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Luxe Collective is a preloved luxury reseller that buys and sells the most sought-after pieces from the world’s most renowned designers. Here experts from the brand share their top tips for revitalising your wardrobe and feeling your best with designer bags, shoes, and accessories.  

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and the perfect time to make the most of the opportunities the new season presents to plan your next romantic rendezvous. Whether you’re meeting someone new or enjoying a night out with your significant other, the right outfit can make all the difference to how you feel. We understand the importance of making a lasting impression, which is why we’ve curated the ultimate guide to spring date fashion for women. From coffee in the park and cocktails on a sunny terrace to a romantic dinner in a beautiful restaurant, we’ve got the perfect styling ideas to put a spring in your step and help your confidence shine through.  

Coffee in the park  

There’s something undeniably charming about a leisurely coffee date in the park. The crisp spring air, the budding flowers – it’s the perfect setting for getting to know someone new. For a look that’s casual yet stylish, opt for a pair of white straight-leg jeans and a cashmere knit. Pull on a canvas jacket or trench coat and pair your outfit with classic leather ankle boots or luxury sneakers. Our favourites would be a pair of Valentino VLogo boots or a pair of Chanel CC runners that can add a pop of colour to your look. The beauty of a luxury sneaker? Not only are they comfortable for a stroll in the park, but they also add a touch of personality to your outfit. Finally, complete your outfit with a luxury crossbody bag, perhaps a Hermès Constance or a Louis Vuitton multi-pochette, to keep your essentials close at hand while you enjoy your coffee.  

Cocktails on a rooftop terrace  

Brighter evenings are best enjoyed with cocktails on a sun-soaked terrace. This is also a prime opportunity to showcase your fashion-forward style with an elevated outfit that seamlessly transitions from drinks to dinner.  

Consider pairing relaxed denim with an oversized blazer or a boxy tailored jacket for a sophisticated yet cool date night look. When elevating everyday staples like denim, accessories play a crucial role. We adore vintage designer jewellery for adding a touch of glamour, whether it’s vintage Chanel earrings, layers of delicate necklaces from Van Cleef & Arpels, or stacks of Cartier love bracelets.  

Finish your outfit by slipping into a pair of stunning designer heels like a Louis Vuitton mule or a classic Jimmy Choo sandal, and you’re ready to sip cocktails, bask in the sun, and hopefully savour some stellar company too.  

Romantic dinner date  

For a more intimate and romantic evening, nothing beats a dinner date in a beautiful restaurant. Strike a sophisticated yet sexy balance with a little black dress and a pair of killer high heels. Classic silhouettes like a Louboutin So Kate stiletto pump would be perfect. But if you’re looking for a heeled sandal, it’s got to be a pair of Saint Laurent Opyum heels that deliver flirty and fun. Add a finishing touch with an elegant bag. Choose from a Chanel classic flap bag, perhaps a vintage Dior Saddle, or even a trending Prada bag. A beautiful dinner is the perfect opportunity to wear some of your glamorous and luxurious pieces. Whether it’s an LBD or a tailored set, adding luxury designer accessories, be it bags, shoes, or jewellery, will help you achieve date-night luxe perfect for the spring season.   

Continue the love story  

From Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and more, Luxe Collective offers 100% authentic designer bags, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Whether you’re on the lookout for the perfect new piece to add to your collection or you want to streamline your current closet, Luxe Collective offer an expert-led preloved luxury service. We allow you to maximise the earning potential of your preloved pieces as well as the opportunity to buy incredible designer items.  

Looking for a more personal, 1-2-1 selling experience? Luxe Exclusive VIP Buyer Lauren Green is on hand to help streamline your closet. Simply email Lauren at lauren@luxecollectivefashion.com to start your selling journey. 

Luxe Collective is offering all Ignite members £30 off their first order with code IGNITE30

Have you come across the phrase “if he wanted to, he would” in the dating world? The statement has quickly gained traction on TikTok and is used as a shorthand to describe when a woman is perceived as being in a one-sided romantic relationship. The phrase is often used to describe the situation where a woman puts in lots of time and energy into the relationship, while the person she is seeing treats it as an option or don’t properly return their affections. “If he wanted to, he would” implies that if a man wanted to make things happen, he would, so their inaction demonstrates they lack interest. The relationship dynamic may rely on the woman initiating all the contact and making all the plans. It’s often used in the early days of dating when people get stuck in frustrating situationships where they are left wondering whether it’s worth waiting around to see if the other person commits. 

Over on TikTok many people shared videos of what their partner does to demonstrate their affection and make them feel valued, using examples of gifts they’ve received and the lengths a partner has gone to make them feel like they are making them a priority. From huge bouquets of flowers and rose petals sprinkled over the bed, it’s painting a picture of romantic gestures that demonstrate how much somebody cherishes their partner. Often the hashtag #ifhewantedtohewould is used to make the point this is the type of behaviour that suggests their partner is heavily invested in the relationship.  

The problem with the phrase

There’s plenty of support for the argument that it really isn’t possible to boil down dating romantic interactions into one simple phrase, so “if he wanted to, he would” is seen as a drastic oversimplification. As a Cosmopolitan article highlights, the phrase is problematic because single people may have experienced trauma and obstacles in their life that stop them being able to dedicate their full energy to dating. They may even be worried they are going to come across as too eager in the early days of dating and instead end up playing hard to get. The article concludes there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all dating advice as every situation is unique. 

A Glamour article points out you may miss out on amazing people if you go by the manta “if he wanted to, he would.”  There are many factors that affect somebody’s behaviour which means it might not be straightforward for them to simply provide what a love interest wants, says the article. You might come across people who may be socially awkward, or who overthink situations. They may fear rejection or have low self-esteem. Assuming somebody is not that into you and making assumptions based on their actions means you could end up throwing away what could have been a promising relationship. 

Another Cosmopolitan article points out that it’s important to remember a new love interest might not be aware what you want. You won’t be able to truly understand why somebody isn’t doing something you want if you don’t openly communicate about your needs, the piece points out. If you’re in a situationship, for example, the other person might want to take you for a nice dinner, but they may worry you will think it’s too much. Communication works both ways and it’s important to discuss your needs in the relationship, so the other person has a fair chance of understanding where you are coming from and what you want. Then, if made aware of what you are looking for, they will only give you less than you deserve, then you can make the call of whether to walk away. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the phrase – share them over on Instagram or Facebook! 

Find out more about our award-winning matchmaking services here.

Does the thought of approaching a total stranger who has caught your eye bring you out in a cold sweat?  Would you be confident enough to make the first move on a night out? You may feel it’s a bold step you could never dream of actually doing, so you might be interested to hear a recent survey found 76% of people are open to being approached by a potential date in real life. 

Many singles avoid approaching people they come across in day-to-day life because asking a stranger out in person risks embarrassment and rejection if they don’t respond well. An article on the New York Post recently pointed out that a recent poll found 45% of men aged 18 to 25 had never approached a woman in person. Another survey found 72% of men said a fear of being perceived as creepy impacts their interactions with women. However, if many single people are happy to be approached in real life, are you missing a trick by being reluctant to strike up a conversation with somebody you’d like to get to know better?

There are many ways to approach a stranger that ensure you aren’t making them feel uncomfortable or confused about your intentions. It’s important to pay close attention to how they respond to your approach and know when to call it quits if they make it clear they aren’t interested romantically. Many people are flattered to be approached and appreciate the authentic connection that can come from meeting in real life versus being approached on an app. 

We’ve shared our top tips for ways to approach somebody to help you be better prepared for making the first move when you are out and about. 

Think about where you approach somebody: It can be tricky to catch somebody’s eye on the morning commute while they may be engrossed by scrolling on their phone or rushing to get to work in time. If you are looking to create opportunities for more natural approaches, then think about places you go where you might share something in common. It could be the place you exercise, a concert, or an evening class. This makes it easier to strike up a conversation based on the common ground you share, and you can pick up on cues from the other person to judge whether they are giving signals that they are also interested romantically. If somebody starts to weave their partner into conversation, it’ll become clear they are attached. 

Try not to worry about the worst-case scenario:  Even the most confident person can feel out of their depth trying to strike up conversation with a stranger who is surrounded by a group of friends. However, if you approach them in a kind and courteous manner it’s unlikely the situation will pan out as badly as you may have feared. Things go wrong when people suspect you of having a hidden agenda or undesirable intentions, so if you are friendly and straightforward the other person will hopefully respond well. Leave cheesy opening lines well alone though, as they might create an instant turn-off. 

Don’t linger if the other person doesn’t appear interested:  It’s important to make an approach quick and move on if the other person don’t seem interested. Turning somebody down may make the other person fear you’ll react badly, so be prepared to be polite and leave. Being too persistent can make somebody uncomfortable so pick up on their reactions, including if they are looking away or getting restless, and politely move on from the conversation. 

Be more approachable: Making eye contact and smiling at strangers when you are out and about makes it much easier to initiate real-life connections. Make sure you come across as friendly and approachable, with welcoming body language instead of crossing your arms or staring down at your phone. You can glean how somebody might react to being approached if they return your smile or make eye contact.   

Move things along: If you are getting the feeling the person you like is mutually interested, you can offer your phone number or share your social media handle so you can communicate further and start planning a formal date to get to know each other better. You can also keep thing casual when you meet by suggesting you should both grab a drink sometime, and if they respond positively, you can get it touch to make the arrangements. 

Don’t forget to rely on your gut feeling when you’re talking to somebody, as their cues and body language should give you a good idea of whether they’re interested in pursuing a romantic connection. Why not try gathering up the courage to approach somebody if you like them as you never know where it might lead you, and the opportunity may never present itself again!

Are you looking for somebody special who will truly understand you and share your values, life goals and aspirations? Your dedicated matchmaker is waiting to introduce you to some truly amazing people. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with a safe and enjoyable search for love.

West London is a relaxed and sophisticated area packed full of popular places to explore and must-see attractions. If you live there, you’ll be in the know about the beautiful green spaces and architecture that enhances the area. 

As part of our London date ideas blog series, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in West London. Whether you are looking for new places to head with your partner or you’re searching for the ideal first date spot, find our top tips for the best experiences to share together. 

Find great al fresco options 

It does feel like the weather will never improve, but one day the sun will shine enough to spend a warm afternoon mooching together, seeking out an al fresco table to watch the world go by.  This is the perfect time to make a beeline for Little Venice, a tranquil stretch of water where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent’s Canal. Rembrandt Gardens is a lovely spot for a picnic on a nice day or you can seek out the tasty eateries that overlook the canal. You can also take to the water on a narrowboat for a relaxed sightseeing tour along the Regent’s Canal to explore more of London’s landmarks. Fancy something a little different? Look for The Puppet Theatre Barge which is moored at Little Venice, offering a range of live music, theatre and puppet shows. 

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage site and makes for a great day out. There is a programme of events to get involved in or you can just enjoy seeing the beautiful gardens at your own pace. 

Richmond Park is another green space to enjoy where you might get a peek of the historic herd of deer. Stretch your legs around the scenic trails while enjoying the views. 

Explore interesting neighbourhoods

Portobello Market in Notting Hill is one of the most famous street markets in the world offering an ever-changing variety of sellers and stalls to explore. It’s best known as the place to head for interesting antiques, but you are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping for all sorts of things. Foodies won’t be disappointed either with a delicious array of street food and cuisines on offer. Make sure you linger in the area as Notting Hill is a great neighbourhood to explore, especially to check out the iconic pastel-coloured houses and pick your favourite from the fashionable restaurants on offer. For a real treat head to The Ledbury, a venue that boasts three Michelin stars offering delicious tasting menus you can pair with matching wines.  

Fabulous nights out

Make the most of long summer evenings on the open roof terrace at Darcie & May Green in Paddington, a venue made up of two canal boats that share a combined open air upper deck. 

Viajante87 is an intimate Latin America inspired cocktail bar in Notting Hill Gate with delightful drinks list you’ll enjoy sampling. Trailer Happiness offers great rum and cocktails with a Tiki twist on Portobello Road. If you prefer a cosy pub atmosphere then head to the Harwood Arms in Fulham, an upmarket gastropub offering a game-focused menu and produce from its rooftop vegetable garden. 

Enjoy the arts

West London is packed with must-see museums and galleries which make it easy to spend a few hours strolling around enjoying each other’s company. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are world famous, but don’t overlook interesting options such as the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill and the Design Museum.   

Outside of theatre district, find incredible shows over at the Lyric in Hammersmith with a packed schedule of live performances available. The Canal Café Theatre is a renowned comedy, cabaret and theatre venue which has hosted many household names. Find it housed above the Bridge House Pub in Little Venice where you can grab pre-show drinks and food. 

We’ve love to hear your top tips for the best places to head in West London – share them on our Facebook or Instagram page! 

Our dedicated matchmaking team are ready and waiting for your call to help you with your search for love. Get in touch today to find out more!

When you are in the thick of the dating scene, but you’ve still not met the right person it can be tempting to get fed up and wonder how anybody meets anyone. It can be disheartening to put in lots of effort but still be in search of that elusive connection. 

If this sounds familiar, you might be interested in recent stats that shed light on where people met their partner. As you may expect, there are a range of avenues that lead to long-lasting relationships. The YouGov research discovered nearly a fifth of people meet their partner at work, with an equally as popular route being meeting through friends. Of those surveyed, 15% met people while they were out and about, 7% found love through an online dating platform and 6% through dating apps. Also mentioned was meeting due to shared hobbies (5%) and through family (3%).  Digital routes were most popular among younger age groups, with more than a fifth of 25- to 34-year-olds meeting this way. 

While it may feel like the apps are the go-to place to search for love, the figures make it clear there are plenty of other successful ways to meet a partner. How you met somebody may even have a bearing on the long-term prospects of the relationship. An article in Psychology Today points out research that found the most successful couples meet through shared social networks or while pursuing a common interest. The article also points out that couples with weaker social ties outside of each other may take longer to commit to marriage. 

While it’s all well and good to hear how other people met their partners, it can be tricky to find new love interests in everyday life. Flirting and approaching people offline isn’t straightforward for everybody, especially those who fear rejection. So, we’ve shared our top tips for improving your chances of meeting somebody new, without an app in sight. 

Think about your daily routine: It’s possible to run into somebody interesting at a variety of venues you head to everyday, such as the café where you grab your morning coffee, on public transport, at the pub, or at the gym. It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on rather than being distracted by constantly scrolling on your phone. See who might be trying to catch your eye and don’t be afraid to smile and make eye contact. Mix up the venues you head to as well, as going to the same bars and coffee shops may mean you are seeing the same faces repeatedly. 

Ask friends to introduce you to people they know:  Ok, so it’s not a good idea to be introduced to a friend of a friend merely because they also happen to be single. But there’s nothing wrong with asking a friend to introduce you to somebody they know who has caught your eye. Or if a friend has genuinely seen something in both of you that suggests you’ll be a good match, then why not take up their offer of setting you up? Try to say yes to dinner party invites and opportunities to get together with your friend’s wider circle, as you never know who you might meet along the way. 

Pursue your hobbies: Going to regular meetups or trying something new is a great way to introduce you to like-minded people. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a sports group or taking a new class, you might well get chatting to somebody with romance potential. 

Try singles’ events: They might not be for everybody, but more innovative singles’ events have emerged in the past few years. It’s not just speed dating but also nights out and get-togethers based around a shared interest which can help you meet a lot of single people in a short time. 

There can be so many advantages to meeting somebody in real life. You can see what they look like and how they act, rather than trying to scrutinise a decade-old photo on their profile. It can feel a lot less forced to meet naturally through a shared activity or night out than meeting as strangers for a first date. So, next time you’re out and about why not see who you come across – you never know where it will lead! 

We’d love to hear your top tips for meeting new people in real life – tell us more via our Facebook and Instagram pages! 

Ignite Dating is an elite matchmaking agency specialising in hand-selected personal introductions for our discerning clients. Our exclusive private network of available ladies and gentlemen boasts successful and professional people, like you, who are committed to finding a partner. Find out more here.

How important is a potential matches’ astrological sign to you? Astrology is viewed as important to a lot of people who actively look for somebody with a zodiac sign that appeals to them. How a star sign is perceived often plays a part in who people do and don’t approach in the dating world. 

Many daters see certain combinations of star signs as more compatible than others, which can have a bearing on their decision of whether to approach somebody. It’s not unusual to see people mention their star sign in their bio and some apps even let you filter potential matches based on their astrological sign. 

The extent to which astrology plays a part in who people approach is clear when you consider the findings of a recent survey. The Daily Mail reports how one in four people actively avoid certain zodiac signs on dating apps. Aries was found to be the zodiac sign most avoided, with 18% of those surveyed mentioning it, followed by Sagittarius (15%) and Leo (13%). People with the Pisces sign was least likely to be avoided, with only 2% saying they’d avoid potential matches with this star sign.  

Experts are keen to point out that you should not base a search for love solely on certain star signs. Deciding somebody’s star sign is a dealbreaker could lead to you ruling out people who you may have gone on to have a successful relationship with. It’s hard to predict what will lead to that all-important chemistry so the only way you’ll know for sure is meeting in real life. USA Today highlights how people may not actually be that interested in astrology but may have been influenced in the past by reading that their star sign is incompatible with another. However, by avoiding certain star signs you are shutting down one in 12 potential matches, narrowing the pool of people you could potentially meet. 

No matter whether you believe in astrology or not, a Mashable article points out that it can make an interesting talking point when you meet somebody new. It can also help astrology fans screen out potential partners who think the practice is a joke, the article points out. Talking about star signs can help you find out more about your date’s characteristics as well, as you can delve into their views on whether they identify with certain traits attached to their star sign. 

There’s no denying the popularity of astrology and its relevance when it comes to dating. The hashtag #astrologydating has millions on views on TikTok and, and Mashable points out, interest in astrology has boomed in recent year, especially among millennials. 

We’d love to hear your views on the topic – does astrology play a part in how you decide if somebody will be right for you? Share your views over on Facebook or Instagram! 

Ignite Dating is an elite matchmaking and introductions agency that helps busy professionals across the UK find a life partner. Our experienced matchmakers offer guidance and support to provide clients with a dating journey that leaves them feeling confident, energised, and safe. Find out more about our award-winning service and how it can help you here.

A lot of attention is paid to dealing with rejection after you are turned down by somebody in the dating world. However, it’s important to consider what happens when you are the one who isn’t feeling it. It can be hard to be the cause of somebody else’s disappointment and you may worry how somebody will react to being turned down. 

However uncomfortable you may feel with telling somebody you’ve not interested, it does pay to be upfront and honest about your feelings. It can cause further disappointment down the line if you give somebody you’ve been dating false hope. It’s not fair to play games in the dating world and most people react well to an honest answer about how you feel, even if you feel it’s best to soften the blow. 

However, many daters dread rejecting somebody as it can be an uncomfortable and awkward experience. You might find it tricky to find the correct words and you may worry they will take the rejection extremely personally. However, it’s important to remember you’re letting them know that you don’t think you’d be compatible, rather than criticising who they are. Done in the right way, a rejection will hopefully not be taken personally. 

We’ve shared our top tips for effectively handling a rejection so you can both feel the situation was handled well. Whether you’ve only exchanged a few messages or you’ve been on a few dates, find out more about how to handle rejection the right way. 

Try and avoid ambiguity: Your heart might be in the right place but beating around the bush can cause confusion and string things out. However, you don’t need to be harsh to be direct. You can always pair the rejection with a compliment or a polite sentence or two about how you enjoyed getting to know them. The idea is being clear that you don’t feel a connection and you don’t want to pursue the match any further. Being unclear in your response can cause confusion as the other person will receive mixed signals and think you still potentially interested. Using wishy washy excuses could send signals that you’ll be interested in the future. 

You don’t need to apologise: Saying sorry implies you’ve done something wrong but there is no need to say sorry for not being interested in somebody. You can explain you are flattered by their attention but be clear that you don’t want to take things any further. 

Text messages are OK in the early days:  If you have been chatting to somebody casually or you’ve only had a date or two, it’s fine to send a message saying you don’t want to pursue a romantic relationship. However, if you’ve been seeing somebody for months then they deserve more than a text that says it’s over.  

Never ghost somebody: Even if you don’t want to let somebody down, it never pays to ghost them. Ghosting is hurtful and leads to a lack of closure, as the other person doesn’t understand the reason you disappeared on the face of the earth. They may also blame themselves for things coming to an abrupt halt. The only times it’s OK to ghost somebody is if they react negatively to your rejection and become angry or hurtful.

It’s always important to remember there is a human being behind every dating profile and it can be unfair to treat people in a way you would not like to be treated. Even if you don’t see any potential in the pairing, make sure you are being clear, honest, and upfront. That way they can move on to the next person, who may well turn out to be perfect for them. 

At Ignite Dating, your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, working closely with you to understand the characteristics and values that are important to you. Our experienced matchmaking team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to make your dating journey as streamlined and enjoyable as possible.

Your matchmaker can help you navigate the trickier parts of dating, handling difficult conservations on your behalf so you can relax every time you meet somebody new.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!

East London is packed full of iconic sights and great places to visit if you are looking for date ideas with a difference. Packed full of well-known neighbourhoods to explore where no two streets are the same, you’ll find activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Check out the latest instalment of our London date ideas blog series to find inspiration for your next date night in this exciting part of the capital. 

Explore 

Explore the stunning colours and scents of Columbia Road Flower Market in Tower Hamlets, where the street is transformed by flowers and plants available for sale from the market traders. The market operates every Sunday, and you can take a leisurely walk along Regent’s Canal to make a day of it. Over in Hackney Broadway Market offers 120 regular stalls on a Saturday so a casual stroll will give you plenty to browse and delicious food to sample. 

If you enjoy taking in the London views, try the IFS Cloud Cable Car which reaches heights of 90 metres over the Thames. It connects the Royal Docks and the Greenwich Peninsula and offers views of landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, Thames Barrier, and Greenwich. The service runs late at night for a romantic way to see the city lit up at night. 

Exciting activities 

Up for some fun? Check out Ballie Ballerson, a Shoreditch cocktail bar which taps into childhood nostalgia with giant ball pits and sweet-themed cocktails including the Skittle Sour and Hubba Hubba Bubba.  

Reopening in Spring, Roof East is a fun venue which is located on the rooftop of a multi-storey car park in Stratford. On offer is tasty street food, games, and an open-air cinema, with great views to enjoy as you relax together.  

God’s Own Junk Yard offers an amazing gallery of neon lights and bulb signs in Walthamstow. The bright artwork is bound to impress, and you can see signs that appeared in famous movies.

Relaunching in the summer, the ArcelorMittal Orbit offers the world’s tallest and longest slide! Be brave and share the experience while enjoying the views at the top of Anish Kapoor’s red lattice tower. 

Eat great food

Brick Lane is a well-known foodie destination which is famous for its curry and bagels. For bagels, try the famous Beigel Bake which is open 24 hours offering a variety of filled bagels and baked goods. There’s also the Beigel Shop which offers a great variety of products including pretty rainbow bagels. 

You’re spolit for choice when it comes to great curry on Brick Lane. Sheba, Aladin and The Famous Curry Bazaar are well worth a try for some delicious spicy dishes. Some restaurants are BYOB so check before you go if you fancy a boozy accompaniment to your meal. Over on Fieldgate Street is Tayyabs, which offers delicious Punjabi cuisine including their famous lamb chops. 

Pasta lovers will enjoy Tom’s Pasta, a local neighbourhood restaurant in Hackney offering fresh handmade pasta via weekly changing menu. Just fancy drinks? Try Satan’s Whiskers, a cocktail bar in Bethnal Green that offers a daily changing menu and a backdrop of hip hop music. Nightjar offers fantastic cocktails and vintage live music in Shoreditch with a glamourous backdrop you’ll both enjoy. 

We’d love to hear your top tips for the best things to do in East London with a new love interest or partner. Share them over on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

At Ignite Dating, your dedicated matchmaker is with you every step of the way, working closely with you to understand the characteristics and values that are important to you. Our experienced matchmaking team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to make your dating journey as streamlined and enjoyable as possible. Get in touch today  to find out how we can help you.

How much money do you think you’ve spent when it comes to your search for love? When you think about it all those app subscriptions, date outfits and haircuts you shell out for, it might be more than you think. Don’t forget the cocktails, food, and activities you pay for when it comes to the date itself. Due to the cost-of-living increasing, a night out with a potential love interest can soon add up and do some serious damage to your wallet. 

A recent study by Novuna Personal Finance found the average single UK adult spends £1,652 on dating with the average single person going on 15 dates before meeting somebody special. The cost of an individual date is around £60. Bobby Seagull, an author, teacher, TV presenter, and Indian Matchmaking contestant, recently wrote a column about the economics of dating for the i Paper. He worked out that the 129 first dates he has been on must add up to £7,740, based on the Novuna figures. Another survey in the US found singles are spending 40% more on their dating lives than a decade ago. 

When a search for love isn’t going well, it can be tempting to plough more money into paying for dating apps to widen the pool of people you might potentially match with. However, subscriptions might not seem that pricey initially, but they can add up quickly. It can also be tempting to pay for ‘boosts’ to increase the visibility of your profile.

The problem is you don’t know in advance whether a date is going to go well, which can make it an expensive mistake to commit to a pricey meal and drinks with somebody you don’t go on to see again. Many daters are finding it makes sense to plan low-stakes first dates such as meeting for a walk or grabbing a coffee to judge whether somebody has potential before planning more expensive nights out. 

Modern-day dating is time consuming 

Not only is it costly to fill your month with a packed schedule of dates, but it can be time consuming as well. Often before a date is arranged you’ve spent hours chatting back and forwards, getting to know each other a little better. Then there is the time it takes to get prepared and go on a series of dates with somebody you might end up deciding is not right for you. 

Matchmaking can be a good alternative to the time-consuming nature of modern-day dating. Our matchmakers work hard to headhunt on their client’s behalf, meaning you can sit back and relax while they find you compatible matches. Your dedicated matchmaker will gain a good understanding of who you are and what you are looking for in a relationship. That way they can ensure they are only introducing you to people you’ll enjoy meeting. 

Cost can be a hurdle when it comes to joining a matchmaking agency and some may feel unsure about making an investment in their love life. But when you consider how much money can be spent on dating without any idea of whether the people you meet will go on to be right for you, it can be worth looking seriously at more personalised options. Instead of hoping you meet the right person organically or through intense swiping for matches, you can team up with the professionals who’ll use their considerable experience, extensive private network, and expertise to introduce you to potential partners. We really appreciate what makes you tick, and we select finely tuned matches based on your specific preferences and lifestyle aspirations.

Think about what suits you 

It’s always worth thinking carefully about your budget when it comes to dating. There’s no need to overstretch yourself if you can’t afford the expensive night out your date is suggesting. Many people are open to a more wallet-friendly first meeting and may be relieved you’ve suggested something that doesn’t cost a lot of money. If you are taking a bigger picture approach to your dating journey, or you’re fed up with a string of dates that have led you nowhere, it’s always worth looking at whether matchmaking is an option you should consider. Get in touch today if you’d like more information about how our bespoke matchmaking service works!   

Are you looking for somebody special who will truly understand you and share your values, life goals and aspirations? Your dedicated matchmaker is waiting to introduce you to some truly amazing people. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with a safe and enjoyable search for love.

Are you single and looking for love? You may have some knowledge of matchmaking, but you may not be entirely sure what is involved. Here at Ignite Dating we know it’s a big decision to make an investment in your love life, so we’ve outlined all the benefits of working with a matchmaker. We’ve also explained our process so you can understand exactly what’s involved in joining our elite dating agency.   

The benefits of working with a matchmaker

Dating can be an incredibly time-consuming experience. Think about all the hours you spend swiping on dating apps and chatting to people before you even get to the point of meeting. Hours of preparation can go into a date only to be left disappointed when the person isn’t who you were hoping for, or they go on to ghost you. Sadly, there’s a lot of bad behaviour that goes on in the dating world which can leave daters wary about meeting new people and frustrated with the whole experience. 

Working with a matchmaker can save you time. Our expert team work hard on your behalf to find you compatible matches so you can just sit back and relax while we find you amazing people to meet. We offer a safer way to date as everybody we introduce you to will have been ID and digital footprint checked. They also go through a rigorous interview process, and we ensure they are who they say they are. 

Your dedicated matchmaker will become like a trusted friend, navigating you through every step of your dating journey and being on hand to lend their support. Many clients are surprised what they learn about themselves along the way as they work with their matchmaker to carefully consider what’s important to them in a relationship. 

A stress-free dating experience 

There are a few easy steps we need to take to on-board you as a client. 

After your initial enquiry, we’ll make an appointment with one of our dating consultants who will meet with you in person to gather more information for the matching process. They have many years of experience in the dating industry, have professional, industry-related qualifications and will spend the time really getting to know you. This relaxed and informal discussion will help us understand what you need in a partner, and we’ll also learn more about what makes you tick.  

Once you’ve selected a matchmaking package that suits you, we’ll arrange for a dating profile to be curated by our qualified copywriting and PR specialists.

You’ll be introduced to your dedicated matchmaker who will spend time learning all about you. They will arrange a relaxed professional photo shoot at a location convenient to you providing you with a set of dating profile images you are proud of. We offer a discreet service with no need for an online presence, your pictures and profile won’t be shared online, and we anonymise your profile, to protect your identity.

Once an introduction has been selected and agreed to, your matchmaker will tell you more about them and discuss the upcoming first conversation you’ll have with your match. Once you’ve met, your matchmaker will follow up with you to see how the date went and if this person wasn’t right for you, they will get to work finding you a subsequent match. 

While we want all our clients to feel safe, secure, and empowered when working with us, we do also want to do all we can to bring out the best in them. Sometimes, that means asking hard questions or encouraging them to address issues and obstacles that stand in the way of their goals. This is always done in the most supportive and nurturing way possible, but it also means our clients trust we are always being direct and open with them and have their best interests at heart.

The best element about matchmaking is that you can enjoy a stress-free dating journey. Just sit back and relax, knowing somebody is working hard on your behalf to find you the perfect match. Our highly skilled and globally trained matchmaking team specialise in offering a dating journey that will leave you feeling confident, energised, and safe.
Find out more about our award-winning matchmaking services here.