Carl’s Stag Party on London Eye, London – Photo Courtesy: Dan Taylor
In their lifetime, most men will attend at least one bachelor party but at certain age, some guys find themselves invited to several in quick succession. The range of activities organised for a typical stag can get old; going paintballing on a stag do will always be fun but the novelty wears off.
Make sure the send off you’re organizing doesn’t have your stags feeling like it’s the same thing all over again. Here are 5 alternative ideas that you might not have heard of before:
1. Hire a Boat
This is the watery alternative to a party bus with the added bonus that you get to play I’m on a boat by The Lonely Island as much as you like. I bet you’ll be thinking “I never thought I’d be on a boat!” but indeed boat hire is possible.
Now that’s a rocking Stag Party on a boat!
Photo Courtesy: Scott Lowe
If you’re heading to London, you can arrange your choice of vessel to pick you up at Westminster and take a ride along the Thames, either returning to the same location or get dropped off at a different destination where you can continue the fun on dry land. A fully stocked bar and staff are included in the hire price and will be the perfect way to start the night; playing games on board before heading to a club.
2. Circus Skills Training
Circus Skills – Photo Courtesy: Andrew Williams
Experiencing days where you learn a new skill could be the start of a whole new past time for you and your friends. Many professional circuses and circus schools offer training in trapeze, juggling, acrobatics and tight rope walking. If there is something specific you’d like to learn, like fire poi, you could contact a trainer directly or ask the circus training centre to make sure you have a chance to learn some tricks in that area.
3. Play Your Favourite Game
Photo Courtesy: Lars Plougmann
Pick your game of choice whether that’s football, dodgeball, cricket or video games. A day time activity like playing a game of footy is cheap but provides plenty of male bonding time before heading out to the town in the evening. Pitch hire is relatively cheap or you could simply head to the park with a football or cricket ball and bat, some beers and your sun glasses to chill out during the day. If some of you don’t have the right attire for such an occasion, you could consider buying personalised sportswear while going shopping in a group.
This fulfils the same brief as going paint balling without the expense. Gamers may prefer to head to a gaming tournament e.g. Epic LAN, where players have a chance to plug into dedicated gaming servers. One day events and whole weekends are frequently organized by networks of enthusiastic gamers so check out the forums to find your nearest one.
4. Take a Road Trip
Recreate one of the most memorable road trips you’ve ever heard of. This will all depend on how much time you’ve got free as a one day drive does not a road trip make. 3-day weekends are feasible and quite common for stag dos these days or, if possible, take a week and treat it as a pre-wedding holiday. On the Road, Motorcycle Diaries and Mad Max are all epics but will have to be cut down to become feasible; e.g. take the section from Denver to San Francisco that is charted in On the Road.
Westbound freeway I-80 past Salt Lake City in Utah between Denver, Colorado and San Francisco, California. It is part of the road trip made famous by Jack Kerouac in his novel ‘On the Road’. Photo Courtesy: Garrett
Road tripping the highlands of Scotland or the West coast of Ireland provides a much shorter route and closer destinations for those based in Europe. A road trip will ensure you and your mates have a wealth of memories of what could be your last ‘lads’ holiday for a while.
5. Go to a Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival in London might just be the place for your Stag Do!
Photo Courtesy: Valters Krontals
Carnivals are celebrated all over the world. Trinidad and Tobago would make an amazing and authentic location for a carnival stag do but may be out of scope. New Orleans or even Notting Hill Carnival in London is an all fun alternative. A Carnival is generally celebrated on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, although in New Orleans, it begins in early January and builds up to a massive 2 week celebration before Lent commences.
A Stag Party is a fun event to be remembered with fond memories. So, whichever suggestion from among the above you choose, make sure to make the most of your Stag Do. You and your friends deserve it!
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Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! – Photo Courtesy: Laurent Goujon
Your best friend is soon going to walk down the aisle to embark on the proverbial ‘marital bliss’. With the wedding bells ringing already, if you are looking for a destination to make your beloved friend’s last night of freedom the most unforgettable one, you can narrow down your search to just one name, ‘Las Vegas’.
Non-Stop Fun- From Start To Finish!
Girls having fun at the famous 1 OAK Nightclub
Over the years, Las Vegas has established itself as one of the most talked about and sought after destinations for bachelorette parties. Promising you and your girlfriends a night to remember, the Sin City offers countless prospects to a group of girlfriends to celebrate.
Bachelorette parties are not just about allowing the bride to let go of all her inhibitions, it is a fiesta endeavored at lifting the bride’s spirits who is often a bundle of nerves with all the anticipation for her upcoming big day.
Delve In The Opulence!
There is no dearth of fun for a Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas has received countless raving reviews when it comes to last ladies night. With all that a night in the Sin City has to offer, it is a choice that can never go wrong. While you can launch into a shopping spree by day or pamper yourself at the most luxurious spas on earth, the hip nightlife has a galore of surprises in store for you.
If you thought those scantily clad yet exceptionally gorgeous entertainers were just for guys, this city will prove to be the surprise of a lifetime. With plenty of all-male venues for ladies to enjoy, Men of Sapphire or Chippendales await you. If you want to hone your striptease skills, just head to stripper 101 or learn some sexy moves or pole dancing.
Lady Luck, Do You Have The Guts?
Harrah’s Casino, Las Vegas – Photo Courtesy: Allie Caulfield
Do you want to try your luck? There are several casinos like Harrah’s, Bally’s and Venetian where you can gamble the night away. Featured in countless television series and Hollywood movies, with all the sounds, lights and pulsating energy, you will love every single second spent here.
The best part about Las Vegas is the great discounts and coupons you will find here. Promising to keep things easy on your pocket, you can find countless bridal parties roaming the areas adorned with all those pretty little tiaras and necklaces.
Taste To Die For!
A view of the sprawling Las Vegas Strip – Photo Courtesy: Tony Kent
Pleasures of the palate aren’t forgotten here. How about designating one meal as the official bachelorette feast? You will get a chance to treat yourself to flavors that tickle your taste buds. As you pep up yourself for the Vegas Strip, there are several eateries featured in the area where you can grab a quick bite that will transcend you to heaven.
So, pack your bags and don your most amazing attire as you are about to be the envy of all your friends for putting up a bachelorette party they will talk about for years to come.
Jenny B. wrote this Nightclubs in Las Vegas article and she hopes you have a fun and safe trip to Sin City.
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Ian’s Bachelor Party – Photo Courtesy: Andy
It is easy to get lost within the rigamarole of planning such an event-filled celebration for a friend or loved one. As you begin planning, it becomes easy to forget that the party is for them. I mention this because even though the bachelor party is thrown in honor of the groom, every man there is looking forward to a night out. As a result, the men invited often influence the one planning to sign-up for activities and visit places they wish to go. As the event planner, it is your duty to stay on top of this and decide on what the event will entail. If you find yourself having trouble with the planning process, follow this guide. It will help you formulate and stick to your goals.
Bachelor Party Planning Guide
Bachelor party in Lillsjödal, Sweden – Photo Courtesy: Olof Werngren
1. Set Goals
Prior to planning anything, start by talking to the groom. That is, unless you already know and are 100% positive regarding what the future groom wants for his bachelor party. For example, does he want something small and nearby at a local bar or is he wanting to go all out with a destination weekend trip for the men? With that said, you need to figure out what the main goal is and whether it involves planning something small or an over-the-top, event filled weekend.
2. Nail Down Details
Although many people believe the bachelor party details should be a surprise, this isn’t always the case. I mean, if this is a celebratory event signifying the end of those crazy nights out with the boys, you better make sure it is something the groom desires. You should also remember to tread lightly here. You do not want to go too overboard because the man is getting married, so you do not want him going too wild. The idea is to have fun but also, stay out of trouble. I mean, you shouldn’t have to police the poor man but definitely, keep an eye out for him. That is definitely part of your duty as the best man.
Number of Guests
So, back to the details. Make sure to speak to the groom and decide on the number of guests they wish to have. Also check to see if there are any specific people that must be invited and if uncomfortable with handling this yourself, simply ask the groom to draft a list for you.
Date of Party
The proper timing for all of this, is to nail down a date at least three months in advance so that guests can plan accordingly. This also leaves time to change the date if too many people are unable to attend. The date of the actual bachelor party should be about two to five weeks prior to the date of the actual wedding. Remember, you don’t want the two events conflicting so space between them is definitely needed.
Select the Location and Draft an Itinerary
Jamie Gulick’s Bachelor Party with Paintball & stuff in Arlington, Virginia, USA – Photo Courtesy: Philip Larson
As mentioned earlier, decide on what the groom wants whether it be a small gathering or an event filled weekend getaway. If the choice is an entire weekend, will it be close to his home or will it be a destination weekend in a place such as Las Vegas, NYC, Boston or Atlantic City NJ? If it occurs over the course of a weekend, draft up a tentative schedule of activities and venues you will visiting so that your guests know what to expect in terms of money they will need, dress code for the events, etc. For example, will you be golfing by day and gambling by night or will you be attending sporting events or going to a show?
3. Send Invites
With all of the communicative resources available today with social media sites, there are no excuses for not sending invites. If you are into this type of thing, feel free to send formal invites but if you prefer, send electronic invites through email or social media sites. Regardless of what method you decide on for inviting guests, be sure to request an RSVP by a specific date so that you can plan accordingly.
4. Budget
Be sure to budget accordingly and be open with your guests if they are responsible for any of the costs. For example, if you are planning a bachelors weekend and your guests are responsible for paying their hotel costs, be sure to include the room rate within the invite so they are aware that they will cover their own expenses.
Event planning advice was written by professional author Sarah Smith on behalf of Atlantic City Golf Vacations LLC.
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Hen Party in Temple Bar, Dublin – Photo Courtesy: William Murphy
So you’re getting married soon and life is pretty good. Hopefully the wedding is pretty much organized and now all you need to do is enjoy the stag and hen nights.
However, this can be the trickiest part of the whole getting married process as there are a lot of pitfalls involved in these nights but fear not as here is your kind on the do’s and don’ts of stag and hen do’s.
Don’t Have Them In The Same City
Your stag/hen do is supposed to be your last night of freedom out with your friends before you enter the serious world of marriage. Having your stag/hen do’s in the same place or even within a few miles of each other is just asking for trouble.
Photo Courtesy: aimee castenell
At some point during the night both parties are going to collide and then you will either have to spend the rest of the night together or an argument might break out if one of you feels like the other is having a bit too much fun.
Choose Your Organizer Wisely
Photo by Daniel Axelson
It is usually the best man and maid of honor who have the job of organizing the respective stag and hen parties and so you need to ensure that you can trust them not to go overboard with the celebrations. The last you want is to be left hand cuffed to a railing in the middle of nowhere with just your underwear on. On the other hand you don’t want it to be another boring night down at the local pub just like any other weekend so try to find someone who meets a good balance between these two scenarios.
Try Not To Drink Too Much
Photo Courtesy: Daniel Axelson
I know the whole idea of the night is to let loose one last time and enjoy yourself but you should exercise a little bit of self-control and caution as you don’t want to end up doing anything you will regret the next day and even worse, something that may stop the wedding from going ahead. It is always a good idea to have the stag and hen parties well in advance of the actual wedding day as there is nothing worse than a hungover bride and groom coming staggering up the aisle.
Try Something Different
We have all seen the usual stag and hen parties in bars and clubs and most of us have probably been on a few. How about trying something different?
Fire Engine Limousine – Ideal for hen parties, stag nights etc. – Idea & Image by Felix O
You could go for a golf weekend, visit a luxury health spa or do something fun and energetic such as paint balling or go-karting. This will ensure that everyone has fun and of course there will be plenty of time for a drink afterwards.
So there are some do’s and don’ts to guide you through the potential minefield that is your stag/hen party.
Spencer Robinson is a stag and hen do organizer who plans trips such as golf weekends, paint balling and spa weekends. He also creates hen night photo albums for his clients to keep.
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Karolina’s Bachelorette party planned by friends Janette and Amanda – Photo Courtesy: Amanda Smith
Whether you call it a hen party, a bachelorette party, or even a stagette party, the night before your wedding should be a blast. Long a time reserved for men to have fun while the women stayed home, the night before the wedding is now as free as the rest of the world; both men and women can enjoy it equally.
If you’re going to have a bachelorette party, you should throw a good one! While there are a lot of different ways you can throw an awesome bachelorette party, these are a few of my personal favourites.
Rent a Room
Guess what, if you rent a room, you don’t have to clean up! That can be especially important if you have to show up to an early morning wedding! Try renting a small bungalow or large hotel room that is close to your wedding chapel (that way if you have a hangover and wake up late, it doesn’t matter too much).
Kara’s Bachelorette Party
Renting the room will be a few hundred bucks extra, but considering you will probably be leaving for your honeymoon, you probably really don’t want your house to be a mess when you get back anyway.
Choose a Theme
Nicky’s Hen party – Photo by nAok0
Throwing a themed hen party is perhaps the most fun way to spend your last night of freedom. Do you want to be sexy or demure, old fashioned or futuristic? Themes can range from everything from Bunny costumes to 50’s Swing dresses or roller skates. Pick something that is practical (I.E. if it’s cold, try to wear something warm), and that you and the rest of your group will be comfortable in. If you want everyone to wear costumes, you can usually bulk-order costumes from sites that cater specifically to hen parties. However, this does usually mean that while the costumes will be cheap, they will be poor quality and you might not be able to wear them more than once or twice.
Take a Class
While learning mathematics isn’t really anyone’s idea of fun, you can hire someone to show up and teach you anything from kama sutra, pole dancing to cooking. A very popular option is to get a quick brush up on your dancing skills before you hit the dance floor on your wedding night. Group classes are usually entertaining, educational and a lot of fun for everyone involved. You can literally learn anything you like, and have a lot of fun doing it.
Hire a Bartender
If you aren’t intending to go out for the night, it can be a great idea to hire a bartender for the night. A bartender will bring drinks, maybe teach you how to make your favourite cocktail, and of course, serve beverages all night long. The only downside to hiring a bartender is that you might end up paying a great deal if he stays for a long time.
Bring Entertainment
Whether your idea of entertainment is your old board games, a fortune teller or a live DJ, you should remember to bring it. Try thinking of games that will have everyone actively involved and having fun (like Twister or dancing to a radio or DJ). Dancing is always a great option, not only because it lets everyone have fun, but because it will burn off any calories you might be imbibing in your drinks!
Last but not least, you should invite only those women that you are happy and comfortable with. While you might not want to exclude your mother-in-law if she knows you are having a bachelorette party, you can easily ‘forget’ to invite anyone who will make you uncomfortable. It’s your party and you should be having fun!
Hummer Limo Services by Coventry Limo Hire
One of the most exciting additions you can add to your bachelorette party is a stretched hummer which you can get from limo hire Coventry. Just think of how exciting it will be to show up in front of your favourite club in a limo!
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Nicky and friends having a blast at her Hen Party – Photo by nAok0
Fancy a break from the usual pre-wedding nights out? Here are some fresh ideas:
Stag and hen parties have become more extravagant, costly and competitive than ever.
If you’re getting married, or you’ve been asked to organize a party for a friend, you could be feeling the pressure to make sure everyone has a fun time before you even write the guest list.
Although the itinerary of stag and hen parties are often kept secret, it’s a good idea to take notice of the bride or groom’s hints on what they’d like to do! So whether you need an activity that’s low budget, teetotal or healthy, these ideas could be just the thing to solve your dilemma.
Learn a new skill
Pole-dancing may be a little bit much for your hen (or stag!), but you could try a cookery course – learn how to cook the stag or hen’s favourite dish, and then wash it down with wine afterwards.
Jamie’s Stag Party in full swing – Photo by Philip Larson
Find a festival
Try Glastonbury for music-loving types, Ibiza opening or closing parties for disco divas or Oktoberfest for beer-lovers.
Go low budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time. Pack a picnic, put the bubbly in the cooler and give each stag or hen a rubber duck. Then head down to the river and let the racing begin.
Turn teetotal
Does the idea of getting drunk horrify your stage or hen? Try a healthy, outdoor activity instead – sailing, golfing, shooting, rafting or zorbing (yes, rolling around in a giant hamster ball.)
Do a DIY party
It’s the two-in-one stag/hen weekend and wedding present: decorate the bride and groom’s house for them. Make a playlist, order in takeaways, crack open the champagne and get to work.
Step back in time…
Hold a themed night based on the stag or hen’s 18th birthday. Dress in dodgy fashions, revisit old haunts and then have a traditional sleepover afterwards.
… Or fast forward
Go for a pensioner-style stag or hen do. When else would you get to dress in your Sunday best, drink sherry and take in the bingo or a social club?
However you choose to celebrate your last big night out as a single person, now’s the time you might be feeling those last minute nerves. Make sure you have peace of mind about your big day by taking out a John Lewis Wedding Insurance policy – then all you need to do is sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered on any disasters from a missing cake to a florist shutting down.
John Lewis Insurance ensures you have peace of mind about your preparations, allowing you to enjoy your planning and, most of all, your big day. We offer cover from £10,000 – £50,000. Click here to find more information on our Wedding Insurance.
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