In this guide, we’ll discuss who to invite to stag parties, and offer some tips to help you make the best decision for your special day.
Table of Contents
Who Should I Invite to My Stag Do?
If we assume you have a realistic budget and a normal group of friends, then we know not everyone is going to get an invitation. You have too many friends, not enough money, and some of your mates wouldn’t have a good time. So, how do we pick out the winners of the golden ticket?
1. The Groom’s Closest Friends
When it comes to deciding who to invite to a stag do, you should consider the groom’s closest friends first. These are the people who know the groom best and will make the celebration a truly special experience. Consider these categories of close friends:
Childhood Friends
Childhood friends have known the groom for many years and likely share a long history of memories and experiences. They can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during the stag weekend and are likely to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Work Friends
Work friends can offer a unique perspective on the groom’s life and provide a different dynamic to create a truly epic stag night. They may not know the groom as well as childhood friends or university peers, but they share a common interest and bond through their profession.
University Peers
University peers share a common bond through their academic pursuits and can bring a diverse range of personalities and experiences to stag and bachelor parties. They may have lost touch over the years but can quickly rekindle old friendships and create new memories.
Sports Teammates
Sports teammates provide a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that can make for a memorable and amazing stag do. They share a passion for their sport and can bond over their love for competition and physical activity.
Check out Budapest for a capital with something for everyone. Discover great options with a Budapest Stag Party.
2. Family Members
Brothers/Chosen Siblings
Brothers or chosen siblings are often your closest family members and can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity during the stag party. You may have grown up together and share a special bond that can make for a memorable celebration.
Fathers/Uncles
Fathers or uncles can offer a different perspective on your life and provide valuable wisdom and guidance during the stag do. They can also participate in activities and share stories from their own experiences that can make the celebration more meaningful.
Cousins
Cousins are often close in age to the groom and can bring a fun and lively energy to the stag do. They may share similar interests and hobbies, making for a seamless integration into the group.
3.The Best Man and Groomsmen
The Best Man
The best man is usually the groom’s closest friend or family member and plays an important role in the wedding. He is responsible for organizing the stag do and ensuring that the groom has a memorable and enjoyable experience. Inviting the best man to the stag do is a must, as he will be an integral part of the celebration.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen are typically close friends or family members of the groom who play a supportive role in the wedding. They may not be as involved in the planning a stag do as the best man, but they should still be invited to participate in the celebration.
Ushers
Ushers are often friends or family members of the groom who help to seat guests and perform other duties during the wedding ceremony. While they may not be as close to the groom as the best man or groomsmen, they can still be a valuable addition to the stag do and provide a different perspective on the celebration.
4. Mutual Friends
Those who know both the groom and bride
This includes friends who have a relationship with both the groom and the bride.
Friends from mutual hobbies
If the groom has a particular hobby or interest that he shares with some of his friends, consider inviting them to the stag do. This will give everyone a chance to bond over shared interests and make the experience more enjoyable.
Friends from previous travels
If the groom has traveled with a group of friends before, consider inviting them to the stag do. Traveling together can create a strong bond, and it can be a great opportunity to reminisce about past experiences and create new memories.
5. Friends with Connections
Those who can hook you up with unique stag do experiences
If you have friends who work in the hospitality or entertainment industry, they may be able to hook you up with unique stag do experiences, such as exclusive access to a concert or sports event.
Friends with holiday homes
If you have friends who own holiday homes in desirable locations, consider inviting them to the stag do. They may be willing to let you use their home as a base for your activities, which can save you money on accommodation.
Friends with connections to VIP nightlife spots
If you want to experience the VIP nightlife scene in your destination, it can be helpful to have friends who know the right people. They may be able to get you into exclusive clubs or bars, or even arrange for a private party in a cool location.
6. The Stag Do Expert
Someone who has experience in planning and executing stag dos
A stag do expert has likely planned and executed multiple stag dos in the past, and can offer valuable insights and advice based on their experience. They may be able to suggest unique activities or destinations, and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Someone who can help with the planning and logistics
Planning a stag do involves a lot of logistics, such as booking accommodation, transportation, and activities. A stag do expert can help with these tasks, saving you time and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They may also be able to negotiate better deals with vendors or suppliers, saving you money.
7. The Unexpected Guest
A surprise guest, unexpected but delightful
If the unexpected guest is someone the groom is close to and would be thrilled to have at the stag do, their presence can be a delightful surprise. It can also be a great opportunity to strengthen the friendship between the groom and the unexpected guest.
Someone who will add to the fun and excitement
If the unexpected guest is someone who is known for their fun and outgoing personality, they can add to the overall fun and excitement of the stag do. They may have unique stag do ideas for activities or be willing to take the lead in planning or executing them.
Guest Types By Personal Preferences
Adventure Seekers
For adventure seekers, it’s important to plan activities that offer a high level of excitement and adrenaline. This may include activities like bungee jumping, white water rafting, or skydiving. When planning the stag do, be sure to highlight these types of activities so that guests can prepare mentally and physically.
When selecting guests to invite to the stag do, consider their personal preferences for adventure and thrill-seeking. You’ll want to invite guests who are up for the challenge and won’t shy away from intense activities. Be sure to communicate the expectations for the stag do activities so that guests can decide if they are comfortable participating.
Chill Vibes
When planning a stag do for guests who prefer a chill vibe, it’s important to focus on activities that allow for relaxation and bonding. This might include spa days, beach lounging, or low-key dinners. The goal is to create an environment where guests can unwind and connect with each other.
To ensure that the stag do is enjoyable for everyone, it’s important to invite guests who appreciate leisurely pursuits. Look for guests who enjoy activities like reading, listening to music, or lounging by the pool. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable with the pace and vibe of the event.
The Party Animals
When planning a stag do for party animals, it’s important to focus on activities that center around nightlife and high-energy entertainment. This might include going to clubs, attending music festivals, or hitting up local hotspots. The goal is to create an environment where guests can let loose and have a great time.
To ensure that the stag do is enjoyable for everyone, it’s important to invite guests who thrive in lively environments. Look for friends who enjoy dancing, socializing, and trying new things. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable with the pace and vibe of the event.
Additional Considerations
When planning a stag do, there are several additional considerations to keep in mind to ensure that everyone has a great time. We know this could seem like a lot. That’s why it can be helpful to work with a stag party team like Stagmadness. At the very least, buy yourself a good notebook to start organising people, places, and events.
Accounting for group dynamics
When selecting guests and planning activities, it’s important to consider the group dynamics. Think about how everyone gets along and what type of activities will work well with the group dynamic. This might mean avoiding certain activities if they don’t suit the group, or making adjustments to the itinerary based on feedback from the group.
Evaluating individual interests and preferences
While it’s important to consider the group as a whole, it’s also important to take individual interests and preferences into account. Talk to guests ahead of time to get an idea of what types of activities they enjoy and what they’re comfortable with. This will help you plan a stag do that’s enjoyable for everyone.
Budget
Stag dos can quickly become expensive, so establish a budget early on and stick to it. Factor in the costs of transportation, accommodations, and activities, and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the budget stays on track. Be sure to communicate the budget to guests ahead of time so that everyone is aware of what to expect.
Want a great budget-friendly option? Try a Budapest Stag Do.
Size Matters: The Bigger, The Better?
When planning a stag do, deciding on the guest list size is an important consideration. Here are a few pros and cons of large vs. small guest lists, and how to strike a balance between intimacy and excitement:
Pros and cons of large vs. small guest lists
A larger guest list can provide a more exciting and lively atmosphere, with more people to socialize and interact with.
However, it can also be more difficult to manage, with a higher risk of disagreements, more contact details to keep track of, or tension within the group. A smaller guest list can provide a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, but can also limit the range of activities and interactions available
Striking a balance between intimacy and excitement
To strike a balance between intimacy and excitement, it’s important to consider the type of stag do you want to have. For a more relaxed and intimate event, a smaller guest list may be preferable. For a high-energy and exciting event, a larger guest list may be more appropriate. It’s also important to consider the personalities and preferences of the guests.
International Guests & Long-Distance Friends
If you have international guests or long-distance friends attending the stag do, it’s important to consider travel and logistical challenges. This may include coordinating travel arrangements, such as flights and transportation to the best stag do location, as well as ensuring that accommodations and activities are accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
While including far-flung friends can add a special element to the stag do, it’s important to weigh the value of including them against the potential challenges and costs. Consider the individual’s relationship to the groom, as well as their personality and preferences, when deciding whether or not to include them in the guest list.
The Final Checklist
Take a final look at your guest list and ensure that you have included all the essential guests, such as mutual friends, friends from mutual hobbies, and friends from previous travels. Consider any special guest types, such as those with connections, the stag do expert, or unexpected guests. Ensure that you have accounted for group dynamics, individual interests and preferences, and budget considerations when making your final decisions.
If you find that your guest list is too large or too small, or if you need to make tough decisions about which guests to include or exclude, don’t be afraid to revise your guest list. Consider your priorities for the stag do, and make decisions that align with those priorities. Keep in mind that the goal is to create a fun and memorable experience for everyone, so make decisions that will help achieve that goal.
Wrap up
Planning a successful stag do requires careful consideration of the guest list. It’s critical to include the right mix of guests to ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable experience. Key considerations when compiling your guest list include mutual friends, friends from mutual hobbies, and friends from previous travels. Special guest types, such as those with connections or unexpected guests, can add a unique element to the stag do.
Other factors, such as group dynamics, individual interests and preferences, and budget considerations, should also be taken into account when finalizing the guest list.
We think one place stands out above all others: Budapest. Check out all the activities, nightlife, and food & drink you can get at a stag do in Budapest.
By carefully reviewing your guest list and making tough decisions and revisions as needed, you can ensure that your stag do is a success and that everyone has a great time.
