The Best Man's Survival Guide: How to Survive the Stag Do
Light at the end of the tunnel
Being the best man is an honour, but organizing the stag do is a battlefield. You are responsible for the money, the morale, and ensuring the groom makes it back in one piece.
We have compiled the complete survival guide, covering everything from what to pack in your emergency kit to the unwritten rules of strip clubs.
Part 1: The Stag Do Survival Kit
You are the leader. When things go wrong, people will look to you. Pack these essentials and you will look like a hero.
Paracetamol & Berocca: The hangover cure of champions. Hand these out at breakfast and you will be loved forever.
Rehydration Salts (Dioralyte): Essential for surviving a heavy weekend in hot destinations like Benidorm or Ibiza.
A Printed Map/Hotel Card: Phones die. Data roaming fails. A physical card with the hotel address in the local language (especially in Eastern Europe) is a lifesaver for lost stags.
Wet Wipes: The "festival shower." Vital for freshening up between activities if you don't have time to go back to the hotel.
Emergency Cash: Keep £50/€50 separate from your beer money. This is your "get home safe" fund for when you lose your wallet.
Part 2: Fancy Dress (Do's and Don'ts)
Stitching up the groom is tradition, but getting refused entry to clubs isn't fun. Here is how to do fancy dress right.
The "Safe" Options (Allowed in most bars)
Stag in Drag: A classic. It’s funny, harmless, and usually accepted in UK bars. Just don't expect to get into high-end clubs.
Where's Wally: Great for keeping track of him. If you lose the groom, just scan the crowd for stripes.
Charity Shop Challenge: Give everyone £5 to buy the worst outfit they can find. It’s cheap, funny, and avoids "group costume" bans.
The "Risk" Options (Avoid these)
Mankinis: You will be refused entry almost everywhere. Plus, nobody wants to see that while eating breakfast.
Offensive/Political Costumes: Just don't. You will attract trouble from locals, bouncers, and possibly the police.
Replica Police/Military Uniforms: Illegal in many countries. Do not do this abroad.
Part 3: The Drunk Food Hierarchy
At 3am, you need fuel. But not all takeaways are created equal. Here is our official ranking of end-of-night food.
1. The Kebab (Doner): The undisputed king. It’s portable, requires no cutlery, and contains enough salt to help with tomorrow's hangover.
2. The Burger: A solid choice, but risky. One slip and the filling is on the floor. Eat with caution.
3. Cheesy Chips: The safe bet. Cheap, warm, and impossible to mess up.
4. Pizza: Delicious, but logistically difficult. Carrying a giant square box while drunk is a recipe for disaster.
Part 4: Etiquette & Advice
How to Handle Strip Clubs
We spoke to performers to get the inside scoop on how to not be "that guy."
1. Don't Touch: It’s the golden rule. You will be thrown out immediately.
2. Be Polite: The dancers are working. Basic manners go a long way.
3. No Photos: Keep your phone in your pocket. Flash photography is the quickest way to get a bouncer's attention.
The Non-Drinker's Guide
Not everyone drinks, and that’s fine. Here is how to include them:
Activities: Focus on things like Go-Karting or Paintball where sobriety is actually an advantage (and required!).
The Rounds System: Don't make the non-drinker pay for a round of Jagerbombs. Let them buy their own drinks or keep a separate kitty.
Nightlife: Pick venues with activities (Pool, Bowling, Darts) rather than just standing in a crowded pub.
Choosing a Hotel
The Golden Rule: Book "Stag Friendly" accommodation. Many hotels have a strict "No Stags" policy and will turn you away at the door.
Location: Pay extra to be central. Saving £20 on a hotel is pointless if you spend £50 on taxis getting to the bars.
Breakfast: Ensure breakfast is included. You will need it.