- The bride and groom have been growing closer in love and life. So, a joint stag do and hen night is another shared experience for them.
- Planning a joint event could save some money if the couple and their friends need to hold a specific budget.
- More people equals more fun. Get the groomsmen and the bridesmaids together to double up on the fun.
These are great reasons to at least think about planning a stag do and party together… Ready to discover how to do it?
Table of Contents
What is a Joint Hen and Stag Do?
A joint hen and stag party, also known as a “sten do” or a “hag do,” is a combined celebration where both the bride and groom, along with their friends, come together to enjoy a pre-wedding party. It is a unique opportunity for everyone to bond, socialize, and create lasting memories as a cohesive group. Instead of segregating the celebrations based on gender, a joint hen and stag do focuses on inclusivity and togetherness.
Benefits of a Joint Hen and Stag Do
We’ve already mentioned the increased bonding, fun, and money savings you might get from doing things together. Now, let’s unpack these a little more and see some good reasons to plan a “sten party.”
The groom and the bride get to do it together
Men and women undoubtedly enjoy different things. This comes up in how they normally plan their stag parties and hen parties. But you can create an event where every party activity is enjoyed by as many people as possible. Some things to think about:
- Organize events that the mutual friends will all enjoy. You might even get some key friends together for a meal and a chat to gather some ideas.
- Part of the last night of freedom is quality time with mates. Think about how to add this into the night through some kind of planned hen and stag activity.
Even though this is a together event, you can still have a fun stag night and a great time as long as you reate some joint party ideas.
Cost Savings
Hosting a joint hen and stag do can also result in significant cost savings. The question is, who pays for the stag do? Since the celebrations are combined, the expenses can be shared among all the participants, making it more affordable for everyone. This opens up the possibility of choosing a luxury stag do with more exciting activities, and extending the duration of the celebrations without putting undue financial strain on any individual.
Note that the cost savings will be higher when travel isn’t a huge expense. Cheap stag do ideas like visiting budget-friendly locations such as Budapest can keep these “hag parties” from being one of the most expensive weekends of your life. Going with one of many stag do companies can also help save money.
Enhanced Bonding and Socializing
A joint hen and stag do provides an excellent opportunity for different social circles to come together and bond. How does this work? Here are some ways this enhanced bonding happens:
- Everyone gets to see their silly sides during the party games. This can break down any awkwardness or distance between your friends.
- Bringing your adventurous type friends together with the quieter folks can create shared experiences everyone treasures.
You don’t have to plan a crazy wild night to have a good time. Karaoke, bottomless brunches, and a cheesy-fun type of environment can create the ideal opportunity to bring your closest friends together.
4 Things to Remember When Planning a Joint Hen and Stag Do
To ensure a successful joint hen and stag do, careful planning is essential. We’ve thought through four things you should try to keep in mind when you are getting your plans together.
Choosing the right destination
Of course you want to pick a place that’s going to work for your massive weekend. Most major cities are going to be the best stag do locations. Here’s why:
- Large cities offer a range of activities to help you plan something for everyone.
- You’ll find a load of good accommodation options to help with a house party or an exploration base.
- Large cities often have a varied atmosphere for the hardcore party type and the explorer type.
Every city is a little different, but large cities like London, Budapest, and Las Vegas are all great for stag weekends and special occasions.
Selecting activities and themes
When planning a joint hen and stag do, it’s important to choose stag do activities and themes that appeal to both genders. Opt for a mix of adventure activities, team challenges, and leisurely pursuits. Themes such as “Glam and Grunge” or “Superheroes and Villains” can add an extra element of fun and make the celebrations even more memorable.
The key here is balance. Don’t veer too far into “girlie” or “manly” territory and you’re likely to do just fine. Of course, if the bride and groom are on board and willing to have a great time, you can go out on a limb a bit.
Creating a Balanced Itinerary
Maintaining a balance between group activities and individual experiences is vital. While it’s important to plan group-oriented events, leaving some free time for personal exploration or small-group bonding is equally important. This ensures that everyone has a chance to enjoy the celebrations in their own way while still being part of the collective experience.
You could even plan separate parties for part of the time if you’ve got space in the calendar. Everyone doesn’t have to be together for the entire weekend, for example. A separate lunch or day-time activities will give you flexibility to keep everyone happy.
Considering Group Dynamics
Understanding the group dynamics is crucial when planning a joint hen and stag do. Let’s make a list of things to consider:
- Personalities
- Interests
- Preferences
- Diets
- Chemistry
As you can see, it can get complicated fast. One of the easiest ways to get through this is to do some joint planning. Get the best man and the maid of honor together for a drink and chat it over.
Fun Ideas for a Joint Hen and Stag Do
A joint hen and stag do opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to planning exciting and unique experiences. Here are some funny stag do ideas to consider:
- Adventure Activities – Engaging in thrilling adventure activities can be a highlight of the joint hen and stag do. Options like zip-lining, bungee jumping, or white-water rafting provide an adrenaline rush and create lasting memories for everyone involved. Make sure to choose activities that are accessible and enjoyable for the people you actually know.
- Games and Challenges – Organizing stag do games and challenges can inject a dose of friendly competition and excitement into the celebrations. Consider activities like scavenger hunts, escape rooms, or friendly sports tournaments. You can even have an overarching game, like a Stag Do Olympics with big prizes at the end.
- Themed Parties – Themed parties are always a hit and offer endless possibilities for creativity and fun. Choose themes that resonate with both the bride and groom and encourage guests to dress up accordingly. Whether it’s a Hawaiian luau, a 1920s speakeasy, or a vibrant masquerade ball, themed parties add an extra layer of entertainment and encourage everyone to get into the spirit of the celebrations. If everyone is close, you could plan a theme where members of the stag party and the hen party partner up. The hen friends can be the superheroes and the stag men can be the villains they fought against.
- Group Dinners and Celebrations – Gather everyone around a table for a special group dinner or celebration. Whether it’s a fine dining experience, a casual barbecue, or a vibrant food tour, sharing a meal together allows for intimate conversations, laughter, and the forging of deeper connections among the participants.
If you are really stuck for ideas, these are some last minute stag do ideas.
Tips for a Successful Joint Hen and Stag Do
To ensure that the joint hen and stag do is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone, keep the following tips in mind.
Communication and Collaboration
Open and clear communication is vital when planning a joint celebration. Create a WhatsApp group or SnapChat space where everyone can chip in with their thoughts. It can also help to set some stag do rules.
Managing Expectations
It’s important to manage expectations from the outset. Some people might not get everything they want. That’s okay as long as you keep the focus on the bride and groom.
Respecting Individual Preferences
We’ve already mentioned this, but it will be helpful to make a simple point. Try to help your friends agree on the most important stuff and be content with accepting a few things they aren’t quite as happy about.
Ensuring Everyone Feels Included
Create an atmosphere where everyone feels included and valued. Encourage participants to mingle, introduce games or ice-breakers, and facilitate conversations among different groups.
Overcoming Challenges
Organizing a joint hen and stag do may come with its own set of challenges. Here are some common concerns and tips to address them:
- Addressing Concerns and Worries – Some participants might initially be hesitant about the idea of a joint celebration. This is probably due to their view of “tradition.” Gently try to help them see the value of doing something a little different.
- Dealing with Mixed Opinions – With a diverse group of participants, differing opinions are inevitable. Get the friendliest people in your group to help lead the chat and keep everyone on side.
- Handling Gender Dynamics – A joint hen and stag do challenges traditional gender dynamics. You can avoid some of this by not doing certain activities if they will cause some problems. Including separate activities during the event can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a joint hen and stag do be as fun as separate ones?
Absolutely! A joint hen and stag do can be just as fun, if not more so, than separate celebrations. The key is to plan activities and experiences that cater to diverse interests and ensure that everyone feels included and engaged.
How do we decide on the guest list for a joint hen and stag do?
One of the first questions that come to mind when planning a party is who should invite to my stag do? Consider involving both the bride and groom in creating the guest list. Aim for a balance between friends from both sides and make sure to include those who are closest to the couple. Open communication and collaboration are essential to ensure everyone feels comfortable and excited about the celebrations.
What are some suitable destinations for a joint hen and stag do?
Destination choices will depend on personal preferences and budgets. Look for places that offer a range of activities, good accommodation options, and a vibrant atmosphere. Popular choices include cities with thriving nightlife, beach resorts with water sports, or countryside retreats with outdoor adventures.
Are joint hen and stag do activities different from traditional ones?
While some activities may overlap with traditional celebrations, joint hen and stag do activities tend to be more inclusive and diverse. They are designed to cater to both genders, promote bonding among friends and loved ones, and celebrate togetherness rather than segregation.
How can we make everyone feel comfortable during a joint hen and stag do?
To ensure everyone feels comfortable, it’s important to respect individual preferences, create an inclusive atmosphere, and encourage open communication. Consider incorporating activities that allow for personalization and choice, and address any concerns or worries that participants may have.
Conclusion
A joint hen and stag do offers a unique and inclusive way for couples to celebrate their upcoming wedding with friends and loved ones. By breaking away from traditional gender norms and focusing on togetherness, these combined celebrations create unforgettable memories and enhance the overall wedding experience. With careful planning, creative ideas, and open communication, a joint hen and stag do can be a truly remarkable event that celebrates love, friendship, and unity.
