How to Plan a Stag Do
All Your Questions Answered
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Is the thought of planning a stag do stressing you out?
Don't sweat it, fella.
Here at StagWeb, we've been helping people like you arrange the groom's big stag weekend since way back in 2002.
We know it can seem overwhelming to begin with, but once you know all the tips and tricks we're going to run through below, it'll be a breeze.
Have a read. Get planning. Enjoy a legendary weekend with the lads.
No, it's fine, you can thank us later... (we like beer!).
Everything you NEED to know about planning a stag do
10 Tips to Planning a LEGENDARY Stag Do
- Have a Chat with the Groom
- Figure Out a Budget
- Pick a Date
- Choose a Destination
- Choose Your Activities
- Plan Your Nights Out
- Make a Group Chat
- Get it Booked in
- Forget About Chasing People for Money
- Get Set for the Stag Do Hall of Fame
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1. Have a Chat to the Groom
This should defo be the first thing you do.
Even if you want to keep things a surprise, have a chat with him to get a rough idea of what he wants to do (stay local, go abroad, chilled weekend, non-stop party, etc.).
Also, DEFINITELY get an invite list.
We can't stress that one enough.
You don't want to forget to invite someone or – even worse – invite someone the groom really doesn't want there.
2. Figure Out a Budget
When you're chatting to the groom, get a gauge on what people will be able to afford.
He'll be able to give you a ballpark figure, so you know what you're working with.
You don't want to alienate anyone in the group who can't afford to spend much, but equally, you shouldn't have to pander to one or two people if 12 of you agree on plans.
3. Pick a Date
Imagine spending loads of your precious spare time organising a killer stag, getting the best prices, booking the best activities, the best accommodation, only to find out the groom has a suit fitting that weekend that he can't miss.
Oops.
Yes, in the build-up to the wedding, the groom ain't going to have a lot of free time.
Get his dates and work around him.
4. Choose a Destination
Once you've got all those kinks ironed out, you can let the groom get back to the stress-filled world of wedding planning whilst you crack on arranging the stag.
First off the bat, you're going to want to decide on a destination.
Are you staying in the UK or heading abroad?
If you need some inspiration, check out the very best stag do destinations in the UK and abroad and choose somewhere that's worthy of your legendary celebration.
5. Choose Your Activities
Once you've picked your destination, it's time to line up some activities.
Even if those big nights out are top priority, you're going to need to plan something to do in the day to keep the boredom at bay.
We have loads of destination-specific activities available, but be sure to check out our complete range of stag activities to get an idea of what you and the lads can take on and conquer.
Stag Do Ideas6. Plan Those Big Nights Out
Yes. We know.
The best nights out are ones that aren't planned *BUT* getting a big group of stags into bars and clubs can be a nightmare.
The easy solution?
Book your big night out with StagWeb.
We work with the best stag-friendly bars and clubs in every city you could think of, so we can guarantee you entry and, in some cases, full-blown VIP treatment.
It's a no-brainer.
7. Make a Group Chat
Once you've spoken to the groom and figured out a bit of a plan, then (and only then) should you make a group chat and open it out to the rest of the guys.
From experience, we find it's best to tell them what you're doing rather than asking for everyone's opinion.
Yes, too many cooks spoil the broth and too many opinions ruin a legendary stag.
Check out our Stag Do WhatsApp Group Chat Names for some inspo.
8. Get it Booked in!
Once it's agreed, get it booked in.
The sooner you book, the less likely it is someone will beat you to your accommodation, activities, the best time slots, etc.
Also, you'll spend less time stressing about it and more time looking forward to it.
With StagWeb, we only need one small deposit to secure your weekend.
It's the easiest way to book a stag.
9. Forget About Chasing People for Money
If you book your weekend solo, you're going to end up paying big deposits and having to chase the guys to pay their share (which is never a fun task).
With StagWeb, you don't have to worry about any of that.
Not only do we only need a small deposit to secure your event, but all the guys pay us directly.
Yep, we handle everything, so you can sit back and relax knowing it's all in hand.
10. Get Set for the Stag Do Hall of Fame
Once it's all booked in, your job is done.
All you need to do now is think about all the ways you're going to prank the groom.
Head to our homepage now if you're ready to kickstart the stag do planning.
Stag Do Planning FAQ
Who organises a stag do?
Traditionally, the best man organises the stag do. This can be solo or they can rope in another groomsman. They can keep it a surprise from the groom if they want, but it's common to ask him where he wants to go, who he wants to invite, etc.
How far in advance should you plan a stag?
On average, stags tend to book around 3-4 months before the event date, but that means they've at least started chatting about it and planning it 6-12 months beforehand. However, especially when you get close to the busy season (March-Sept), the sooner you book the better as accommodation and activities get snapped up well in advance.
How much should you spend on a stag do?
The average spend, according to our industry report in 2021, was between £151-£200 for the activities, accommodation and nightlife options. However, some groups will have a bigger budget, some a smaller one, but that should give you an idea of what to aim for when you're planning it out. Also, remember to factor in travel and alcohol costs, too.
How many people should you invite on a stag do?
It depends on how many people the groom wants to invite. Our group sizes normally range between 10 and 14 stags, but we've had groups of up to 50 head out before. Speak to the groom and see what he says. If you think it's getting a bit ridiculous and he's going a bit OTT with the invites, ask him to narrow it down. Undoubtedly, with every group, at least a handful of people will drop out. This can cause issues if you book solo, but with StagWeb, your price will stay the same. Winner.
How many is too many for a stag do?
Again, we've sent groups as big as 50 out for the groom's big celebration. There's no limit. Just bear in mind that the bigger the group size, the harder they'll be to manage. If there are a big group of you, we can take all the stress out of the situation as all the guys pay us directly through our easy individual payment system. That means you won't have to worry about chasing people up, etc.
Does the stag pay for himself?
We get asked this question all the time and, frankly, it depends. Sometimes the groom will insist on paying for himself. Frequently, though, a lot of groups split the cost of his place between themselves. If there are 10 or more of you going, it only works out at around £10-£20 extra each. With StagWeb, we often run offers where you get money off the stag or, sometimes, the stag even goes free. Get in touch today and we'll see what big savings we can offer you.
Should a stag do be a surprise?
If you're confident you know what the groom wants, where he'd want to go, what he'd want to do, etc., you could always keep the stag a surprise. These days, the groom often helps plan the weekend, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. With StagWeb, we can keep all the itinerary info secret from the main man if you did decide to surprise him!
How close to the wedding should the stag do be?
Well, it can be as close as you want, but we'd definitely advise giving yourselves at least a month in between (at a push, two weeks). This will give you all time to fully recover and ensure you're all on top form for the wedding day.
Check out the 4 Biggest Stag Do Planning Mistakes
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