I'm very relieved that Joe has agreed to have his stag party some weeks before the wedding and not the night before. I don't want him to wake up naked on a train to Inverness when he should be stood in the church! I'm doing the same, but as my girlfriends aren't rugby players, I'm less concerned about what they'll do to me.
Hen and stag nights need budgets too
There are loads of options available and we're both compiling a list of possible activities. We've sounded everyone out on a budget so we don't offend people by asking them to chip in to something that is beyond their means.
Hen and stag night transport companies used to revellers…
There is of course the traditional night out on the town, probably involving some kind of silly costume. There are loads of companies that sell party packs with all kinds of fun accessories and activities (not for the faint hearted though it seems). We've been looking into costs for hiring minibuses so that no-one has to worry about staying sober to drive. Spilt between many people they're really quite reasonably priced. There are also novelty ways to travel: limos, double-decker buses that can be hired for an extended party tour and even party boats on rivers. There are some transport companies in my Wedding Organizer that we're going to call for quotes. Specialist companies will be best as they'll be used to dealing with groups of people out to have a crazy night!
A civilised Hen night…
Katie is keen on us all having a day at a spa for a pamper and then a meal out, which sounds lovely. I've made it clear that whatever happens, I don't want any kind of stripper or kissagram! Joe is being very quiet on that front.
Hen and Stag weekends
For either us girls or the boys, there are weekend activities that look really great. A local hotel runs murder mystery weekends (involving dressing up!) and there are things like paint-balling, quad biking and the like. Another good reason to have it some weeks before the big day: time for any bruises to heal up!
Joe has been talking about going abroad for a city-break weekend. Apparently Prague is a trendy place to go for Stag weekends. I'm just glad that at least one of his friends is a tee-totaller, as I think someone needs to stay sane especially when in a foreign country. Perhaps I just worry too much.
Organising hens and stags – too much for one soul
We were concerned that it's a lot for just one person to organise, so we have chosen three people from our respective attendants to put their heads together to get it sorted out. When we decide what we want to do, they'll send out all the details with the invitations, keep track of replies and make sure that the venues know the final numbers as far in advance as possible. They'll make sure all the bookings are confirmed and that all of the money from the groups will be collected in advance too.
If we end up at a particular venue I've asked that they be told what the occasion is so that they can be prepared, and who knows, they may have recommendations too. I think it's only polite to warn them that we may turn up wearing tiaras and veils or devils horns and angel wings. Goodness knows what Joe and the boys will end up strapping to their chests… I dread to think!
