A stag party is a unique and memorable event in the life of a groom-to-be. It’s a chance to celebrate your last night as a bachelor with friends and create unforgettable memories. Between booking activities, surprises, gifts and initiating guests, a stag party needs to be prepared well in advance. The aim? To make sure you don’t stand out from the crowd, and to keep the surprise effect going right to the end!
If you’re short of inspiration for your friend’s stag party, here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of the evening and make it unforgettable.
Summary
1. Choose the concept for your stag party
Organising a memorable stag party starts with the choice of concept. The first question to ask is: what type of event will best suit the personality of the groom-to-be? Whether it’s an intense day, a wild evening or a weekend with friends, it’s important to define a concept that will appeal to everyone, while living up to the groom’s expectations.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Do they prefer a quiet evening with a small group or a big party with friends and entertainment?
- Do they prefer music, sport, adventure or the arts? This type of information will help you to determine which stag party activities are best suited to their passions.
- The time available plays a crucial role: one evening may be enough or perhaps a crazy weekend in a top destination is more suitable.
- The surprise: sometimes it’s necessary to decide whether the bride-to-be should be kept in the loop to better orchestrate the surprise.
Finally, don’t neglect the budget! Organising a stag party doesn’t cost the same if you’re planning a relaxing day with a few friends or a crazy adventure abroad.
Once you’ve asked these questions, you’ll have the basis of your stag party plan, and can choose a programme that perfectly matches the tastes and expectations of the groom-to-be, to guarantee a memorable event.
2. Define a provisional budget
Budget planning is one of the most crucial steps in organising a successful stag party. Before deciding on the type of main activity or the ancillary surprises, it is essential to define a provisional budget. Depending on whether you choose to organise a day trip or a long weekend, expenses can vary considerably. A weekend at the other end of Europe, for example, will involve far more costs than a few hours spent paintballing or having a few drinks in a local bar. So it’s important to bear in mind that not everyone has the same financial means, and the budget needs to be adapted to each person’s possibilities.
In theory, each participant is expected to contribute equally to the collective kitty. However, this principle can sometimes be difficult to apply if certain activities, such as parachute jumping or quad biking, are more expensive than others. To avoid tensions and misunderstandings, start by drawing up a complete list of all possible expenses. This could include transport (train, car, plane, minibus hire, etc.), accommodation (hotel, gîte hire, bed and breakfast, etc.), food (restaurant meals, picnics, catering), drinks (aperitifs at home, drinks in a club or bar), activities (paintball, go-karting, bungee jumping), as well as gifts for the groom-to-be or even souvenirs.
To help you organise this part, we recommend that you draw up several comparative tables of the different options, based on the prices of the activities, venues and services chosen. This will give you a clear picture of the costs of each element and allow you to adjust the programme to suit the overall budget. Don’t hesitate to talk to your guests to make sure everyone is comfortable with the financial choices, and to ensure that participation in the kitty is fair and equitable. By keeping a clear budget, you’ll be able to concentrate on what’s important: creating unforgettable memories for the groom, while keeping costs within reasonable limits for all the guests.
3. Draw up a guest list
The guest list for a stag party is generally easier to draw up, as it often includes the groom’s closest friends. However, sometimes the groom has a large circle of friends scattered across different towns or regions. In this case, it is essential to send out invitations well in advance and to check the contacts of these people.
Here are a few things to consider when organising this stage:
- Identify the groom’s key friends, including those he may not have seen recently but would really like to have around for this important event.
- If you’re having trouble getting information, ask the bride-to-be for help. Not only will she be able to help you get the contact details of distant friends, but she can also give you valuable advice on who it would be important to include, based on the groom’s connections.
- Invitation logistics: once you have the guest list, it’s important to communicate the details: the venue, date and time of the event. Allow enough time for everyone to get organised and set aside time for the occasion.
- In addition to practical information, if you want to organise specific activities (such as bungee jumping or a weekend abroad), you’ll also need to take into account the availability of participants.
Good communication at this stage is key to ensuring the presence of everyone the groom-to-be wants to be around to celebrate his last night as a single man. Don’t neglect to plan ahead to guarantee a successful stag night!
4. Choosing the must-do activities for your stag party
A stag party is the perfect opportunity to give the groom-to-be some memorable souvenirs. The choice of activities needs to be well thought through, because unlike an EVJF, stag party activities often involve more adventurous or competitive activities.
Here are some ideas of must-do activities to consider to make this stag party exceptional:
Thrills and sports :
- Paintball or Laser Game: These activities are ideal for groups who like adrenalin and competition. Each team competes in tactical scenarios that reinforce team spirit. Whether in the forest or indoors, paintball promises crazy moments and lots of laughs with friends. Laser games, on the other hand, are more accessible, allowing everyone to take part without worrying about pain, while offering hours of intense fun.
- Go-karting: For those who love speed and competition, go-karting is a heart-pounding activity. You can organise a little tournament with friends and see who will be crowned champion of the day. It’s the perfect activity to add a little spice to the day while having a few laughs.
- Football match or basketball tournament: Organise a friendly match between friends, it’s a perfect group activity to bring everyone together around a shared passion. If the groom-to-be is a football or basketball fan, a match on the local football pitch or a basketball tournament could be an activity that will delight him and mark the event.
Parties and socialising :
- Pub crawl: For a more relaxed but just as festive atmosphere, plan a pub crawl. Each bar you visit can be an opportunity to discover a new place and toast to friendship. You can even add some challenges or games between friends to spice up the evening. It’s ideal for a social and festive experience where conviviality is at the heart of the event.
- Nightclub: After the pub crawl, why not extend the evening in a nightclub? A dance party is the perfect way to party, let loose and enjoy the last night before the wedding. Lively music, friends and a groom-to-be ready to enjoy every moment make for a successful evening.
Fun and original activities :
- Escape Game: For groups looking for more cerebral challenges, an escape game is an ideal activity. You will be confronted with enigmas and puzzles that you will have to solve together in a limited time. It’s a great way to build team spirit and share moments of reflection and fun.
- Virtual reality session: Dive into the future with a virtual reality experience. These immersive and interactive games allow all participants to escape into virtual worlds while having fun. It’s a fun, futuristic activity that’s perfect for groups looking to experience something new.
- Dinner and show: If you’re looking for a quieter but still lively evening, a dinner and show could be an excellent option. This event combines food and entertainment, offering both an enjoyable meal and a live performance, for a fun and convivial moment that perfectly matches the atmosphere of a stag party.
Outdoor adventure :
- Parachute jumping or bungee jumping: For those who want a bit more madness, why not organise a parachute jump? There’s nothing like jumping into the void for a moment of pure adrenaline before landing on the ground. If the groom-to-be prefers something more moderate but just as exciting, a bungee jump is the ideal alternative. A stag party classic.
- Canyoning or quad biking: If you prefer an outdoor adventure, canyoning or quad biking is a great idea. Plunge into rivers, climb rocks and discover magnificent landscapes while having an intense and emotional time. These activities are perfect for lovers of nature and physical challenges.
More relaxed but memorable alternatives:
- Spa break: For a quieter group looking for an original stag party, a spa break can be an excellent choice. You can relax, enjoy massages and spend some quality time together before the big day. It’s also a great way to unwind and recharge before the final stage of your single life.
- Jet-skiing or boating: For those who want to combine relaxation with adventure, a water-based activity such as jet-skiing or boating is ideal. These activities are perfect for a weekend with friends, especially if you’re near a lake or the sea.
Personalised moments :
- Ritual or quiz: Why not organise a little ritual or quiz about single life and the future stages of marriage? This type of game can be a great way to get the whole group involved and have a good time while being creative and a little nostalgic.
Whatever activity you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that the groom-to-be has an unforgettable time surrounded by his friends, in an atmosphere of fun, conviviality and adventure. These stag party activities are designed to strengthen the bonds between friends, make memories and offer the groom-to-be one last moment of madness before his big day.
Tip: To simplify the organisation of these activities and invitations, Weezevent offers practical solutions to manage ticketing and invitations, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for everyone.
5. Plan the logistical details
Once the broad outlines of the stag party have been defined, it’s time to concentrate on the logistical aspects. To avoid any last-minute stress, it’s vital to book venues, transport and accommodation well in advance. Whether it’s a bar, a restaurant, an Airbnb or a hotel, make sure that the venues you choose are available on the planned date and that they meet the needs of the whole group. If you’re planning a weekend abroad or even in another city, plane tickets or train tickets should be booked quickly to get the best prices. And don’t forget to check travel document requirements, such as passports and visas, to ensure a smooth trip.
If you’re organising an event outdoors or in a location likely to be affected by bad weather, it’s essential to have a back-up solution. Plan B can be as simple as booking an indoor venue in the same establishment or another nearby venue. Make sure that the activities are also suitable for all types of weather, so that the stag party can go ahead regardless of the conditions outside.
Taking these logistical details into account will allow you to manage the big day with peace of mind and make the most of this exceptional day or weekend, without worrying about the unexpected. Good organisation of the practical aspects not only guarantees the comfort of all the participants, but also ensures that the event runs smoothly and that the groom and his friends have a memorable time.
6. Plan plenty of surprises
To make the stag party even more memorable, it’s essential to plan surprise activities that will surprise your friend and honour the traditions of this unique event. For example, organise a wine-tasting session to tantalise his taste buds or a hydrospeed for a bit of adrenaline. To add a sexy touch, a stripper can surprise the groom-to-be in an offbeat atmosphere. You can also create more intimate moments, such as a song sung by all the groom’s friends, or even a film specially made for him, with messages and memories from his loved ones.
Don’t neglect the convivial aspect: a personalised T-shirt with messages about his single life or his transition to life as a young man can put a smile on the faces of the whole group. A small card or special message will add a personal touch.
These surprises and activities will make this stag party an unforgettable get-together before the start of your new married life.
7. Finding the right stag do gift
When it comes to gifts for a stag party, give free rein to your creativity while respecting your friend’s budget and passions. Most of the time, planned activities such as bungee jumping or parachute jumping are already unforgettable gifts.
You can also opt for more material gifts that will last over time, such as a watch, a signet ring, a personalised travel bag, even a camera or a vinyl turntable, objects that will mark the beginning of a new end to a young man’s life. Of course, it’s the thought that counts most of all: more affordable gifts can also perfectly complete the mood.
Whichever way you choose to honour this stag party, the important thing is to please the groom-to-be with gifts that reflect his character and the links with his friends, and to make sure that everything is perfect to mark this unique moment in the best possible way.
Organising a stag party is made easier thanks to the solutions offered by Weezevent, notably thanks to its online registration feature. With Weezevent, organizing a bachelor party becomes simple and efficient, offering an unforgettable experience for all participants.
