How To Plan A Stag & Hen Do: Everything You Need to Know
1. What Does they Want?
Make sure you consult with the star of the show, as this is all about them. You don’t have to give away what you’re planning but it’s definitely worth finding out if there’s anything they absolutely do not want to do.
2. When Can It Happen?
Stag/hen dos tend to happen around a month before the wedding – this gives everyone time to recover and ensure all bruises have faded ahead of the big day. Get a group chat together to determine a date everyone can do. When planning on Portugal as your destination, consider a bit more in advance. School holidays, bank holiday weekends, flights and ensuring you book early enough as availability goes quickly. Our experience here at VIP is that mos stag/hen dos are planned a year in advance and happen 3-4 months prior to the wedding!
3. Who’s on the Guest List?
Will the groom/bride want the male/female members of his bride/groom-to-be’s family present on their do, or would a local night out be more suitable for that and then choose your faves and hop on a plane to Portugal? Check who the groom/bride really wants present and find out if there’s anyone who he’d rather not have there.
4. How Much Will It Cost?
Think about who is on the guest list and what they’ll be able to afford. Figure out
something with a price point that’s reasonable for everyone. If you plan in advance you can pay into it monthly and plan ahead! Just take everyone's financial situation into consideration, there are activities for every budget!
5. Where’s It Going to Be?
Are you going to stay in the UK or head overseas? Bear in mind the point above – the further afield you go the more it will cost. Planning to jet off to Las Vegas will cost a lot and may reduce the number of guests who can attend.
6. What Activities Will You Do?
It’s not a real celebration without some serious stag do games! There are lots of stag activities for you to consider, depending on the group you have and where you are going.
7. Get Communicating
Make sure everyone invited knows the essential information – where they’re going, the date, what activities you have planned and what they need to bring for them, as well as the accommodation details. Don’t forget to include those that don’t have Whatsapp! Check your passport is valid!
8. Collect the Deposits
Deposits will usually be required when booking accommodation and activities and it can be difficult to get these. Ask for them up front from everyone – when a deposit has been paid people are less likely to drop out too! 50 euros person is required to secure you're booking.
9. Time to Book
Once the date, activities, accommodation and price have all been agreed on and you’ve collected together the required deposits, it’s time to book the stag do, get the T-shirts printed and start the countdown. Our team is always available for any further assistance, tips, recommendations and adding oln activities.
10. Confirm Everything
This is important – confirm everything with everyone who is invited, so no one is confused about the details, but also confirm with the places you’ve booked closer to the time to make sure everything is going ahead as planned. You will receive an itinerary, make sure you know where you're going, when and where and book transfers if needed! Don't be late!!!