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We know a stag do isn’t just another weekend away. It’s the chance to get the whole gang together, give the groom a proper send-off, and create a few hilarious stories that’ll probably come up at his wedding. So, whether you’ve already got a plan or you haven’t got the faintest idea where to start, you’re in the right place.
Being asked to organise the stag do sounds pretty straightforward at first. Pick a date, find somewhere to go, book a few stag do activities and get the lads together. Easy, right? Not quite. Suddenly you’re trying to find a weekend when all the blokes are free, working out who’s actually coming, chasing Dave for his money for the fourth time and trying to find somewhere decent to stay that doesn’t look like it should be condemned.
Then there’s the small matter of choosing stag do ideas that everyone will actually like and making it epic for the groom. Before you know it, organising a stag party has become a full-time job. That’s where The Stag’s Balls come in. As your stag do experts, we’ll take care of the awkward bits so you don’t have to spend your evenings juggling bookings, payments and group messages. From finding the right destination and accommodation to sorting your activities and giving you loads of stag do inspiration, we’ll help get the important stuff organised while you get on with being the best man.
Whether you’re planning a big stag weekend with the whole gang or a smaller weekend away with the closest lads, you can keep things simple and let us handle the stressful parts. You’ll still get all the glory when everyone has a great time, but you won’t have to deal with all the hassle that comes before it.
So, if you’ve been lumbered with organising the best stag do, don’t panic. You’ve got enough to worry about without becoming a part-time travel agent. Let us help get the weekend sorted, leaving you to concentrate on the important stuff: making sure the groom has a stag he’ll never forget.
Because getting married is a pretty big deal and you deserve one proper weekend with the lads to celebrate! A stag do is your chance to get the whole gang together, escape the usual routine and have a bloody good time. You might not get many opportunities to have all your closest mates in one place, so you may as well make the most of it. Whether you’re heading away for a full stag weekend, staying in the UK or Ireland or jumping on a plane for a few days abroad, it’s all about having a laugh with the people who know you best.
And let’s be honest, a stag party gives the lads an excuse to get competitive, take on some ridiculous challenges, have a few drinks and unleash the banter along the way. You only get married once (hopefully), and you deserve a send-off that’s every bit as memorable as the big day itself.
Right, where are you actually taking the groom? This is usually where the stag group chat starts kicking off. The good news is you’ve got some seriously good options. From big UK cities and epic Irish weekends to European party destinations where the beer’s cheap and the sun’s out, there’s a stag destination to suit every group.
Newcastle – Newcastle sits in the north-east of England on the River Tyne and has built a serious reputation as one of the UK’s top destinations for a stag do. The city is famous for its football, music, nightlife and Geordie character, with the iconic Tyne Bridge and Quayside giving you some proper city views during the day. You can explore Newcastle Castle, wander along the river or head to St James’ Park if the groom’s a football nut. When it comes to the evening, the city really comes into its own. Bigg Market, the Diamond Strip and the Quayside are packed with bars, clubs and places to carry on until the early hours. Newcastle is also a great choice for groups because most of the action is within easy reach of the city centre, meaning you won’t spend half the weekend trying to find your mates.
Brighton – Brighton sits on the south coast of England, around an hour from London by train, and it’s famous for its seaside setting, Brighton Palace Pier, colourful streets and unmistakable character. It’s a cracking option if the lads want a stag weekend that feels like a proper getaway without having to travel miles. During the day, you can wander along the seafront, hit the beach, explore The Lanes or check out the quirky shops and bars around the city. Brighton Marina is another popular spot, while the North Laine is packed with independent places to eat and drink. Once evening arrives, the city has no shortage of bars, pubs and clubs, particularly around the seafront, West Street and the lanes. Brighton is easy to reach, easy to get around and has enough going on to keep a group of lads entertained from Friday afternoon right through to Sunday.
Liverpool – Liverpool is in the north-west of England and is famous around the world for The Beatles, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, its maritime history and its huge nightlife scene. It’s a city with loads of character, and there’s plenty to see before the drinking begins. The Royal Albert Dock is one of the city’s best-known areas, with the River Mersey, restaurants, museums and bars all close together. You can also head to The Beatles Story, visit the famous Cavern Quarter or take a look around Liverpool Cathedral. For football fans, Anfield and Goodison Park are obvious attractions. Then you’ve got Concert Square, Seel Street, Ropewalks and the Baltic Triangle for the evening, with bars and clubs spread across the city centre. Liverpool is particularly good for a stag party because it combines football, music, food, nightlife and a proper northern welcome, giving you loads of ways to fill a weekend without ever getting bored.
London – London is the capital of England and one of the biggest cities in the world, so you’re certainly not going to run out of things to do here. You’ve got the famous sights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, but for a stag weekend it’s the different areas of the city that make things interesting. Soho is packed with pubs, bars, restaurants and late-night venues, while Shoreditch has a more alternative feel with street art, independent bars and plenty happening after dark. Covent Garden and the West End are great for food, entertainment and theatre, while Camden is known for its markets, music and unusual shops. You can also head to Wembley for a sporting event, explore the South Bank or take in the views from one of the city’s rooftop venues. London can cost more than some other stag destinations, but if the lads want a massive city with something happening around every corner, it’s hard to beat.
Leeds – Leeds is in West Yorkshire in the north of England and is one of the UK’s best choices for a proper stag weekend. The city is famous for its shopping, football, music, food and huge nightlife scene, with a compact centre that makes getting the lads from the pub to the next pub a lot easier than it sounds. During the day, you can explore Leeds Kirkgate Market, wander around the Victorian arcades, check out Leeds Dock or head over to Elland Road if the groom is a serious football fan. The Calls and Leeds Dock are great spots for food and drinks, while the Northern Quarter has independent bars, restaurants and plenty of character. When the evening gets going, Call Lane, Greek Street and Merrion Street are all popular areas for a night out, with bars and clubs packed into the city centre. Leeds is also a great base for stag do activities, with loads of options in and around the city. Add in excellent transport links, a huge choice of places to eat and drink and a proper northern welcome, and you’ve got everything you need for a stag party that won’t be short on laughs.
Dublin – Dublin is the capital of Ireland and sits on the country’s east coast, making it an easy choice for a stag party travelling over from the UK. It’s famous for Guinness, Irish pubs, traditional music, Georgian architecture and its literary history, but there’s far more to the city than a few pints in Temple Bar. You can visit the Guinness Storehouse, explore Dublin Castle, wander around Trinity College and see the famous Book of Kells, or stroll along the River Liffey. Temple Bar is one of the city’s best-known areas for nightlife, but you’ll find pubs, restaurants, cocktail bars and late-night venues throughout the centre. Dublin feels like a holiday while still being easy enough to reach, which makes it a favourite for groups who want an Irish stag weekend with lots going on.
Cork – Cork is Ireland’s second largest city and sits in the south of the country on the River Lee. It’s known for its food, colourful streets, historic buildings and strong local character, making it a good choice if you want something a little different from Dublin. The English Market is one of the city’s best-known attractions and is a great place to explore local food, while Cork City Gaol gives you a glimpse into the area’s past. You can also head out to nearby Cobh, a picturesque harbour town with colourful buildings and a strong connection to Ireland’s maritime history. Back in Cork, the city centre has plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars within easy reach of one another. It’s a good destination for a stag weekend where you want sightseeing and good food during the day before getting stuck into the Guinness and nightlife later on.
Carlingford – Carlingford is a historic town in County Louth on Ireland’s east coast, sitting on the shores of Carlingford Lough with the Cooley Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop. It’s a much smaller destination than Dublin or Cork, but that’s exactly why it works so well for a stag do. The town is easy to explore on foot and is packed with old streets, pubs, restaurants and historic buildings. You can see King John’s Castle overlooking the lough, explore the medieval town centre or head into the surrounding countryside for some impressive views. Carlingford is particularly popular with groups who want to spend the weekend together rather than disappearing into a huge city. Once the evening gets going, the pubs become the main attraction, giving the lads plenty of opportunity to settle in for a few drinks and see where the night takes them.
Galway – Galway is on Ireland’s west coast beside Galway Bay and is famous for its traditional music, arts scene, colourful streets and unmistakable Irish character. The Latin Quarter is the heart of the city for many visitors, with its narrow streets, colourful buildings, pubs, restaurants and shops. You can wander along the River Corrib, visit Galway City Museum or head down to Salthill for views across Galway Bay. If you’ve got time for a trip outside the city, Connemara is on the doorstep, giving you some spectacular countryside and coastline to explore. Galway is a great stag destination because it gives you plenty to do without feeling like you’re in a huge city. Spend the afternoon exploring, find a pub for a few pints and then head into the city centre when the evening gets going. It’s got that proper Irish atmosphere that makes for a memorable weekend with the lads.
Limerick – Limerick is in the west of Ireland on the River Shannon and is one of the country’s oldest cities. It’s best known for King John’s Castle, which dominates the riverside and gives the city one of its most recognisable landmarks. You can explore the medieval area around the castle, visit the Hunt Museum, wander through the Georgian Quarter or head to the Milk Market for local food and produce. Limerick also has strong sporting connections, particularly when it comes to rugby, with Thomond Park being a major attraction for fans. When the sightseeing is done, the city centre has a good choice of pubs, restaurants and bars, making it easy to go from daytime exploring to an evening out without travelling miles. Limerick is a good shout if the lads want an Irish stag weekend with history, sport, food, drinks and plenty of character.
Prague – Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic in central Europe and is one of the most popular choices for a European stag do. The city is famous for its medieval architecture, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and, perhaps most importantly for a group of thirsty lads, its beer. During the day, you can explore the historic Old Town, cross Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle or head up to Petrin Hill for views across the city. Once the sun goes down, Prague’s pubs, beer halls, bars and clubs give you plenty of options for carrying on the weekend. The city centre is relatively compact too, which makes getting around with a group much easier. Prague has become a classic stag destination for good reason. It’s packed with history, affordable food and drink and enough nightlife to keep even the most stubborn night owl going.
Benidorm – Benidorm sits on Spain’s Costa Blanca on the Mediterranean coast and is famous for its sandy beaches, skyscraper-filled skyline, sunshine and legendary nightlife. It’s the sort of place where the lads can spend the afternoon on the beach before heading out for food and drinks as soon as the sun starts going down. Levante Beach is the main stretch for many visitors, while the Old Town gives you a chance to escape the high rises and wander through narrow streets filled with Spanish restaurants, shops and bars. Then you’ve got the famous Benidorm Strip, where you’ll find pubs, clubs, live entertainment and late night venues. Benidorm is also known for being relatively affordable, which can make a big difference when you’re organising a stag weekend for a group. If the lads want sun, beaches, cheap drinks and a proper party atmosphere, Benidorm is an easy one to consider.
Amsterdam – Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is famous for its canals, historic buildings, cycling culture, museums and famously broad nightlife scene. It’s a city where you can spend the day exploring the canals, visiting the Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House, wandering through the Jordaan or simply finding somewhere by the water for a few drinks. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, although you’ll need to keep your eyes open for bikes coming from every possible direction. Once night falls, there are bars, pubs and clubs throughout the centre, with areas such as Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein being popular spots for an evening out. Amsterdam gives you plenty of choice beyond just nightlife too, making it a good destination if the group wants sightseeing, food and a few beers alongside the main event.
Lisbon – Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and sits on the Atlantic coast, spread across a series of hills overlooking the River Tagus. It’s famous for its colourful tiled buildings, historic streets, yellow trams, viewpoints, Portuguese food and warm weather. You can explore the old Alfama district, visit São Jorge Castle, wander around Praça do Comércio or head towards Belém to see some of the city’s famous landmarks. When you’ve worked up an appetite, there are restaurants and bars throughout the city serving Portuguese dishes, seafood and plenty of drinks. For the evening, Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s best-known nightlife areas, with bars packed into its narrow streets before the party eventually moves elsewhere. Lisbon works particularly well for a stag weekend because you get sunshine, history, food, nightlife and a proper city break all rolled into one.
Budapest – Budapest is the capital of Hungary, split by the River Danube into the historic Buda and Pest sides, and it’s become one of Europe’s biggest stag party destinations. The city is famous for its grand architecture, thermal baths, the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and its famous ruin bars. During the day, you can walk along the Danube, cross the iconic Chain Bridge, explore Buda Castle or relax in one of Budapest’s traditional thermal baths. Then it’s time to head into Pest, where the famous ruin bars have turned old buildings and courtyards into some of the city’s most recognisable drinking spots. The nightlife is a huge part of Budapest’s appeal, but you won’t spend the whole weekend drinking if you don’t want to. There’s history, food, culture and some seriously impressive sights too. For a stag do abroad, Budapest gives you a proper European city break with a big party scene thrown into the bargain.
Trying to work out what the lads should actually do on the stag? There are a few epic stag activities that keep coming up for good reason. Whether you’re after a bit of friendly competition, something ridiculous for the groom or an excuse to get the beers flowing, these are some of the most popular stag do activities:
Beer Bike: Why walk around the city when you can pedal your way through it with a beer in your hand? You and the lads jump on a pedal-powered bike, work those legs and swig on a few beers while you cruise around taking in the sights. It’s a great way to see the city while getting the stag weekend started, although you might find the pedalling gets noticeably harder once the drinks start going down.
Stag Stitch Up Life Drawing: This one is definitely not your average art class. Stag Stitch Up Life Drawing puts the groom firmly in the firing line while the lads get creative and enjoy a few laughs along the way. It’s cheeky, ridiculous and guaranteed to give the stag something to remember. You don’t need to be the next Picasso either. In fact, the worse your drawing is, the better.
Bubble Football: Football gets a lot more entertaining when everyone’s wearing a giant inflatable bubble. You’ll be bouncing, barging and rolling around the pitch while trying to score goals and send your mates flying in the process. Bubble football is competitive without taking itself too seriously, making it a great stag do activity when you’ve got a group of lads who fancy settling a few scores.
Go Karting: Get the lads behind the wheel and find out who’s actually got some driving talent. Go karting is a proper stag classic, with everyone battling it out for pole position before inevitably blaming the kart when things go wrong. Expect overtaking, questionable tactics and one lad taking the whole thing far too seriously. It’s fast, competitive and guaranteed to bring out the racer in the group.
Comedy Performer Hire: If the groom’s going to have a stag do, he may as well have someone following him around making sure he can’t escape. With a comedy performer hired for the day, the performer can be handcuffed to the groom and become his unwanted new best mate for the duration. Expect embarrassing moments, ridiculous challenges and some serious banter at the groom’s expense. It’s basically a walking source of chaos who’s there purely to make sure the stag gets a proper roasting.
Paintball: It’s time to settle those arguments once and for all. Paintball gets the lads running around, hiding behind obstacles and firing paint at each other while pretending you’ve suddenly become a tactical genius. Form your teams, make a plan and try not to be the first one taken out. Whether you’re competitive or just fancy shooting your mates, it’s a classic stag do activity that’ll get everyone involved.
Female Stripper: For a traditional stag party with a bit of cheeky entertainment, you can’t go wrong with a female stripper. Whether she comes to your accommodation or meets you at a venue, it’s a classic way to give the groom some attention and make sure he knows this weekend isn’t going to be completely relaxing. Expect a bit of embarrassment, a lot of banter and one very uncomfortable groom.
Boat Party: Take the party out onto the water with a boat party featuring a DJ, drinks, dancing and some cracking views along the way. It’s a great way to see the sights while the music’s playing and the drinks are flowing, particularly when you’re celebrating somewhere with a warm climate. In sunny destinations, some boat parties can also include a stop where you can jump off for a swim before getting back on board and carrying on the party.
Bar Crawl: Sometimes the simplest stag do ideas are the ones that work best. Get the lads together, pick a route through the city and work your way from one bar to the next. A proper bar crawl takes the hassle out of deciding where to go, so you can concentrate on drinking, having a laugh and seeing what the night throws at you. It’s also a great option if you want to experience the nightlife without spending the whole evening stuck in one place.
Quad Biking: If sitting still isn’t really your thing, get the lads onto quad bikes and let them loose. You’ll tackle off-road tracks, muddy trails and rough terrain while putting your driving skills to the test. It’s fast, messy and competitive, which makes it a cracking choice for a stag weekend. Just don’t be surprised if one of the lads comes back looking like he’s been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Not got a clue what you’re doing for the stag do yet? Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re starting with a completely blank slate or you’ve already got a few questionable ideas flying around the group chat, The Stag’s Balls has everything you need to get the weekend sorted. Browse our stag do activities for ideas that’ll get the lads competing, laughing and giving the groom a bit of grief, or check out our accommodation if you’re looking for somewhere decent to base yourselves.
If you want to make things even easier, take a look at our stag do packages, which bring the important bits together in one place. You can also have a browse through our blogs for useful planning advice, destination guides, ideas for different types of stag parties and tips to help you avoid the usual organising disasters. From choosing where to go and working out what to book to keeping the lads organised, you’ll find loads of inspiration to get you moving in the right direction.
So, whether you’re planning months ahead or the wedding is getting dangerously close, have a look around, steal a few ideas and start putting the stag weekend together. The groom’s counting on you, lads. No pressure!
Every stag party needs a few rules. Not boring rules that kill the fun, obviously. Just a few sensible ones to stop the weekend turning into a complete disaster before you’ve even made it to Saturday night. A good stag do should give the groom and the lads plenty of stories to laugh about afterwards, not leave someone trying to explain a missing passport to airport security.
It’s his stag do, so while a bit of embarrassment is basically part of the deal, don’t book a weekend he’ll absolutely hate. If he can’t stand heights, don’t make your main activity jumping off something. If he’s not a massive drinker, don’t plan every minute around pubs. The best stag do ideas are the ones that suit the groom and give the whole group a good time.
There’s always one person who reckons you can sort a stag weekend a couple of weeks before it happens. You probably can’t. Get the date sorted early, work out who’s coming and start looking at destinations, accommodation and stag do activities before prices go up and availability disappears.
The best man might be organising the stag party, but that doesn’t mean he should have to make every decision on his own. Get the lads involved when you’re choosing the destination and activities, especially if you’ve got a big group with different interests.
Not everyone in the group will have the same budget, so don’t plan a weekend that leaves half the lads checking their bank balance after every round. Work out a sensible budget before booking anything and make sure everyone knows roughly what the stag do is going to cost.
A stag do without some proper banter would be a bit pointless. Give the groom a few challenges, take the mickey and remind him that this is his weekend to be the centre of attention. Just keep it within reason. There’s a difference between good-natured banter and making the groom genuinely miserable.
Flights, trains, accommodation, meeting points, activity times and getting home safely might not be the exciting part, but they’re what keep the whole weekend running smoothly. Check the details before you head off and make sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and when.
You’ve put the work in, you’ve got the lads together and the weekend is finally here. Don’t spend the entire stag party worrying about every little detail. Once everything’s booked and organised, relax and enjoy it. After all, you’re supposed to be celebrating, not running a conference.
There’ll probably be a few questionable decisions. That’s half the fun. Just don’t let one stupid decision wreck the whole stag weekend for everyone else. Look after your mates, keep an eye on the groom and know when it’s time to call it a night.
Get the basics right, choose stag do activities everyone will actually enjoy and leave a little room for things to go off plan. The best stag parties aren’t necessarily the ones with the most packed schedules. They’re the ones where the lads have a proper laugh, the groom gets a decent send-off, and everyone makes it home in one piece.
The stag do might now mean a weekend of questionable decisions, competitive activities, a few too many beers and at least one mate getting dressed in something he’ll never hear the end of, but the tradition goes back a lot further than you might think. In fact, men have been getting together to celebrate one of their mates getting married for thousands of years. So, before you start arguing over who’s paying for the next round, here’s a quick look at how the modern stag party came about.
One of the earliest recorded examples comes from Ancient Sparta in the 5th century BC. When a Spartan soldier was about to get married, his fellow soldiers would gather for a meal, raise a toast to him and celebrate the end of his unmarried life. It wasn’t quite the stag weekend we know today, but the basic idea was there. Get the lads together, eat, drink and give the groom a decent send-off before he got married.
The tradition eventually found its way into British culture, although the stag do as we know it today took a while to appear. In Britain, the word stag has long been associated with men, while the phrase stag party was being used for male-only gatherings by the 19th century. Early stag nights were often much more respectable affairs than the average modern stag party with formal dinners, drinks and a toast to the groom rather than someone being forced into a superhero costume before being unleashed on the streets of Magaluf.
Traditionally, a stag night took place on the evening before the wedding. It was essentially the groom’s final big night before getting married, which is where the idea of a last night of freedom came from.
Thankfully, things have changed. Waiting until the night before the wedding to have a huge session probably isn’t the wisest move when you’ve got to be standing at the altar the following morning. These days, a stag do is far more likely to happen weeks or even months before the wedding, giving the lads time to head away for a full stag weekend instead of squeezing everything into one night.
That change has also opened the door to far more stag do ideas. Instead of simply heading to the pub, groups can spend a weekend taking on go karting, paintball, quad biking, football, brewery tours, bar crawls, boat trips and all manner of other stag do activities.
The biggest change came as stag parties became less formal and much more focused on having a laugh with your mates. By the second half of the 20th century, stag nights had become increasingly associated with pubs, clubs, drinking, fancy dress and a few questionable challenges for the groom. The stag do then evolved into the full weekend away that’s so popular today.
Going abroad has also become a huge part of the modern stag weekend. Cities such as Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam and Barcelona have become popular choices for groups looking for something a bit different from a night down the local. Meanwhile, UK destinations such as Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh remain firm favourites for lads who’d rather keep things closer to home.
And that’s really the beauty of the modern stag do. There aren’t many rules anymore. You can head away for a full weekend, book a few mad activities, spend the afternoon watching sport, hit the bars at night or simply get the whole gang together for a proper weekend away.
The stag do has changed massively over the centuries, but the basic idea hasn’t. Get the groom’s closest mates together, give him a memorable send-off and have a bloody good time while you’re at it.
What is a stag do?
A stag do, or stag party, is the groom’s chance to get the lads together for one last proper knees up before the big day. It can be anything from a night out in your home city to a full stag weekend abroad, with stag do activities, food, drinks, nightlife and a fair bit of banter thrown in. The main thing is getting the group together and giving the groom a send-off he’ll remember.
Who organises a stag do?
Usually, the best man takes charge, although there’s no rule saying he has to do everything himself. Getting the other lads involved can make organising a stag party much easier, especially when you’re trying to agree on dates, budgets and what everyone actually wants to do. If you’d rather not spend weeks chasing people and sorting bookings, a stag do planner can take a lot of the admin off your hands.
When should you start planning a stag do?
It’s a good idea to start planning your stag weekend several months before the wedding. Popular destinations, accommodation and stag do activities can get booked up, particularly during the warmer months and around bank holidays. Starting early also gives the lads time to sort their money and get the date in their diaries, rather than leaving everything until the last minute.
How long does a stag weekend usually last?
A stag weekend will usually last two or three days, although it really depends on the group and budget. A Friday to Sunday trip is a popular choice as it gives you enough time to fit in some proper stag do activities, enjoy a night out and still have a bit of time to recover before everyone heads home.
Where are the best stag do destinations?
That depends on what the groom and the lads are after. UK favourites such as Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Birmingham and London are great for a big night out without having to travel abroad. Irish destinations such as Dublin, Carlingford, Cork and Galway are also really popular. If you fancy heading overseas, cities such as Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Benidorm are popular choices for a stag party, with loads to see, do and get up to during the weekend. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Stag’s Balls offer stag do ideas in all the best cities.
What are the best stag do activities?
The best stag do activities are the ones the whole group will actually enjoy. You could go for something competitive and ridiculous, get stuck into an adrenaline-fuelled experience, take on a challenge during the day or keep things more relaxed before heading out for the night. Think about the groom’s personality and the lads in the group rather than booking something just because it sounds good on paper.
How much does a stag do cost?
There’s no fixed price for a stag do because the cost can vary massively depending on where you go, how long you stay and what you book. A UK stag weekend can be more affordable than travelling abroad, while a European stag party could work out well if accommodation, food, drinks and activities are reasonably priced. The important thing is to agree on a budget early so nobody gets caught out later. If you want a full breakdown of prices, check out our blog on the cost of a stag do.
Who pays for the groom on a stag do?
Traditionally, the lads will cover the groom’s costs, although how you split this is completely up to the group. Some groups divide the cost between everyone attending, while others have one person cover certain parts of the weekend. Whatever you decide, make sure everyone knows the plan before the stag do so there are no awkward money conversations halfway through the weekend.
What should you do on a stag do?
There’s no set formula for a stag party. You could spend the day doing something competitive, head out for dinner, hit the bars and carry on into the night. You might prefer a weekend packed with activities, or keep the daytime fairly relaxed and save your energy for the evening. The best stag do ideas are the ones that suit your group and give everyone a chance to have a proper laugh together.
Is it better to have a stag do in the UK, Ireland or abroad?
Both can make a great stag weekend. Staying in the UK or Ireland means less travel and fewer things to organise, while going abroad gives you the chance to turn the stag party into a proper trip away. Think about your budget, the size of the group, how much time you’ve got and what sort of weekend the groom wants before making the call.
How do you organise a stag do for a large group?
Start by getting the basics agreed early. Pick a few possible dates, work out who’s coming, set a realistic budget and choose a destination that works for everyone. Once that’s sorted, you can look at accommodation and stag do activities. For bigger groups, using a stag party planner can save a serious amount of hassle, particularly when it comes to keeping track of bookings and payments.
What should you avoid when planning a stag party?
Don’t book a weekend that the groom is going to hate just because the rest of the lads think it sounds funny. You’ll also want to avoid leaving bookings until the last minute, ignoring the group budget or cramming so many stag do activities into the weekend that nobody gets a chance to enjoy themselves. A bit of planning goes a long way, and there’s no need to turn the whole thing into a military operation.
Can you have a stag do without drinking?
Absolutely. A stag party doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol. There are loads of ways to have a great weekend without spending every night in a pub or club. Competitive activities, outdoor adventures, food experiences, sports and unusual challenges can all make a cracking stag do without the need for a bar crawl.
Should the groom know what’s happening on his stag do?
That’s completely up to the group. Some grooms want to know exactly what’s planned, while others are happy to hand over control and see what happens. You can always keep the main details under wraps while making sure he knows anything important, such as what to wear, where to meet and whether he’ll need to bring anything specific.
How do you make a stag do memorable?
It’s usually the people and the stories that make a stag weekend memorable, not how much money you throw at it. Pick a destination the lads will enjoy, book a couple of activities that’ll get everyone involved and leave enough time to relax and have a laugh. Give the groom a few challenges along the way and you’ll soon have a weekend that’ll be brought up at the pub for years to come.
What should the best man consider when planning a stag do?
The best man needs to think about more than just where the lads fancy going for a night out. You’ll need to consider the groom, the group size, everyone’s budget, travel times, accommodation and what you’re actually going to do once you get there. It’s also worth finding out about any food requirements, injuries or other restrictions before booking activities, so nobody gets lumbered with something they can’t take part in.
Should you plan surprises for the groom on a stag do?
A few surprises can make a stag party even more memorable, particularly if they’re personal to the groom. You could arrange something linked to his favourite sport, team, hobby or a long-running joke between the lads. Just make sure you know where to draw the line. The aim is to give him a proper send-off, not leave him plotting revenge before the wedding.
What should the groom take on a stag weekend?
That’ll depend on where you’re going and what you’ve got planned, but comfortable clothes, suitable footwear, a phone charger and any medication you normally take are good places to start. Check whether your stag do activities need specific clothing or equipment too. If you’re heading abroad, don’t forget your passport and make sure it’s valid for your trip. It sounds obvious, but someone forgetting theirs is exactly the sort of drama nobody needs on a stag weekend.
How do you keep everyone organised during a stag party?
Give everyone the important details before the weekend starts, including travel arrangements, accommodation information, activity times and meeting points. A group chat is handy for quick updates, but you’ll want the actual itinerary somewhere everyone can easily find it. Keeping the plans simple will also save you from having twelve lads asking where they’re supposed to be every five minutes.
What makes a good stag do for a big group of lads?
A good stag do for a big group needs activities that get everyone involved without making the day impossible to organise. It’s worth choosing a destination with easy transport, accommodation that can handle the group and venues where you can all get together. Most importantly, don’t make the weekend all about one person’s idea of fun. The groom should be the main man, but the whole gang should come away thinking it was a cracking weekend.
The Stag’s Balls is here to make organising the stag do a hell of a lot easier. We’ve got loads of stag do ideas, activities, accommodation and packages across the UK, Ireland and Europe, so you can give the groom a proper send-off without spending your entire life sorting out the details. Whether the lads fancy getting competitive, causing a bit of chaos, hitting the best nightlife or heading abroad for a few days, you can build a stag weekend that suits the whole gang.
From tearing around on an adrenaline-fuelled activity in Newcastle to taking on a proper night out in Liverpool, enjoying a few beers in Prague or soaking up the sun in Benidorm, there’s something for every sort of stag party. Pick your destination, get the lads involved and we’ll help take care of the boring stuff.
The best stag weekends don’t happen by accident. You’ll need to get the lads together, agree on a date, work out the budget and decide what the hell you’re actually going to do. That can sound easy until everyone starts throwing their opinions into the group chat. One wants to go abroad, another wants football, someone else just wants a weekend in the pub and the groom suddenly has very strong feelings about the hotel.
That’s where The Stag’s Balls comes in. Whether you’re after a full stag do package, a few cracking activities or just somewhere decent for the lads to stay, we’ll help you get the important bits sorted. You can choose from destinations across the UK, Ireland and Europe and find stag do activities on our site that’ll get everyone involved.
So, if you’ve been given the job of organising the stag party, don’t panic. You don’t need to become a full-time travel agent or spend your evenings chasing lads for money. Get the group together, choose the destination and start planning a stag weekend the groom will be talking about for years!
Choose your preferred destination, what type of booking & your (rough) dates.
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