A guide to planning a legendary stag party
An essential part of pre-wedding celebrations, the stag do is an opportunity for the groom-to-be to enjoy one last hoorah with his closest friends. Whether it’s a night out in the local pub, a few days in a holiday cottage in the countryside or an action packed weekend in a European city break destination, a stag do is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable parts of any man’s nuptials.
If you’ve recently been put in charge of organising a stag do for a friend and aren’t sure where to start, take a look at our guide to planning a legendary stag party and give your friend the send off he deserves.
Confirm your guest list
Before you make any stag do plans, you need to know how many people you’re dealing with. Ask the groom for a list of everyone he wants to invite and then get in touch with them to see who is definitely available. If you’re planning a weekend away, you’ll need to give guests a lot of notice, especially if the stag do is in the summer months.
Stag do destinations
Once you’ve got a confirmed guest list, it’s time to decide where you’re going. There are a number of fantastic stag do destinations across the UK and Europe, so your main challenge will be narrowing down your options. If you’re only going for a weekend, it’s probably best to stay in the UK or opt for a destination that’s one or two hours away by plane.
City destinations are great for groups looking for nightlife, good food and activities. Lisbon, Budapest, Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam and Riga are among the best stag do locations in Europe, though most cities will have a good choice of bars, clubs, restaurants and accommodation.
Alternatively, if you want to spend some quality time with the stag and your group of friends, book a holiday cottage in the countryside and enjoy a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world – and the pressure of wedding plans. Wales, Cornwall, the Highlands of Scotland and the Lake District all offer breathtaking scenery, a choice of excellent holiday cottages and a variety of activities.
Find a house that’s big enough to sleep your entire party
If you try to squeeze a big group into a small house, you’ll be uncomfortable and cramped. What’s more, there probably won’t be a communal space large enough for you all to sit round and socialise. For the best chance of finding a house that’s perfect for your party, browse through our site featuring perfect, large stag party houses.
Make sure stag parties are allowed
Though a lot of large houses will allow stag dos, some won’t. To make sure your booking isn’t cancelled later on, it’s best to be honest with the owners and tell them you’re planning a stag do.
Book an activity
An activity is an essential part of any stag weekend. Giving the event a focus and helping to break the ice, an energetic, fun and exciting activity is a must. If your stag do is in the summer months, make the most of the good weather with an outdoor activity. Canyoning, kayaking, whitewater rafting and mountain biking are all great fun and are suitable for participants of all abilities.
If you’re not sure the weather is going to play ball, book an indoor activity like wine tasting, shooting, go karting or bubble football. If you’re struggling to think of stag party ideas, contact your chosen holiday cottage to find out what’s available in the local area.
Now you’ve got the guide, it’s time to start arranging your event. Book your accommodation now to avoid disappointment and to ensure you have the best possible base for your legendary stag do.
Stag Do Accommodation
Looking for accommodation for an amazing stag party? Take a look at our self-catering stag accommodation across the UK and Europe.
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