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Dos And Don’ts For Organising A Successful Stag Or Hen Do

Organising a stag or hen do is exciting, but it can bring some challenges, particularly if you are bringing together a disparate group of friends, family members, and workmates who may not know each other very well. 

A team of people with helmets posing for a photo.

To make sure that you won’t end up wishing your stag or hen do was very much a stag or hen don’t, here are some top tips for success! 

Do plan well in advance

First and foremost, start your planning early, particularly if you want to hold it at popular times of the year, including the summer months, bank holiday weekends, or when it will clash with other festivities. If you fancy trying your hand at an activity such as off road go karting, you want to book your place asap to avoid disappointment.

Do put the guest of honour first

The buck may stop with you, but do remember that first and foremost it is an event for the stag or hen. Consider their personalities and interests: do they want a last wild night of freedom with lots of booze and a few daft pranks to laugh about later, or a more genteel affair involving fine dining and a nice cocktail bar? 

Remember to be considerate of the stag or hens other half as well: they may not appreciate seeing photos of their intended walking home in their underpants with a fresh tattoo, or being seduced by an orange hunk wearing half a fireman’s uniform. Having a laugh is great, but respect people’s boundaries and keep any humiliation on the right side of funny.

Don’t pack too much in

If you are making a day or even a weekend of it, it might be tempting to schedule in activities for every single minute of the event. This can be exhausting and you will end up fretting about timescales instead of relaxing into the spirit of the occasion. 

One or two daytime activities and a separate evening event should be plenty to allow for a flexible schedule; you can always add in a spontaneous bar visit or city tour if you have some extra time on your hands. 

Don’t leave anyone out

Consider the guest list carefully; it may be best to consult the stag or hen about this. You don’t want to create future conflicts by accidentally leaving out one of the bridesmaids or the groom’s cousin Pete. Also consider if the activities you have chosen are inclusive for everyone in terms of their fitness and physical capabilities, and interests and comfort zones.

If you have any doubts, arrange alternative options so that no one feels left out or obliged to join in an activity that they don’t enjoy. 

Do set a budget

It might be tempting to arrange a weekend in a European country, but consider how practical this will be, and who is paying for it. Be realistic about what can be afforded, and what contributions the attendees will be asked to make. Set out the costs early and ask for feedback so that you can target them fairly.