Guide to planning a Stag Party
Planning a stag do (bucks party, bachelor party), is one of the most important responsibilities of being best man. It’s your chance to give the groom an unforgettable send-off before married life begins. Whether you’re organising a weekend in a European city, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or a classic pub crawl, this comprehensive guide will help you plan every detail.
From setting the budget to choosing activities everyone will enjoy, we’ve got everything you need to make this stag do legendary.
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MOST IMPORTANT - Consult the Groom:
This is by far the most important, you are doing this for the enjoyment of the groom to be, it is not meant to be torture! Talk to the groom about his preferences and expectations for the party. Ensure the activities align with his interests and comfort level.
Step 1: Start Planning Early
The golden rule of stag do planning? Start early. Here’s why:
Timing Considerations:
- Popular destinations and accommodations book up quickly, especially for large groups
- Flights are cheaper when booked in advance
- Guests need time to save money and request time off work
- Peak seasons (summer, bank holidays) require even earlier booking
Ideal Timeline:
(Don’t worry if it’s a week before the Stag do and you’ve just found this article, there is time for you to plan too! But if you are a little bit more organised it is easier, cheaper and less stressful!)
- 12 months before: Perfect for overseas destinations or peak season dates
- 6-9 months before: Suitable for UK destinations or off-peak travel
- 3-6 months before: Minimum for most destinations, limited availability
Pro Tip: Send a save-the-date message as soon as possible, even before all details are finalised.
Stag Party Invitation Template Customisable, Printable
This invitation is a template you customize in the CANVA App or web browser (Even edit on your Phone in minutes)!
Step 2: Consult the Groom (But Keep Surprises)
While you want some elements to be a surprise, you need the groom’s input on key decisions:
Must Discuss:
- Date preferences and any absolute no-go dates
- General location (UK vs abroad, city vs countryside)
- Budget expectations and financial constraints
- Guest list (absolutely no surprise guests)
- Hard boundaries (activities they refuse to do, dietary requirements, accessibility needs)
Keep Secret:
- Specific accommodation details
- Exact activities and schedule
- Special touches and surprises
- Entertainment or special guests
Red Flags to Avoid: Never surprise the groom with extreme activities they’re uncomfortable with, such as skydiving for someone with a fear of heights, or anything involving public humiliation they’d genuinely hate.
Printable Stag Do Dare Cards – Instant Download
Looking for an easy stag night game that guarantees laughs?
These printable stag do dare cards are the perfect way to break the ice, stir up some harmless chaos, and get everyone involved — whether you’re heading out, staying in, or planning a full weekend away.
Designed to be silly, light-hearted and fun (not cringe!), this game works just as well in pubs and bars as it does at home.
Step 3: Create Your Guest List and Choose Your Core Team
Building the Perfect Group:
The ideal stag do size is typically 8-15 people, large enough for great atmosphere but small enough to manage logistics effectively.
Who to Invite:
- Close friends from different life stages (school, university, work)
- Brothers and close family members
- Groomsmen
- Close friends of both partners (check with the groom first)
Assembling Your Planning Team: Don’t do it alone. Recruit 1-2 trusted friends to help with:
- Researching and booking activities
- Managing finances and collecting payments
- Coordinating communication
- Organising transport and accommodation
If you like lists and staying organised, here’s a free printatable to keep you on track.
Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget
Money is the most common source of stag do stress. Be transparent and realistic from the start.
Budget Breakdown by Type:
Budget-Friendly (£150-£300 per person):
- UK city weekend (Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester)
- Self-catered accommodation
- Mix of free and paid activities
- Pre-drinking before nights out
Mid-Range (£300-£600 per person):
- European city break (Krakow, Budapest, Prague, Lisbon)
- Mix of hotel and apartment accommodation
- 2-3 organized activities
- Restaurant meals and bars
Premium (£600-£1,500+ per person):
- Ibiza, Las Vegas, or luxury European destinations
- High-end accommodation
- Multiple premium activities (yacht hire, VIP club access)
- Fine dining experiences
Hidden Costs to Factor In:
- Airport transfers and local transport
- Travel insurance
- Stag’s share (traditionally split among guests)
- Fancy dress or themed outfits
- Emergency fund for unexpected costs
- Damage deposits
Payment Management: Use dedicated apps like Splitwise, Revolut, or specialised stag do payment platforms to track who’s paid what. Set clear payment deadlines and follow up promptly with those who haven’t paid.
Hi Vis jackets
You won’t lose each other with theses!
Step 5: Choose Your Destination
Top UK Destinations 2026:
Cities:
- London: Endless options but expensive. Best for big budgets and diverse interests
- Edinburgh: Culture, history, and legendary nightlife. Perfect for summer
- Manchester: Northern Quarter vibes, excellent bars, and budget-friendly
- Newcastle: Famous for nightlife, friendly locals, affordable
- Brighton: Beach vibes, quirky activities, LGBTQ+ friendly
- Bristol: Craft beer scene, outdoor activities, student-friendly prices
Adventure Locations:
- Lake District: Hiking, kayaking, wild camping
- Snowdonia: Climbing, zip-lining, white-water rafting
- Scottish Highlands: Whisky tours, shooting, fishing
- Cornwall: Surfing, coasteering, beach BBQs
Top European Destinations 2026:
Party Cities:
- Prague: Legendary nightlife, cheap beer, great activities
- Budapest: Thermal baths, ruin pubs, affordable luxury
- Krakow: Medieval charm, vodka bars, nearby salt mines
- Amsterdam: Liberal atmosphere, canal culture, diverse nightlife
- Lisbon: Coastal beauty, excellent food, growing party scene
Beach & Club Destinations:
- Barcelona: Beach, culture, and world-class clubs
- Ibiza: Ultimate party island (expensive but iconic)
- Split, Croatia: Adriatic beaches, island hopping, budget-friendly
- Albufeira, Portugal: Golf, beaches, Strip nightlife
Activity-Based:
- Interlaken, Switzerland: Skiing, skydiving, canyoning
- Chamonix, France: Skiing, mountaineering, adventure sports
- Riga, Latvia: Bobsleigh, shooting, medieval experiences
Beer Pong
I don’t think this game ever ages!
Step 6: Plan Activities That Everyone Will Enjoy
The best stag dos balance different energy levels and interests.
Daytime Activities:
Adrenaline & Adventure:
- Paintballing or laser tag
- Go-karting or rage rooms
- White water rafting or kayaking
- Climbing, abseiling, or zip-lining
- Shooting (clay pigeons, rifles, or archery)
- Quad biking or off-road driving
- Skydiving or bungee jumping
- Surfing or paddleboarding lessons
Competitive & Games:
- Escape rooms
- Bubble football
- Competitive golf or foot golf
- Axe throwing
- Beer Olympics or garden games tournament
- Racing (F1 simulators, karting)
Unique Experiences:
- Brewery or distillery tours with tastings
- Cooking classes or BBQ masterclasses
- Whisky or wine tasting
- Stadium tours or sports events
- Private poker tournament
- Comedy club or improv workshop
- Sailing or yacht charter
Relaxed Options:
- Beach day or lake swimming
- Spa and wellness day
- Fishing trip
- Golf day
- Scenic hike with pub lunch
Evening & Night Activities:
- Private bar hire or cocktail masterclass
- Dinner at a steak house or BBQ restaurant
- Pub crawl or bar hopping
- Nightclub VIP booth hire
- Casino night
- Comedy show or live music
- Themed party night (decades, sports, etc.)
Pro Planning Tips:
- Mix high-energy and relaxed activities
- Schedule downtime for recovery
- Book activities for morning or early afternoon, not right after late nights
- Always have a backup indoor option for bad weather
- Consider fitness levels and avoid excluding anyone
Stag party badges
Get one foe everyone.
Step 7: Book Accommodation Strategically
Accommodation Types:
Self-Catered Houses/Cottages:
- Pros: Most cost-effective, privacy, communal space, kitchen facilities
- Cons: Cleaning duties, potential damage deposits, may be remote
Hotels:
- Pros: Central location, no cleaning, amenities (gym, breakfast)
- Cons: More expensive, less communal space, noise complaints
Hostels:
- Pros: Budget-friendly, central locations, social atmosphere
- Cons: Shared facilities, less privacy, basic amenities
Apartments/Airbnb:
- Pros: Good middle ground, central locations possible, kitchen facilities
- Cons: Strict party rules, potential cancellations, damage concerns
What to Look For:
- Location within walking distance of nightlife or near good transport
- Enough bathrooms (ideally 1 per 4 people)
- Communal space for pre-drinks and games
- Flexible check-in/check-out times
- Clear house rules about noise and parties
- Damage deposit requirements
Personalised Stickers
You could have fun with these,
Step 8: Organise Transport
Getting There:
- Compare flights vs trains vs coach for cost and convenience
- Book group discounts where available
- Consider environmental impact and carbon offsetting
- Arrange airport transfers in advance (cheaper than taxis on arrival)
Getting Around:
- Research public transport options and buy group passes
- Consider hiring a minibus for rural locations
- Budget for taxis for late nights (use apps like Uber or Bolt)
- Designate walking routes for bar crawls
Pro Tip: Create a shared Google Map with all locations marked (accommodation, activities, bars, restaurants) so everyone can navigate easily.
Personalised Photo Face Masks
You could all look like the groom!
Step 9: Handle the Details
Communication:
- Create a WhatsApp group for updates
- Send a detailed itinerary 2 weeks before departure
- Share packing lists and weather forecasts
- Include emergency contact numbers and accommodation address
Packing Essentials:
- Activity-appropriate clothing
- Smart/casual outfit for dinners and clubs
- Fancy dress if planned (buy in advance)
- Phone chargers and power banks
- Painkillers, rehydration sachets, and basic first aid
- Any medications
- Sunscreen and aftersun
Legal & Safety:
- Ensure everyone has valid ID or passport
- Purchase group travel insurance
- Know local emergency numbers
- Brief everyone on local laws and cultural norms
- Establish a buddy system for nights out
Check out these T-shirts that are customised for the Stag party. There are matching ones for the guest and a special one for the Stag.
Step 10: Create Memorable Moments
Personal Touches:
- Custom t-shirts or accessories for the group
- Photo or video montage of the groom
- Surprise messages from friends who couldn’t attend
- Personalised drinking games or challenges
- Professional photographer for key moments
Stag Do Traditions:
- Stag challenges or forfeits (keep them fun, not humiliating)
- Group photos at iconic locations
- Toast to the groom at dinner
- Meaningful gift from the group
- Memory book everyone signs
How about a bit of light reading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-scheduling: Leave breathing room between activities
- Ignoring budget constraints: Don’t pressure people beyond their means
- Poor communication: Keep everyone informed of changes
- Forgetting the groom’s preferences: It’s his day, not just a party
- No contingency plans: Weather, cancellations, and illness happen
- Drinking too hard too early: Pace yourselves for multi-day events
- Ignoring dietary requirements: Check allergies and preferences in advance
- Not collecting money early: Chase payments well before the event
- Overcomplicating fancy dress: Keep it simple and affordable
- Neglecting accessibility: Ensure all guests can participate comfortably
Final Thoughts
Planning a stag do is a big responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to create lasting memories with your closest friends. The key is starting early, communicating clearly, and keeping the groom’s personality and preferences at the heart of every decision.
Remember, the best stag dos aren’t necessarily the most expensive or elaborate. They’re the ones where everyone feels included, the groom feels celebrated, and you all have stories you’ll be laughing about for years to come.
Now get planning, and here’s to an legendary stag do!
Quick Advice
How far in advance should I plan a stag do? Ideally 6-12 months for best availability and prices, especially for overseas trips or peak season dates.
Should the groom pay for his own stag do? Traditionally, the stag’s costs are split among the other guests, but discuss this openly with your group.
What’s the ideal group size for a stag do? Between 8-15 people is ideal—large enough for atmosphere but manageable for logistics.
Can you have a stag do if you’re already married? Absolutely! Some couples get married before their celebrations due to various circumstances.
How do I handle someone who can’t afford the stag do? Be sensitive and flexible. Consider subsidizing key guests or planning a more affordable option.
What if the weather ruins outdoor plans? Always have backup indoor activities booked or researched. Weather insurance is available for some activities.
Should I book everything or leave some spontaneity? Book key activities and accommodation in advance, but leave some free time for spontaneous decisions.
How do I stop the stag do from getting too messy? Set expectations early, pace drinking, schedule food breaks, and designate a relatively sober person each night.
