The Best Man's Guide To Planning A Stag Do

Being the best man is a great honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important duties of the best man is to organise an epic stag do or party for the groom and his friends. This typically involves creating a guest list, choosing a destination, and selecting activities that everyone will enjoy and can afford. It's important to plan the stag do well in advance, with a minimum of 8-10 weeks of preparation considered the norm. The best man may also be responsible for collecting money from the participants to cover the costs of accommodation and events. In addition to organising the stag do, the best man has a number of other tasks, including helping to choose and organise the wedding suits, giving a speech at the reception, and keeping the wedding rings safe on the big day.

Who pays for the stag do?

Planning a stag do can be a great way to celebrate an upcoming wedding, but it can also be a source of stress, especially when it comes to determining who pays for the event.

Traditional Stag Do Etiquette

Traditionally, the groom should not have to worry about paying for anything during his stag do, as it is considered the responsibility of the best man and groomsmen to cover all costs of the event. This includes expenses such as transportation, accommodation, activities, food, and drinks. However, the groom should still show his appreciation and gratitude to his best man and groomsmen for organizing the event by being present, participating in activities, and thanking them for their efforts.

Modern Stag Do Trends

In modern times, the groom may choose to split or share the costs of the stag do with the best man and groomsmen, depending on his financial situation. The focus of modern stag dos is on creating memorable experiences that the groom and his friends will cherish, such as unique experiences like sports, gourmet food and drink tours, wellness retreats, or cultural and city break trips.

Group Dynamics and Communication

The responsibility of booking accommodations and planning travel arrangements usually falls on the best man or stag party organizer. When it comes to paying for these expenses, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it is essential to discuss and agree on the payment arrangement ahead of time to avoid misunderstandings. Some groups may decide to split the costs equally, while others may choose to cover the groom's expenses as a gift. It is not uncommon for the best man to cover the groom's costs, especially for European stag do destinations, although this can be quite rare due to the financial burden on a single person.

Cost-Saving Tips

To make the stag do more affordable, there are several cost-saving tips that can be considered:

• Travel during the off-season to take advantage of lower prices.
• Book early to secure early bird discounts or promotional rates.
• Share accommodation, such as staying in a vacation rental or hostel, instead of a hotel.
• Opt for DIY activities or bring your own alcohol to save on drinks.

Determining who pays for a stag do can be a sensitive issue, and it is important to take into account the financial situations of all participants. While tradition may dictate that the best man or groomsmen foot the bill, it is crucial to have open and honest discussions about budget and financial expectations. The focus should be on creating a fun and memorable experience for the groom without causing undue stress or tension over money matters.

Planning the stag do

Planning an epic stag do is one of the most important duties of a best man. It's the best man's job to arrange a memorable trip for the groom and all his friends. This involves getting a guest list going, choosing the destination, and selecting activities to do.

It's good to be mindful that not everyone will be able to afford an extravagant trip, so opting for a location that is affordable for everyone is considerate and thoughtful. There are plenty of great stag destinations in the UK, with packages starting from as little as £49. It's also a good idea to pick two or three dates and ask the group who can attend to minimise back-and-forth.

The best man should also consider the groom's wishes. For example, some people want strippers, while others may not be comfortable with that idea. It's important to communicate with the groom and ensure that the stag do is something he will enjoy.

The stag do should ideally take place up to three months before the wedding to give everyone time to recover. It's also the best man's responsibility to ensure that the costs are covered. While it is customary for the groom not to pay for his stag weekend, the best man should collect money from the participants in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Choosing the destination

As the best man, you'll be responsible for choosing the destination for the stag do. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect location:

Know Your Budget

Before deciding on a destination, it's crucial to set a budget and choose a location that fits within it. Consider the costs of accommodation, activities, food, drinks, transportation, and any other expenses. It's important to communicate the budget clearly to all attendees to avoid misunderstandings.

Consider the Group's Interests

Think about the interests and preferences of the groom and the entire group. Discuss the destination with everyone to ensure they are on board. Remember, the stag would prefer to have all his mates together, so consider the group's budget constraints and choose a place that suits everyone's financial situation.

Research Your Destination

Once you've narrowed down your options, thoroughly research your chosen destination. Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and attractions. Identify popular nightlife areas, activities, and must-visit places.

Choose a Destination with Activities to Suit Different Interests and Energy Levels

Plan a mix of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels. Include a variety of day and night activities, such as sports, tours, cruises, or clubbing. Keep the groom's preferences at the forefront when making these choices.

Consider Accessibility and Convenience

Select a destination that is easily accessible for everyone. Take into account the distance from the group's location and the availability of transportation options. A place with excellent transport links, including an international airport, can make it hassle-free for stag groups travelling from different parts of the world.

Plan Ahead and Book Early

Popular stag do destinations tend to get booked up quickly, so it's essential to plan and book early. By planning ahead, you can secure the best deals on accommodation and transportation, and it allows guests to save the date and make the necessary arrangements.

• Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for its electric nightlife, scenic canals, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Prague, Czech Republic: Offers a mix of history, affordability, and a vibrant party scene.
• Bristol: A popular choice that ticks every box for a memorable send-off.
• Bratislava, Slovakia: Renowned for its lively bars, clubs, and pubs, offering entertainment to suit every taste.
• Barcelona, Spain: Combines sunny beaches, football, and epic nightlife.
• Dublin, Ireland: The Temple Bar district offers an array of pubs and bars for a legendary night out.

Selecting activities

First, check in with the groom about his expectations for the stag do. Ask him about his do's and don'ts, his budget, and the guest list. It's also a good idea to have an off-the-record conversation with the bride-to-be to make sure your plans are appropriate.

When selecting activities, it's important to consider everyone's budget. A big blowout in Vegas might sound amazing, but if only a few people can afford it, it's better to opt for a more affordable location, like London, or a weekend closer to home.

There are endless activity options to choose from, including:

• Golf
• Axe throwing
• Paintball
• Beers
• Go-kart racing
• A fishing trip
• Tobogganing
• Bowling
• Strippers
• Drinking games
• Cricket
• Adventure park activities (e.g. zip-lining, downhill mountain biking)
• Dancing in your underwear on a roundabout

Remember, the most important thing is to plan activities that the groom will enjoy and that will create a memorable experience for him and his friends.

Guest list

As the best man, you will be responsible for organising the guest list for the stag do. Here are some tips to help you create the guest list:

Consult the Groom

Start by talking to the groom about his preferences and relationships. Find out who he wants to invite and if there is anyone he would like to veto. Also, ask him if he would like family members to be invited or if he would prefer it to be a friends-only gathering.

Cross-check with the Groomsmen

Once you have an initial list, cross-check with the groomsmen to ensure you haven't missed any essential people and that they agree with the list.

Consider Overseas Guests

If any of the potential guests live overseas, consider how you will communicate with them and include them in the planning process.

Finalise the List with the Groom

After making a draft guest list, meet with the groom again to finalise the list, avoiding any potential awkward situations.

Be Mindful of Budget

When finalising the guest list, be mindful of the budget. A larger group may require a bigger budget, so you may need to adjust the list accordingly.

Keep the Group Informed

Once the guest list is finalised, set up a group chat with all the attendees to keep everyone connected and informed. This will foster communication and make it easier to share important information, such as dates, packing details, and special requirements.

Plan for Absences

Keep in mind that not all invited guests may be able to attend. Be prepared to make adjustments to the guest list and event planning if some guests cannot make it.

Handle Sensitive Situations

If there are guests who do not get along or older relatives who may find the event challenging, be mindful of these dynamics. Talk to the bride and groom about any sensitive issues, so you can be aware of potential conflicts and provide support if needed.

By following these steps, you can create a thoughtful guest list that considers the groom's wishes and the dynamics of the group, ensuring that the stag do is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions