Visit the Here are some top tips on how to arrange a memorable stag weekend
1. Confirm date of wedding
Sounds obvious but unfortunately many best men get this wrong and don't leave themselves enough time to arrange things properly. You'd be amazed how many hens we get phoning up arranging the stag party for their other half who had left things to late.
2. Confirm rough dates for the stag night
It is recommended that the stag night should be no closer than two weeks before the wedding although this is flexible. Any later and things can start to go wrong - like the groom doesn't make it to the wedding. As he is your responsibility (best man) do you really want to face the bride (more to the point the brides father who is most likely paying for the whole shooting match!) and explain what has happened? Setting rough dates with the Groom will also make it easier in narrowing down the numbers for the event.
It is extremely unusual for everyone you invite to be able to make the stag night. The most important person it has to be convenient for is the Groom so the dates have to suit him.
3. Who to invite
The Groom obviously, his friends from home, school, college, work and family. It is becoming more common for invites to be issued to the Groom's father and , wait for it, the Bride's father - you'll have to ask the Groom about that one! Don't get too large. Don't forget you're going to have to organise this lot. The bigger the group the more difficult it is to manage. You'll have to collect the money etc. We've all been there and had that one person who is slow to pay.
Also you have a number of different groups eg. school friends, college then they may split into their respective groups and not mix as much as the Groom would like. So keep the group size manageable. The Groom is the best person to ask as he knows them all.
One important tip is to get the e-mail addresses of all those invited. This is by far and away the easiest way to co-ordinate everyone. Finally we all know one or two, how do we say, difficult people, especially when drinking! It would be prudent not invite those people if you feel they won't get on with the group or locals. You want this to be remembered for the right reasons not the wrong ones.
4. What to do?
Again depends on the Groom. It is becoming more popular to go away for a weekend and try some unusual adventure activities. The budget of the group, and the amount of time off work and spent away from partners/families etc will dictate how far you travel.
5. Where to Go? Local, UK Stag Weekend or European Tour?
Is it going to be 3 weeks in Barbados or a night in the local boozer? For more bachelor party ideas take a look at our other stag related web pages. You want to make the stag doa s inclusive as possibel so nobody is left out. You need to agree the guest list with the GRoom.. If you do choose to go to a European City such as Prague then you will have to expect that not evryone will be able to make due to financial constraints and time constraints
6. Arrange Yourself or Use a Company
Depends on you and what you intend to do. However it is always advisable to use a company to arrange everything for you, especially for bigger groups. This is far less trouble than doing it yourself and can be more cost effective. You should also bear in mind that many places such as pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants no longer accept stag groups - Dublin and Tenby being prime examples of placing where stag groups are becoming less welcome.
Ensure that whoever you use arrange everything for you - be sure you know what you are paying for and what is excluded. Is it full board or are evening meals extra, what about lunch? Do you have to drive everywhere yourself or are transfers provided? Do you really want to be looking for an activity venue with a convoy of 10 cars and you navigating? Certainly stag organisers are looking for budget stag weekends that offer value for money this year.
If you are wary of using a company then ask the company for testimonials or if you contact past customers.
It's your head on the block so make sure the groom has a memorable time (well maybe being memorable is asking too much) !
7. During the stag night
Jokes and embarrassing the Groom are traditional but remember don't go too far. You are the one who will have to explain to the Bride why her beloved hasn't got any body hair! You know the Groom best and will know where to draw the line - do you?
A good way to get everyone involved quickly to have t-shirts printed with photos or nick names of everyone. This breaks the ice and gets everyone talking. The other one which is very popular (those of you who have sampled Swansea will vouch for this) fancy dress - a must not only for the Groom but also the group.
There is also the usual dilemma of stripper or no stripper. Again you know the Groom. Don't be pressured by the group - it's not their stag night
8. Keep a Kitty
Keep a kitty. It is far easier with a big group than going in rounds as someone will be missed out or miss their round - especially as the night draws on. Gather the money early on and replenish when needed. So those who wish to drop out later on in the night can.
9. Can You Get Back to the Hotel?
Make sure you can get back to your accommodation at the end of the night! Take the address or phone number with you. You'd be amazed how many blokes forget or don't know where they are staying. This is especially true if they travel in someone else's car. Many companies will arrange the transport for you as a matter of course. Also ensure that accommodation is available that is stag group friendly. More and more are becoming reluctant to take stag groups which agaian it is adviasable to think about using an expert stag weekend company. You'll have a good idea about the sort of stag night experience to expect from their website.
10. Look After the Groom
Finally and most important of all LOOK AFTER THE GROOM HE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You may have to lie for the rest of his life, which could be short if his prospective wife found out about some of the things that traditionally go on.
