lastly, you might want to consider running or coordinating events in your area in which case please read the next question/answer.

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I like the concept! How do I get involved as a Franchisee or Event Coordinator?

If you've got even a little bit of entrepreneur in you we would love to discuss it. It's full or part time, it's fun, you're helping people and you can make good money. If you're seriously interested, contact us now through our Speed Dating Opportunities section

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What if I still have more questions?

We thought we've covered it all but if you've got more questions you can, we are always delighted to hear from you. It may be only something minor but don't worry we are here to help and are always happy to chat things through with you. In fact your call is so important to us that we're prepared to subsidise it, so you can ring from anywhere in the UK for the price of a local call too. Ring 0845 2303199 between 10am and 10pm every day.

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Your Choices to get in touch

Or you can just say "what do I have to lose?" and we hope to see you at an event soon!

C
ontact our dating experts

How can we help?

Telephone:
0845 2303199
Email:
care@
whenthemusicstops.com
Address:
When the Music Stops
Aizlewood Business Centre
Aizlewood's Mill
Nursery Street
Sheffield S3 8GG