How to handle HIS stag weekend

Many brides-to-be worry about their other half’s last night of freedom especially with stag dos becoming more extravagant weekend affairs in far off lands. Stories in thepress of famous personalities, from bad boy celebs to MP’s getting arrested, make matters worse. Then when you consider the constant stream of shocking images of boys on tour from reality TV shows such as Geordie Shore and What Happens in Sunny Beach it’s enough to make even the most relaxed fiancé’s imagination run away with her.

The good news is it’s only a small minority of stags that get into any serious trouble and most stag parties go by without leaving any permanent damage, just a nasty hangover. Will Stearn from stag company Maximise, has been organising stag dos for five years and has some good advice to help you manage your fears so you can confidently wave your man off and wish him a happy stag do.

If you’re handling the stag for a friend or family member, making sure where to host the event is a challenge. Comedy carnival have a range of different comedy clubs for you to check out.

Before

• Do be upfront about any money worries, if it is coming out of the wedding fund agree budgets for your stag and hen parties. You’re starting a marriage together so you need to learn to be able to talk about money.
• Don’t read horror stories about the stag destination and if it is a surprise for the stag don’t ask the best man, and definitely don’t be the one to spill the beans.
• Don’t fret about him getting arrested or injured before the wedding. In 15 years of sending stags to the biggest stag destinations across the UK and Europe none of our stags have been arrested or hospitalised.
• Don’t worry about nasty pranks being directed at your man. The old favourite of tying him naked to a lamppost is less common these days, with the boys being more interested in drinking games and comic activities like Bubble Football (where players attempt to have a game of football whilst wrapped in giant inflatable bubbles).
• Don’t hassle the best man. He’s likely to be the closest friend to your man for many years to come so it’s best you keep him on-side. Trust him to do a good job and don’t ask too many questions.
• Do share your worries with a good friend who knows you both well. If she cares about you both – and she should as your caring mate – she will reassure you and help keep your worries in context.
• Don’t put a ban on strippers. Like it or not it’s a male rite of passage to involve a stripper at some point in the evening. That’s really all it is – many guys don’t care much for it anyway. You’ll earn brownie points for being chilled out about it.
• Don’t worry about your stag cheating on you. He’s not going to turn into a monster over the course of one weekend, remember the love and trust you have for each other and use that to calm your fears.
• Do help settle his nerves. It’s normal that stags are a little apprehensive about what surprises lie ahead of them. Don’t use this as an opportunity to fess up your own worries; do remind him that he’s got a great bunch of mates.
• Do make sure the stag and hen parties are booked in good time before the wedding to allow for recovery. There’s likely to be some energetic activities planned and a fair bit of drinking so bruises may need to heal before the big day!

During

• Do send the odd text and let him know he’s missed and wish him a good time. Don’t text more than once a day or call repeatedly. It is his ‘last night of freedom’ after all!
• Do keep busy, treat yourself and spend time with your own friends. This shows him you are not sat at home worrying and will help you relax and not feel like he’s having all the fun!
• Don’t attempt to go with him. You may think I am joking but we once had a bride follow her man’s stag party to Amsterdam and stay in a near-by hotel so she could keep tabs.

After

• Don’t pry. Ask him if he’s had a good time but don’t get stuck on all the details, let him decide how much to tell you.
• Do encourage him to book an extra day’s holiday to recover.
• Do provide some TLC. He’s likely to be feeling pretty feeble if the weekend’s involved lots of drinking and travelling. Let him relax, have some hangover food in the cupboard and get his favourite film ready – you’ll want the same comforts after your hen night out!
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Visit www.maximise.co.uk to find out more about Maximise.