The Sten and Hag - Combining the Hen and Stag Do
Planning a pre-wedding celebration that includes both the bride and groom? A Sten do or Hag do—a combined hen and stag do—is a growing trend for couples who want to celebrate together. Rather than splitting up into two parties, a joint hen and stag do brings everyone together for double the fun. Whether you're looking for unique Sten do ideas or trying to figure out what a Sten do actually is, this guide has you covered. From group-friendly activities to Sten do games, here's everything you need to know to make your joint celebration unforgettable!
Why Combine Your Stag and Hen Do?
Shared Friend Groups
For couples with mutual friends, a Sten do makes perfect sense. Rather than splitting the group between two separate celebrations, you can bring everyone together for one big party. This way, all your closest friends—no matter which side they’re on—can share in the fun, making the experience even more memorable for everyone involved.
Budget-Friendly Option
A joint hen and stag do can also be a smart financial choice. Combining your celebrations means you can share the cost of venues, activities, and even accommodation. With expenses split between both parties, you’ll likely save money, allowing you to spend more on the wedding or even splash out on bigger, better Sten do activities.
Less Stress for the Couple
Planning two separate events can be a lot to handle. By combining your hen and stag do, you cut the planning in half, reducing the stress and coordination needed. Instead of worrying about two itineraries, you’ll just have one fantastic event to organise, making the whole experience more enjoyable for the both of you.
A Celebration of Togetherness
For couples who prefer to do things together, a Sten party is the perfect way to kick off the celebrations. It’s a chance to celebrate your relationship with all of your friends and family in one place. Plus, it symbolises the unity and togetherness that marriage is all about!
Ideas for Sten and Hag Activities
Group-Friendly Activities
Go-Karting: A fun, competitive, and energetic activity that works well for mixed groups.
It’s a Knockout: A fun filled day activity with competition, foam, inflatables, and costumes
Escape Rooms: Perfect for a mixed crowd, encouraging teamwork and interaction.
Laser Tag or Paintball: Get everyone involved in some fun, action-packed competition.
Yacht Charter: Cruise around a city or coastline, with drinks, music, and good vibes.
Relaxed Sten and Hag Options
Spa Day: Combine pampering with socialising. You can offer separate treatments for those who want a bit of space but come together for group relaxation.
Winery or Brewery Tour: A more laid-back but still social activity, allows the group to taste local drinks and chat in a relaxed environment.
Pamper treatments: With the wedding coming up a good pamper treatment will do well to relax even the most stressed-out bride and groom
Games to Break the Ice
Sten vs. Hag Competitions: Set up friendly competitions (like pub quizzes or mini-Olympics) where the hen party takes on the stag party.
Mr & Mrs Quiz: A fun way to involve the couple, testing how well they know each other with questions from both groups.
See our Mr and Mrs Questions here
Destination Sten and Hag Do Location Ideas
UK Beach Getaway:
Bournemouth
Brighton
Newquay
Blackpool
UK City Break:
London
Nottingham
Liverpool
Belfast
Abroad Beach Getaway
Tenerife
Benidorm
Marbella
Albufeira
Abroad City Break
Barcelona
Prague
Amsterdam
Budapest
Managing the Group Dynamic
Balancing Group Sizes
One of the challenges of a Sten do is managing different group sizes, as one side’s guest list may be larger than the other. To ensure everyone has a great time, consider organising a mix of joint activities and separate ones. For example, you can start the day with group activities like a beer bike tour or an escape room, where everyone can join in. Then, for the larger group, arrange a secondary activity like paintball or a cocktail-making class to give each side their own time together. This way, the whole event stays balanced while making sure no one feels left out
Mix and Match Activities
When planning a Sten do, it's important to cater to different personalities and preferences. Offering a mix of activities gives everyone the freedom to enjoy the day at their own pace. Some guests might want to dive into more adventurous options like laser tag or a quad biking session, while others may prefer a more relaxed experience, like a spa day or a laid-back wine and cheese tasting.
By incorporating breaks or downtime between activities, you can keep the vibe flexible. This way, the more active guests can go full throttle, while others can choose to relax and recharge. Everyone gets to enjoy the event in a way that suits them best!
Combining a hen and stag do into a Sten or Hag party can create unforgettable memories that both sides of the couple will cherish. By bringing everyone together, you can celebrate your upcoming wedding in a fun, unified way. With the right mix of activities, thoughtful planning, and the flexibility to cater to different preferences, a joint celebration can be the perfect way to kick off the festivities. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, a Sten do promises to be a unique and exciting pre-wedding event!