Mastering The Art of The Sten Do

Many thanks to Author, Holly Dodd for writing this handy guide, You can contact Holly here

Mastering The Art of The Sten Do: Your Essential Do's and Don’ts

A Sten Do is the hybrid of a stag do and hen weekend. One joint celebration for both the bridal party and the groomsmen.

It sounds great, but how do you guarantee it's an unforgettable experience? Here are the top ‘sten-do’s’ and ‘sten-don’ts’ to have the best party imaginable.

The Sten Do's and Don’ts:

DO: Plan Together

Remember, it's a joint celebration. Both the bride and groom should be involved in the planning process to confirm that everyone’s happy.

Tailor the plans to meet both of your unique tastes and preferences. Be it a weekend of adrenaline fuelled activities, or a chilled-out spa retreat, the choice is yours.

As this is a shared experience, you must be willing to compromise - something you should already be very familiar with as a couple about to get married!

DON'T: Ignore the Guest List

The whole point of a sten do, is to let the happy couple celebrate pre-nuptials together. Think: double the party size, double the fun.

That’s why it’s key to consider the dynamics of the group. Try to ensure there's a balance of personalities that will mesh well. Why risk an awkward situation?

Host a more relaxed social event ahead of time if you’re worried about how certain guests might interact. If you have a naughty nana, or a controversial uncle, you may need to reconsidertheir invitation...

DO: Keep It Equal

Success is all about balance. To keep harmony, make sure both the stags and hens are equally represented.

A fair share of guests on each side prevents anyone feeling excluded. It also allows you to divide planning and activities in half. Well, unless you want to go paintballing with five hens’ verses fifteen stags?

DON'T: Forget the Budget

Let's talk budget. It can be expensive to organise two parties, but a combined sten-do could be much more cost-effective.

Be sure to consider everyone's financial situations, then set a budget and stick to it.

The stags might want to go to Ibiza, but if the hens come too, it's going to double expenses. The aim is to have fun, not to break the bank.

DO: Call in the Experts

With a larger guest list, planning a sten do can get complicated. Ensuring everyone feels included and has a great time requires serious planning.

Party planning can be a case of too many cooks. If too many voices get involved, pressure rises, and finding a middle ground can become harder.

Why not call in the experts? Avoid the stress by hiring party planners to do all the work for you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your day stress free!

DON'T: Neglect the Fun Factor

Ensure there's plenty of fun to be had. Games, karaoke, dance-offs - the more, the merrier.

Fun-filled activities serve as fun ice breakers and encourage social interaction. Alternate between fast paced and more relaxing activities to keep maintain energy levels. Stop dad nodding off at paint it yourself pottery, by choosing go-karting first.

Guests will recognise the effort you’ve put in, and will be more likely to relax, let loose, and have a great time.

Decision Time...

A successful sten do is all about trying to find the sweet spot between what the future bride and groom want. It's not just a party, but the ultimate celebration.

It's easy to get caught up in all the details, but the main thing is to have fun. Whether it’s for one night, or a weekend long event, it’s sure to give your guests something to talk about at the wedding!

Are you ready to break tradition and embrace the sten do?