How to organize a stag night

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by Shannon Morehouse

Created on: December 09, 2008

Stag parties (aka bachelor and bachelorette parties) have long been associated with strippers, parting, and one last hoorah before a man or woman enters into married life. However, many young women and men are gleefully stepping away from the clich traditions. Stag parties give the planner (usually the best man for the man or the maid of honor for the woman) an opportunity to be creative. Here are the essentials for planning a stag night, along with some creative ideas.

The Essentials:

When planning a stag party, the first thing you want to do is tell the bride or groom that you are looking to plan something original. Make sure he or she is okay with the lack of strippers and heavy booze. They very well could be relieved! Ask the bride or groom to select a few dates that work well for the celebration. Also ask for a list of guests they would like to attend. Find out if the bride or groom would like to keep the party local or if they wouldn't mind it being far away find out how far away is too far! Also keep expenses in mind. Some of the guests may be able to afford an across-the-country flight while others may not!

Your next step is to contact the guests. Get a majority vote of which date that the bride or groom offered works best. Also, find out how much each guest is able to spend on the evening. Usually, the guests all chip in to cover the expenses of the party.
Sometimes the planner is able and willing to cover the costs. Whatever you choose to do, be realistic in terms of what you and/or the guests can afford. Work with the other bridesmaids or groomsmen to select a venue and determine the timeframe.

Looking for something especially unique to do? Here are some party ideas for the bride or groom. Happy planning!

FOR THE BRIDE:

Plan a slumber party. Rent the bride's favorite movies and make sure you have her favorite snacks on hand. And don't forget to make yummy cocktails. Get the blender out and make pina coladas

Plan a special dinner at the brides' favorite restaurant and perhaps a night on the town in a limousine!

Go on a wine tour through various vineyards. Either in your locale or select a famous wine region, such as Northern California or the Finger Lakes of New York

Have a makeover party with professional cosmetologists and manicurists, and have a funky photo shoot afterwards

Take over a spa for the day!

Take a road trip to one of her favorite get-aways with her closest girlfriends

Have a fondue party

Have a henna tattoo party with a professional henna tattoo artist

Beach party!

Plan a weekend retreat at a b and b

Go to an amusement park

FOR THE GROOM:

Go on a fishing trip

Go to a baseball, basketball, or football game. Bring a portable grill to tailgate!

Host a poker night with plenty of the groom's favorite snacks.