Getting Ready for a Date: The Checklist

When you’re getting ready for a date, having a checklist can help to ensure you’re looking and feeling good. It’ll lessen any nerves you may be experiencing and encourage you to present as your best self, to make that all-important first impression.

Getting ready for your date

You’ve met someone who sparks your interest and you’ve sparked theirs. You’ve set a date, a time and chosen a venue - the hard work is done. There are just a few things to consider before you head off to hopefully start a brand new chapter in your life.

The pre-date checklist

Whether you met your date at a singles’ night and are already a little acquainted, have only chatted to them online, or are onto a second or third meet up, there’s much you can do to increase the chances of it going well. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few practical tips to check off ahead of your departure, and enable you to get the most out of your date.

Have some questions and icebreakers ready

This is a technique we always recommend when attending a speed dating event, as worrying about what to (or not to) say can leave you tongue-tied. Have some open-ended questions and conversation starters that are suitable for a first date up your sleeve. This means you won’t have to fret about trying to think on your feet. Because it’s amazing how our minds can blank when under pressure without a plan (many awkward rom-com scenes have been based on daters ).

Decide on your outfit ahead of time

You really don’t want to be late for a first date. And one of the biggest culprits for hold-ups is wardrobe drama. Prevent this by thinking through what you’ll wear a day or two in advance. This gives you leeway if you need to grab a new accessory, send an item to the launderette, stick something through the wash, or buy a whole new outfit. Turning up in clothes you had thought still fitted, but found out five minutes before you were due to leave didn’t, is not a winning start to the evening. Looking good and creating a sharp first impression is. It’ll give you an air of confidence that’ll put a spring in your step.

Brush your teeth

This is an easy one to forget as chances are you’re leaving at a time of day when you wouldn’t ordinarily brush your pearly whites. But if there’s any chance of a pucker up, and even just for the benefit of chatting at close quarters, having minty-fresh breath will stand you in good stead. A swill of mouthwash or chewing gum before arrival is also a good plan. Just be sure to ditch the gum before you arrive.

Tell someone where you’re going

If it’s the first, second, or maybe even the third date, you should have a ‘safety person’. This is simply a friend or family member who knows where you’ll be and when. Once the date is over you can check in with them and let them know you’re ok. It’s purely a backup to give you a little more security. If you feel you need more than this (and that’s totally fine), they could come along to the venue and sit at a distance, or wait in a neighbouring bar so you can go home together. Always meet in a public place until you know the person well enough to move it somewhere private.

Know your deets

There’s a little admin to consider for a date. Work out how long it’ll take you to get there so you’re on time, or better still, a little early. Double-check where you’ve planned to meet. And who you’re meeting. Let’s face it, if you’re dating a lot, keeping track of who’s who can get confusing! Calling your date the wrong name may be a turn-off… Then again, it might be a funny story for your wedding speeches!

Do a 360

Before you leave, double-check your grooming. Do you have any mascara goop in the corner of your eye? Food stuck between your teeth? A snag in your tights? Toothpaste dribble on your shirt? Dog hair on your coat? None of these is a good look. A few seconds taking a spin in front of the mirror will prevent these rookie errors. Then add a smile and a squirt of fragrance before you head out through the door, and you’ll be good to go.

Phone. Card. Keys.

This may not be specific to a date scenario, but it’s particularly important when meeting a stranger or a person with whom you’re not that well acquainted. And it’s easier to forget things when nerves are in the game. It would be pretty embarrassing if you have to ask them to pay for your cab home - especially if the date hasn’t been successful.

And… relax

Being relaxed and at ease will undoubtedly help your date go more smoothly. But this may seem like it’s easier said than done - that a racing heart, sweaty palms and shaking legs are outside of your control. No so. There are many practical things you can do to calm your nervous system and consciously put yourself into a more relaxed state. Breathing exercises are a quick and easy route to calm. Meditation takes a little practice but is well worth working on ahead of your date. Listening to music that helps you to chill out is beneficial, as is a long soak in a warm bath. Exercising can also shake off overwhelming nerves - although a run immediately before your date might not be the best plan!

Perhaps you’ve been struggling to find a date in the first place. If so, why not pop along to one of our speed dating events, where we do the hard work for you. Or try one of our virtual speed dating events from the comfort of your own home.