Stag and hen dos have become a far cry from the simple celebration of a friend's new chapter in life, instead morphing into grueling tests of endurance and disposable income. The Americanisation of these events has led to overindulgence, with too many people drinking excessively, engaging in ill-advised activities, and ultimately ending up with costly and stressful experiences.
A recent survey found that the average person spends £779 attending a stag or hen in the UK, rising to £1,208 when it's held abroad. These events have become increasingly expensive and logistical nightmares, with many people feeling pressured into participating due to fear of missing out (FOMO).
The question is, do stag and hen dos even serve a purpose in today's society? With the emphasis on equality and frugality, some argue that these events are relics of outdated ideas about masculinity and femininity. However, for those who still enjoy celebrating these milestones, there's no need to abandon tradition entirely.
A better approach, according to writer Liam Pape, is to modernise the format while maintaining the spirit of the event. He suggests five key steps to achieve this:
Firstly, keep the celebration to just one day or night, avoiding prolonged benders that can lead to exhaustion and regret. This allows for a more relaxed atmosphere and reduces the risk of injury or damage.
Secondly, ditch the sex-based divisions that often create awkwardness and exclusivity. Instead, focus on inviting close friends who will truly appreciate the occasion.
Thirdly, include non-alcoholic icebreaker activities that cater to those who don't drink, promoting inclusivity and common ground among attendees.
Fourthly, make sure cheeky fun is a priority, embracing playfulness and irreverence in all its forms. This can be as simple as enjoying a funny cake or participating in a lighthearted game.
Lastly, prioritise real friends over acquaintances. Only invite people who will truly enjoy the celebration and contribute to a memorable night out.
By following these guidelines, stag and hen dos can become enjoyable, inclusive events that celebrate friendship and new beginnings. They should be about creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, not straining finances or causing undue stress.
A recent survey found that the average person spends £779 attending a stag or hen in the UK, rising to £1,208 when it's held abroad. These events have become increasingly expensive and logistical nightmares, with many people feeling pressured into participating due to fear of missing out (FOMO).
The question is, do stag and hen dos even serve a purpose in today's society? With the emphasis on equality and frugality, some argue that these events are relics of outdated ideas about masculinity and femininity. However, for those who still enjoy celebrating these milestones, there's no need to abandon tradition entirely.
A better approach, according to writer Liam Pape, is to modernise the format while maintaining the spirit of the event. He suggests five key steps to achieve this:
Firstly, keep the celebration to just one day or night, avoiding prolonged benders that can lead to exhaustion and regret. This allows for a more relaxed atmosphere and reduces the risk of injury or damage.
Secondly, ditch the sex-based divisions that often create awkwardness and exclusivity. Instead, focus on inviting close friends who will truly appreciate the occasion.
Thirdly, include non-alcoholic icebreaker activities that cater to those who don't drink, promoting inclusivity and common ground among attendees.
Fourthly, make sure cheeky fun is a priority, embracing playfulness and irreverence in all its forms. This can be as simple as enjoying a funny cake or participating in a lighthearted game.
Lastly, prioritise real friends over acquaintances. Only invite people who will truly enjoy the celebration and contribute to a memorable night out.
By following these guidelines, stag and hen dos can become enjoyable, inclusive events that celebrate friendship and new beginnings. They should be about creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, not straining finances or causing undue stress.
. I mean, I get it, they're supposed to be fun, but £779 is a lot of cash! And Liam's idea about keeping it just one day, ditching the booze, and focusing on the friends who'll actually enjoy it is SO sensible 
. It feels like we've lost sight of what these parties are even about - celebrating a friend's new chapter in life 
.
I'm all for mixing things up when it comes to traditional celebrations like stag and hen dos. But at the end of the day, if people want to have a party, who am I to judge? 
The problem is that some events can get out of hand (literally!). It's not about abandoning tradition entirely, but finding ways to modernize it without losing the essence of what makes these events special. For me, it's all about keeping it real and inviting people who truly care about the person getting married or leaving the bachelor/bachelorette life. The more casual and relaxed the atmosphere, the better! 
. I think Liam's got it right though - we can still have fun without breaking the bank or getting hungover 
. It's all about showing off your disposable income and trying to one-up each other, right? And don't even get me started on the 'inclusive' activities Liam Pape suggested - a funny cake is not going to cut it when you've got a bunch of rowdy mates smashing pints 
I mean, come on, it's just one night out. Can't we all just chill and have a decent time without breaking the bank? The whole thing feels like a racket to me...
. But at the same time, if you're really close to the person getting married, it's hard to say no to the party 
. Like, Liam Pape makes some good points about modernizing the format and focusing on inclusivity, that's def something to consider 
...and who doesn't love a good game night or funny cake? 