As an event company we are often asked about the perfect Stag do. Here are our Top Tips for planning the Ultimate Stag Weekend.
Weather you knew it’s going to happen, or it can as a massive surprise, being nominated to organise a stag do is no mean feat. The most courageous, methodical and strongminded individuals have crumbled under the pressure. Let face it, men can be bigger divas than women especially when abroad and keeping everyone happy is always going to be a problem.
First off, don’t worry about it, the job of the stag organiser (Best man) is to put together an itinerary that compliments the groom, after all, he is the only person you really need to keep happy.
Follow our ultimate check list to make sure you get it right.
It’s so good we called it the “Best Man’s Best Friend”
1 – Fix a Date
Once you know the wedding date, you can fix the stag weekend. There is no set rule for the timing but we recommend at east 4 weeks before the wedding day. This gives ample recovery time if the stag wakes up with half an eyebrow missing.
2 – Who Gets The Nod.
Sit down with the stag and see who he wants to invite. Size matters here, and too many guys will look more like a hoard than a happy stag group. So make up the list starting with his best mates and working outwards. Remember to not overlook family of the bride, he could have a brother or cousin that the groom is friends with. Although you may not want any “spies” not inviting them could cause the stag undue problems, so it maybe take a token member to keep the peace.
Once you have the Stag list drawn up, you can put everyone else in the bucket for what we call the PRE-STAG-STAG, this is just a mad night out in the local town for everyone else that couldn’t make the cut.
3 – Where We Going and What’s The Budget
This is the most difficult thing to fix. Simply put, some guys will have more disposable cash than others while on the flip side, some are just tight and other have wives that won’t sign off on it. So avoid the cliché places and pick places that raise an eyebrow. The do with be epic wherever you are, so find a place with no red flags and stick to it. Everyone else will fall in-line. In terms of calculations the cost, think about the following:
– Flight. Find a location that uses a cheap budget airline, this will help keep costs down. –
– Average cost of hotel/apartment. Websites like Booking.com will give you an estimated cost of accommodation.
– Food. If your hotel/apartment includes breakfast. You may spend another 40 GBP a day on food.
– Drinks. A well planned out Stag weekend will have you spending no more than 40 GBP a day on drinks.
– Activities. It is highly recommended, especially when not everyone is familiar, to do some activities.
Team building classics like paintball, go-karts, shooting range, vodka or beer tasting will add something to the stag weekend and give plenty to talk about. And with no drinking before most events, it cuts out the beer breakfast and thus help you keep things under control.
– Keep it cultural. Wherever you go make sure you do a city tour or something cultural. The stag and everyone else will like the change of pace and appreciate your mind-set.
4 – Delegate a Banker.
The job of the banker is too fold. He should act as your 2nd (Not the Stags), his job before the stag weekend is to chase the funds and make sure payments into the kitty are on time. The banker makes the payments for flights, hotels and activities. During the weekend, if there is a food and drink kitty, the banker will carry it and handle everything. This really speeds things up.
5 – Make Sure You Get Booked Up Early.
If you decide to visit a popular party destination, then make sure you get things sorted early. Hotels and activities will often be fully booked, so don’t play around on this, make the booking, and consult with the banker to request payments. We recommend having everything booked at least 6 before arrival.
6 – Always One Dummy.
The night before, and during the day…. Make the calls, remind people about passports, and make sure everyone is fixed for getting to the airport.
7. During the Stag
Make sure everyone has the address of the hotel on a piece of paper. You’ll be surprised how many people will forget where they’re staying. Make sure everyone has your (and or the Bankers) mobile number on speed dial.
If you have used a Jamboree or another company to organise the weekend, you will have an itinerary so just make sure you get all the guys to the right place on time. Nothing worse than cancelling an event because you turned up too late.
Bottom Line.
The groom is the most important person, so whatever happens, you need to make sure you get him back to the hotel at the end of the night.
Popular Questions
Strippers, yes or no?
Depends on the Stag. If he will take it with a smile, then yes, get it organised. A stripper in the limousine or party bus ride from the airport is a great way to start the weekend, a better value than than an overpriced striped club
Should I organise Games
Games can be a good laugh, and can offer a nice icebreaker if some guys are new to the group.
Is fancy dress needed?
Depending on the outfit, it may take up a lot of space in the suitcase. Although let’s face it, fancy dress is always quality and with the right theme, it could be epic.
Formalities aside, don’t forget to have fun, being the Best Man isn’t easy, it’s an honour so do the Stag proud!
For more help and information about planning a stag weekend please contact the main office.
