Stag and Hen Parties. Essential tips when organising weekends abroad.
Planning a hen party or a stag weekend? Here are our essential tips to make sure the pre-wedding celebrations are a success…
Fact: More than 3.3 million Britons attended a stag or hen party last year!
Stag and hen parties no longer tend to consist of a few drinks in a bar the night before the wedding. The general ritual has developed into a full weekend – or even longer – away with a group of bucking stags or feathered hens, either taking part in outdoor activities or hitting the sun-loungers and cocktail bars of a well trodden beach resort.
Sometimes travelling abroad on a stag or hen do can be cheaper than staying in the UK, so it’s no wonder so many best men and bridesmaids choose an overseas location for the bride or groom-to-be’s iniquitous bash.
But let’s face it, it can be quite stressful planning a hen or stag weekend, particularly when numbers are getting out of control and budgets seem to be slipping, so here are some top tips for planning a successful and memorable time for your stag or hen.
Top tips when planning a stag or hen party:
Talk to the bride or groom
Although often the whole point is to keep the party plans a secret from the groom or bride-to-be, it is well worth chatting to them at the beginning about exactly who they want to invite so that the guest list includes all the right people. Try to gage the type of thing they had in mind for the do – and if anything is completely off-limits. Remember, it’s supposed to be their send-off so you want them to enjoy it!
Budget
Find out what sort of budget you should be working to before you start making any grand plans. If you have a mixture of high-earners and students on the guest list, you’ll need to work out a budget that suits everyone. The hen or stag should know the guests better than anyone else, so broach it with them first to save any embarrassment. Then make sure everyone knows what they’ll be expected to pay before you book anything.
Contact details
Make sure you have all the guests contact details and they have yours. Keep everyone in the loop and send out group emails with all of the details people need.
Payment
Without being too strict, set a payment deadline so that you’re not out of pocket when things are charged for.
Theme
Decide if there’ll be a theme and let people know in advance if they’ll need to bring anything along.
Timing
Make sure everyone knows exactly where and when you’re meeting.
Travel insurance
Make sure everyone has travel insurance even if you’re staying in the UK. Missed planes, boats or trains can all end up costing your hen or stag group time and money. Travel insurance can also help if your possessions are lost and stolen - almost one in five hen or stag guests will lose valuables or have items like purses, wallets and mobile phones stolen!
Click to get a single trip travel insurance quote today for your hen or stag weekend! Don’t leave home without it.
Don’t forget:
Top destinations for a hen weekend:
- London
- New York
- Paris
- Barcelona
- Edinburgh
- Brussels
- Brighton
- Ibiza
- Canaries
- UK country cottage
Top destinations for a stag weekend:
- London
- Bournemouth
- Budapest
- Newcastle
- Prague
- Amsterdam
- Dublin
- Newquay
- Riga
- Leeds
Top ten activities for a stag or hen weekend:
1.Paintballing
2.Go-karting
3.Clay pigeon shooting
4.Quad bikes
5.Pampering and spa weekends
6.Zorbing (or sphering)
7.White water rafting
8.Rock climbing
9.Horse riding
10.4x4 off road driving
Related Information:
Last Minute Holiday Insurance – Don’t forget your travel insurance
Single Trip Travel Insurance – What’s included in a policy?
Travel Tips Before You Travel – Helpful hints