Stag and Hen Planning Checklist
We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in the UK. We don't sell inflatable anything, so this is a plain guide with our own bits only where they genuinely fit.
Most stag and hen disasters are admin, not activities: money not collected, dates not agreed, one person quietly excluded.
Work through this in order and the weekend more or less runs itself.
Finish it with a card
The one thing to buy early and carry with you.
"Rock On" Good Luck Card
£3.87
There's Someone For All Of Us (Funny Wedding Card)
£3.87
Just Married Cake Polaroid Wedding Day Card (Personalised Names)
£3.87
Personalised Wedding Card Featuring Pigeons
£3.87
Fix Up, Look Sharp. Will You Be My Groomsman? Card
£3.91
Fix Up, Look Sharp. Will You Be My Best man? Card
£3.91
Six to four months out
- Ask the bride or groom for three things they want and three they'd hate.
- Agree the guest list with them - never invite anyone they haven't approved.
- Poll two or three date options before booking anything.
- Set a ceiling per head and say it out loud in the first message.
Three to two months out
- Book accommodation first, then the one main activity.
- Collect deposits. People pay when there's a date and a figure, not a vague plan.
- Confirm who's driving, who's arriving late and who's only coming for the day.
- Put the full cost, including travel and outfits, in writing in the group chat.
The month before
- Collect the balance, with a deadline. Chasing after the event ruins friendships.
- Share the itinerary, the address, the taxi numbers and a what-to-bring list.
- Buy the games, the decorations and the badges in one order rather than six.
- Check dietary needs, accessibility and anyone not drinking.
The week of
- Send a one-page running order with times, addresses and your phone number.
- Pack the kit box: games, decorations, painkillers, phone chargers, bin bags, a speaker.
- Confirm every booking by phone, not email.
- Get the card and get it signed before the last morning.
How to write it so it lands
- Accommodation first, everything else after.
- Deposit early, balance a month before.
- One-page running order in the week of.
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We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in house. These are from other shops we rate, and we may earn a small commission if you buy through the link — it costs you nothing extra.
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- Stag do ideas in the UK
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- How much a hen or stag do costs
- How to be a good bridesmaid or best man
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- Hen party at home
- Stag do gift ideas
- Hen party bag ideas
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- Wedding gift ideas
- Wedding speech one-liners
- Party supplies
- All guides
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- How to make a balloon arch
- Photo booth prop ideas
- Party bag ideas for adults
- How much helium do you need for balloons?
- Pin badges
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should you plan a stag or hen do?
Start four to six months ahead, book accommodation three months out, and collect the balance a month before.
Who collects the money for a stag or hen do?
One organiser, in two stages: a deposit when the date is set and the balance a month before. Never chase after the event.
Who decides the guest list?
The bride or groom, always. The organiser invites, they approve.