There's probably going to be enough dreadful dad-dancing on display with just you and the boys.

Do you really need the real thing when you invite the dad to the stag do as well?

Yes, it's the million-dollar question, but don't worry...

Here at StagWeb, we've been arranging colossal stag celebrations since 2002.

We've seen every stag do there's ever been (the good, the bad and the ugly), so we can tell you exactly when you should and when you shouldn't invite the dad to the stag do.

When to Invite the Dad on the Stag...

1) The Groom's Given it the OK

Don't assume the groom will want his dad there.

In fact, don't guess the guestlist. Ever.

Speak to the groom and see who he wants to invite.

If he wants his dad there, make sure whatever you have planned is dad-friendly (and we'll let you be the judge of that).

If he doesn't, don't invite him. Simple.

2) Add Some Calm to the Chaos

Getting all the guys together for a big celebration can be absolute carnage.

Sometimes, it's not a bad idea to have an older head there to check some of your potentially idiotic decisions.

That's assuming the groom's dad is sensible.

If the groom's dad is a certified party animal, then he might just add more fuel to the fire.

3) Father-Son Bonding Opportunity

Having the dad on the stag is a great chance for the groom and his old man to strengthen their bond.

Whether you're taking on some legendary stag activities or just raising a few glasses to the main man, it's a great moment for them to share.

4) The Dad Keeps Dropping Hints About an Invite

Look. The groom may not want him there, but you might have to convince him otherwise if the dad is desperate for an invite.

You can definitely still have a hilarious and slightly debauched time with the old man in tow.

5) If the Mother of the Bride is Going on the Hen

If the groom's partner is inviting their mum, there may be an obligation to invite the dad.

This depends on loads of factors, though, so don't feel dad gets the invite just because the bride's parents are involved in the hen.

Top Tip if You Don't Want the Dad on the Stag...

If you really don't want the groom's dad attending the stag do, why not have your main celebration and then organise a smaller local celebration?

Head to a hometown pub with the boys and enjoy a few jars with the dad, uncle, his future father-in-law, etc.

That way, it shows you've considered them, but they don't have to see the full-blown antics where you decide to party.

Check out StagWeb's list of the greatest stag do destinations on the planet and start building your big weekend today.

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When Not to Invite the Dad on the Stag...

1) The Groom Doesn't Want Him There

Pretty much the number one reason not to invite him.

If the groom categorically doesn't want him to attend, do not under any circumstances invite him.

If he doesn't want him there, he doesn't want him there.

This is his celebration.

2) If the Dad Would Not Approve

If the groom's dad would have a problem with the activities you're doing, the venues you're going to, the number of beers you may or may not drink, it's probably best to not invite him.

3) If it Could Potentially Embarrass the Groom

Everyone has stories about themselves they'd rather their parents don't hear.

If there are certain things the groom wouldn't want the dad being privy to, either don't invite him or warn the boys in advance not to bring up that story about...

4) Age Factor

If you've planned a load of adrenaline-pumping activities, the dad may not be able to keep up.

Also, if you're having a big old booze-up and hitting the clubs 'til the early hours, he may feel out of place.

Bonus Problem...

Should You Invite the Father of the Bride to the Stag...

As you can tell from above... it depends.

Factor these into the decision...

  1. Does the groom want him there?
  2. Does the bride want him there?
  3. Does the father of the bride even want to be there?
  4. If the groom's dad going?
  5. Are the activities suitable?

If you get a yes to all of them, crack on.

But if you get a no to one, definitely check before you start blasting out the invites.

Inviting Relatives - The Stats...

To get a gauge on how common inviting the dad on the stag was, we polled over 100 groups to see who was making the cut.

Inviting Older Relatives on the Stag - The Stats:

  • No Older Relatives - 64% of all groups
  • Groom's Dad - 22% of all groups
  • Bride's Dad - 7% of all groups
  • Uncles - 6% of all groups
  • Grandparents - 2% of all groups

Just under a quarter of groups invite the dad on the stag do and even fewer invite the bride's dad with just 7% of stag polled inviting the future in-law.

Stag Planning Stressing You Out?

It's stressful planning the stag, ain't it?

Where to go, what to do, who to invite.... AGGGRRGGHHH!!

Don't worry, friend.

Here at StagWeb, we take all the stress and hassle out of the planning process.

You just tell us a rough idea of what you want to do, and we sort the rest.

No faff. No hassle.

Choose from the best activities and accommodation on the market and we'll book everything in for you.

Put us to the test today and send a free, no-obligation enquiry to us.

Head to the StagWeb homepage now to kickstart your search!

Tom Probert
Written & reviewed by Tom Probert Tom is a seasoned stag party professional having written about pre-wedding weekends for four years, arranged three stag celebrations, and attended many many more (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

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