The groom and the bride will each have a stag – and these can be so much more than having a woman or man strip to tease the guests, whose aim probably is to get drunk (while ignoring the pain they’ll feel the next day.) There are options that are more creative (and that you can unashamedly record with your camera).
The bachelor party
The stag is given by the best man with the help of the other groomsmen. The guests at a bachelor party pay their own expenses while the hosts cover all other expenses.
- Las Vegas has become a popular destination for stags. The groom pays his own airfare but his hotel and other expenses (except his gambling) are covered by the groomsmen. If a trip is too costly, bring Vegas to your party by having a poker night.
- Weekend sport destinations are a good option for men who love the out-of-doors and want to get out of town for a weekend. Think about a winter ski-trip, white-water rafting in the summer, or fishing in the fall.
- Local golf clubs can host a golf game followed by a dinner at the club.
- Local events, such as a baseball, hockey or basketball game followed or preceded by dinner (depending on the time of the game) are becoming a popular option.
The bachelorette party
The stagette is hosted by the best woman (maid of honour) with the help of the other attendants. Try the activities below, accompanied with lots of laughs and girl talk.
- Fortune-telling. Invite a palmist, tarot reader or tea-leaf reader to a private home and give every guest a five-minute private reading. Sharing the info is part of the fun.
- Spa day. Everyone goes to a spa. The guests, of course, pay for their own treatment. Arrange for champagne and hors d’oeuvres to be served later in a private room at the spa.
- Manicure/pedicure party. Have a professional from a local beauty salon come to the host’s home and aid and instruct the group as each person gives themself a perfect manicure or pedicure. The products can be supplied by the salon.
- Creative crockery. Meet at a studio and have everyone create a hand-painted keepsake plate. They go in the kiln to be fired and are delivered at a later date.
- Henna hands. Even if this isn’t part of your culture, the results can be lovely. Hire a henna artist to decorate the hands of everyone. An easy and fast design for the guests, a more elaborate one for the bride.
- Lingerie party. Gather the girls for an at-home get-together and have each guest purchase a piece of lingerie for the bride. Bras, panties, nighties, robes, or stockings make great gifts for the honeymoon.
- Dance lessons. Instead of watching a stripper dance, take a belly dancing – or even a pole dancing – class as a group. Not only can you learn some sexy moves, it is also a great workout!
Tips for a successful stag
Everyone has their own idea of the perfect stag. Share your thoughts with your wedding party to ensure an enjoyable event.
- Guest list. Some people enjoy large groups and others like more intimate gatherings of close friends. Figure out which you prefer. The number of guests will determine the party activities.
- Family function. Decide whether your party will be just friends, or if family will be included. Speak to your wedding party. If a lingerie party is planned, you might not feel comfortable with your future mother-in-law in attendance.
- Budget. Not all your guests will have the same budget. Make a plan that is affordable and fun for everyone.
- Call ahead. Contact the event venue and let them know you are coming to celebrate with a bachelor/bachelorette party. You may receive fun extras in terms of decorations or maybe a signature cocktail.
- Two-weeks notice. Do not have your party the night before the wedding, or even in the same week. Even if you are on your best behaviour, sometimes you won’t get the same from your bridal party. Aim for two weekends before the nuptials. This way, everyone will be rested and able to focus on your big day.
Go co-ed
After the guys have had their poker game and women have enjoyed spa treatments, meet up at a bar or restaurant to continue the celebration as one big group.
