As a wedding videographer here in Tipperary, you would be surprised at the variety of questions I am asked from Brides and Grooms in and around Tipperary and Munster about weddings – well, after all I have been to a few. I’m asked about things like wedding videos, photography, flowers, wedding cakes, even stag-dos. Well, here are a few simple dos and don’ts before you say I do.
OK, let’s start somewhere…
Have you been given the responsibility of planning the stag do? And you haven’t a clue where to begin? A good stag night will require some planning, but it’s all manageable. With some research, via the internet for ideas and talking to friends you can create a great night.
Talk to the groom-to-be
I think every guy has an idea of his dream stag night well before they plan to get married. Ask him what he wants from his – be it a weekend away, an adventure day, painting the town red, or a quiet night in the local pub or hotel. It’s much easier to work from his ideas. And do remember that it’s not your stag night you’re planning – you should aim to please to groom-to-be.
Who’s going ?
Ask the groom-to-be to think about whom he’d like to see at the stag do and work out a list of between 10 and 20 key people. Try and keep it to proper friends – any more than 20 is too many, any less than 10 and he needs to get out and meet more people!
Dingle, a great place for a stag do’s.
Think about whether the bride’s father, brother etc. should be on that bus as it may change the dynamic of the group and the bride’s father might not be on talking terms with the groom on the day of the wedding – you can always arrange a separate affair for family. On this issue a lot depends on how you and the groom think the various friend circles will link up.
Make contact with the guys in plenty of time
Check who’s going and make sure they will go when the time comes. Don’t use Facebook to invite or you may be swamped with guests. When you make contact ask them do they have any ideas of what could be good fun to get up to…. Be mindful of what others may regard as fun!
Look into the options – think outside the box
With the stag’s opinions on board and some of the guys ideas too, ask Google. Look into the options out there – there are some really great hotels, both in Ireland and the UK or further afield if you wish and if the few euros can be stretched that far.
If you want an activity weekend, look into paintballing, go-karting and think of some quirky alternatives too.
A stag-do should be close to the wedding but not so close that he needs to be helped into his clothes the morning of the wedding and carried up the aisle! Stag-dos the night before the wedding are a bad idea. Weeks before the big day, pitch dates to the group and make it a date.
Who’s going to mind the money?
It’s a good idea to set up a fund to pay for stag-related activities as in the bingo books, the tea and biscuits and the taxi home from the last mass! ……. You can be sure there’ll be one person in the group who’s good with money, you know the one who’s always missing when it’s his round at the bar! Appoint him as treasurer.
You don’t have to be a nanny!
Looking after a large group is a pain in the bum, they’re all grown men, but you’ll be shocked at how many of them forget passports. Don’t get stuck being the one responsible for them.
Fun and games:
If you’re going to pull a prank on the groom, make it good. Plan it behind his back with the other party-goers to ensure success. The key to a good stag prank is to make it happen.
Dress up
It’s common for stags to mark themselves out with some kind of themed dress code. Whether you’re going for matching T-shirts or Ghostbusters costumes, some planning will be required. Do remember that matching clothes mark you out instantly as a stag party, which may make it tricky to get into certain places. On a related note, if you’re planning to hit venues that insist on shoes rather than trainers, make sure that everyone in the party knows and dresses accordingly.
Plan your venues
You might even get great bargains out there. ALWAYS ASK FOR GROUP DISCOUNTS. Do it with a smile on your face and you’ll be amazed what you can get offered.
Be responsible
You may be planning some pranks for the groom on his big night, but remember that, ultimately, you want him to get home in one piece. Or maybe you want him to get home wearing a one-piece. Either way, he’ll thank you for stepping in if the fun goes too far. But leave him with his eye brows, hair on his head or anywhere else!
When its all over, and the wedding day is within reach, it’s a good idea for the groom and the best man and the groomsmen go for a quiet drink (and I mean a quiet drink), to reflect on the stag-do have a laugh and look forward to the big day.
Most importantly – HAVE FUN GUYS!