We’ve had many years experience  dealing with stag groups and there do appear to be a number of basic lessons that can be learnt about planning the perfect stag do

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1. Date of Wedding Confirmed

You need enough time to arrange the stag do and for the groom to recover, or get back from wherever you send him in just his mankini. Sounds obvious but unfortunately many best men get this wrong and don’t leave themselves enough time to arrange things.

2. Stag Do Date Confirmed asap

It is recommended that this should be no closer than two weeks before the wedding although this is flexible. Any later and things can start to go wrong – like the groom doesn’t make it to the wedding. As he is your responsibility (best man) do you really want to face the bride and explain what has happened? Setting rough dates with the Groom will also make it easier in narrowing down the numbers for the event.

It is extremely unusual for everyone you invite to be able to make the stag night. The most important person it has to be convenient for is the Groom so the dates have to set to suit him.

3. Choice of Lads to Invite

The Groom obviously, his friends from home, school, college, work and family. It is becoming more common for invites to be issued to the Groom’s father and , wait for it, the Bride’s father – you’ll have to ask the Groom about that one! Don’t get too large. Don’t forget you’re going to have to organise this lot. The bigger the group the more difficult it is to manage. You’ll have to collect the money etc. We’ve all been there and had that one person who is slow to pay.

Also you have a number of different groups eg. school friends, college then they may split into their respective groups and not mix as much as the Groom would like. So keep the group size manageable. The Groom is the best person to ask as he knows them all. One important tip is to get the e-mail addresses of all those invited. This is by far and away the easiest way to co-ordinate everyone.

Finally we all know one or two, how do we say, difficult people, especially when drinking! It would be prudent to not invite those people if you feel they won’t get on with the group or locals. You want this to be remembered for the right reasons not the wrong ones.

4. Choice of Venue and what to do?

Again depends on the Groom. It is becoming more popular to go away for a weekend and try some unusual stag activities. The budget of the group, and the amount of time off work and spent away from partners/families etc will dictate how far you travel. Is it going to be 3 weeks in Barbados or  a night in the local boozer?

5. You Organise it or Should You Use an Expert

Depends on you and what you intend to do. However it is always advisable to use a company to arrange everything for you, especially for bigger groups. This is far less trouble than doing it yourself and can be more cost effective. You should also bear in mind that many places such as pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants no longer accept stag groups – Dublin and Tenby being prime examples of placing where stag groups are becoming less welcome.
Ensure that whoever you use to arrange everything for you – be sure you know what you are paying for and what is excluded.

Is it full board or are evening meals extra, what about lunch? Do you have to drive everywhere yourself or are transfers provided? Do you really want to be looking for an activity venue with a convoy of 10 cars and you navigating? If you are wary of using a company then ask the company for testimonials or if you contact past customers.
It’s your head on the block so make sure the groom has a memorable time (well maybe being memorable is asking too much) !

6. What Goes on Tour Stays on Tour or the Stag Do in This Case

Jokes and embarrassing the Groom are traditional but remember don’t go too far. You are the one who will have to explain to the Bride why her beloved hasn’t got any body hair! You know the Groom best and will know where to draw the line – do you? A good way to get everyone involved quickly to have t-shirts printed with photos or nick names of everyone. This breaks the ice and gets everyone talking. The other one which is very popular (those of you who have sampled Swansea will vouch for this) fancy dress – a must not only for the Groom but also the group.

• Don’t be pressured by the group.
• Keep a kitty. It is far easier with a big group than going in rounds as someone will be missed out or miss their round – especially as the night draws on. Gather the money early on and replenish when needed. So those who wish to drop out later on in the night can.
• Make sure you can get back to your accommodation at the end of the night! Take the address or phone number with you. You’d be amazed how many blokes forget or don’t know where they are staying. This is especially true if they travel in someone else’s car. Many companies will arrange the transport for you as a matter of course.
• Finally and most important of all LOOK AFTER THE GROOM HE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. You may have to lie for the rest of his life, which could be short if his prospective wife found out about some of the things that traditionally go on.