Have you been asked to be the best man at a wedding? This role involves many joys, including standing front and centre during the ceremony and making a speech on the big day. One of the more daunting tasks, however, is planning the stag do.
This event is where the groom bids goodbye to single life with an all-out celebration with his friends and family. The history of this occasion dates all the way back to Ancient Greece and was revived during the 19th century. Now, stag dos are a popular pre-wedding pastime in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the USA.
Traditionally, it is the responsibility of the best man to organise the occasion. While this may seem like a challenging prospect, all it takes is communication and careful preparation to plan an unforgettable stag do.
Consult with the groom
Firstly, consult with the groom. As the event is all about them, this is the best place to start.
This doesn’t mean that you need to reveal all: just get a sense of what they would enjoy doing. Do this by suggesting different activities and themes and gauging their reaction. The most popular stag do ideas in the UK range from a poker evening and football followed by the pub to a long weekend in Europe.
Don’t forget to ask the groom to confirm the guest list and provide necessary contact details!
Determine the budget
Before making plans, take time to determine the budget. It is important that everyone feels comfortable with the estimated spend, and is aware that this may change slightly along the way.
Make sure that people understand what is included in the cost of your proposed stag do, and any additional costs that would be involved during the trip.
Prioritise logistics
Once you are in the process of organising, prioritise logistics before delving into the details. Travel is a major part of this, as are the dates and duration of the trip and where you’ll stay.
Booking the key logistics ahead of time gives you a solid framework for the final itinerary, and enables you to access discounted rates. You will find significant savings on flights, trains, and accommodation if booked well in advance.
Bear in mind that there may be further discounts available on train fares for groups travelling together or special stag do deals on large private vehicles.
Add personal touches
A surefire way to make sure the stag feels special is to add personal touches where possible.
Common methods of personalisation include customised t-shirts and party favours, and making references to in-jokes and previous shared experiences together during the event. If it suits the mood, you could even make a heartfelt speech in tribute to the groom.
Communication is key
Lastly, but most importantly, communication is key. Whether you’re organising an event for five people or 20, you will find it impossible to confirm the itinerary without constant contact.
Create a WhatsApp group with all of the attendees – except the groom – to allow for instant and easy communication. Be clear about deadlines for decisions and payment instalments, and provide plenty of detail regarding the plans you’re making.
This way, you will get the information you need, and the entire party will feel involved and excited.
