We’ll start off by discussing what a stag party actually is. It’s a pre-wedding celebration in which male friends and family gather to celebrate the upcoming day. Traditionally, and certainly in Scotland, it was seen as a big drinking session, but nowadays, with a more varied age at which people get married, it can take place in a number of formats and even in different countries and locations.
Where did the name stag party originate?
Scotland and stag have various links. There is a stag, meaning a male deer. These are found closely around us in Speyside, and the rutting (deer mating ritual) is quite famous, with people paying good money to see and hear these stags. That's not actually where the term "stag party" comes from, though. It’s originally from Greece, and over the centuries, weddings have been associated with deer. It’s a funny old business where names come from, but you can certainly relate the word fun and stag parties, as that’s what many people think of when they think of a stag party - good fun and lasting memories for all involved.
Organising a stag...
Traditionally, at a wedding, it would be the best man who organises the stag do. That’s not a bad plan that he does that, but with modern living, with us all being so busy, we recommend at least two people organising the stag do. What if the sole organiser gets sick, or is absolutely snowed under with work? Having at least one person organising the stag makes good sense. We have a number of other tips for organising a stag do.
Went to House of Mulben yesterday for a stag do. Innes, Steve and Gordon were great teachers telling us how to get the most out of Clay Pigeon and Archery. Nice relaxing experience and a lovely BBQ to finish the day. Highly recommend. Thank you again
Paul Riddoch
Stag do activities we offer at House Of Mulben:
Larger groups typically choose all the activities and make a day of it, but you can choose from:
Clay pigeon shooting - our most popular activity, great fun for anyone over 16. Safety is paramount, yet still being enjoyed in a fun and friendly environment. Whilst optional, just about all our stag parties choose to have a competition amongst themselves to see who is the best shot.
Trout fishing - relax and take in the beauty of our ponds and catch a rainbow trout. Our burn runs into the River Spey, which is one of the most famous salmon fishing rivers in the world. Whilst rainbow trout are not as exclusive as salmon to catch, they are great fun for a stag group. A more relaxed activity but very popular here at HoM.
Archery - although an ancient pastime - is still very addictive fun. Set in our older shed within a forest, it’s a great location for an enjoyable activity.
Air-rifle shooting - How are you as marksmen? We will find out! Air-rifle shooting with targets is thoroughly enjoyable in a stag group.
We can also offer stag parties a mini Highland games, which includes caber tossing and a tug of war, great fun. Whilst in Scotland, do what Scottish people do.
Timing of a stag do?
We recommend having the stag do at least at the very minimum 2 weeks before the wedding. There’s a lot to organise at a wedding alone, and you don’t want the stag party getting in the way of that. If it’s a heavy drinking session, then of course you want the effects to be long gone from the big day for the bride and groom. Having the stag party 2-3 months before the wedding is a good decision.
Who should go to the stag party?
It’s always a big question when organising a stag who should go to the stag party? Should the bride's dad go? What about very close female friends of the groom? The answer is usually left up to the groom and best man to sort out, but with complex relationships these days, traditional rules can be broken.
Different types of stag dos?
Big drinking sessions still happen, but stag parties are more nuanced these days. Why not 1 big clubbing night, and an easy day, then a day of more relaxed activities to end the weekend? It’s not unheard of to split the stag into parts and two different plans. One night at the pub, then the next weekend, a day of activities or a distillery visit.
Diverse ideas
There are a lot of different options for stag dos these days, and a range of unusual things and activities you can do across Scotland and the UK.
Scotland
We came across a stag party boat, which we think would be good fun, certainly if you get the weather. We can’t recommend this , as we haven’t been, but it’s an option for consideration. Scotland is also famous for golf, and if your stag is a golfing nut, taking him to some famous golf courses in Scotland that he hasn’t been to would certainly be memorable. A bungee jump may be fun for the more brave amongst us.
UK
Sky diving is one stag activity the group is unlikely to forget. This is possible in England, and whilst we haven’t been, it would be an eye-opener for sure. Travelling abroad to dive with sharks in a protected cage is unusual, but would be another option for some.
Stag weekend accommodation
If it’s a weekend you are planning, there are a range of accommodation options nearby. Almost a stone's throw away is the Cairnty Lodges, fully equipped and with each lodge having its own hot tub. Limited to 8 people, but a great option for a small stag party group. The Craigellachie Hotel is more of a luxurious stay, which some famous faces have visited over the years. Both it and The Highlander Inn, which is known for one of the largest collections of Whisky in the world, are about an 8-minute drive away from us at House Of Mulben.
Do you go abroad?
With some stag do groups heading abroad, should you follow suit? Budgets are probably a big consideration for groups. Travelling abroad can be expensive. With everyone seemingly living busier lives than ever, the time involved factor may also hinder some. Going abroad for a stag requires more intensive planning and organisation, but when planned well, it can be a good option. You hear horror stories of deaths, such as the one in Amsterdam, but everything and everywhere can be dangerous if you do the wrong things. Stag parties abroad are great fun, and don’t let that hold you back from going.
Stag do pranks - away from us at HoM
There are many different “good laughs” you can have at a stag do. One is put a fake cast on the stag, and when he wakes, tell a made-up story of how he got into the cast. Then of course, let him down gently by telling him it’s a fake cast and it never happened.
Blind folding a stag and taking him to an unknown location - a bungee jump and letting him fly is another good story to tell. Absolutely terrifying for the groom, but hilarious for those attending the stag and seeing it on social media.
Stag party games
There are various games you can play at a stag. Some of the most popular are toy soldiers, which involve doing a dare for the last person to get down in the position of their allocated toy soldier figure. Good fun.
Another is shark attack, where the stag shouts “shark attack” and all of the guys in the stag group have to get their feet off the floor. The last person to do so has to, again, do a dare.
Stag party rules
Some rules and guidelines to keep the stag in order will help all involved. Pre-booking transport is one to keep in mind. Getting a taxi on a weekend at some locations can be a real nightmare at times.
Having a WhatsApp group with the plan and people's telephone numbers can help if you need to get in touch. It wouldn’t be the first time someone got lost on a stag.
It’s a good idea to get someone in particular to film your stag. It’s easy to get distracted as a group, and if someone is a keen photographer or videographer, then it’s a chance to get some great photos and/or footage of your time.
Costs
Naturally, the destination and whether you are travelling abroad will put the price up steeply. The standard of accommodation and local food prices are other factors that will increase the budget needed for each stag member. The cost of your activities or events during the stay is also another high cost. At House Of Mulben, our all-in activities of clay pigeon shooting, archery, air-rifle shooting, and fishing, with included barbecue costs, cost around £145 based on a party of 10. Many of our stag parties are local, so they don’t have the added expense of travel or accommodation.
Mistakes not to make at a stag party
Stag parties can go wrong, but with a bit of planning and conversation, your group will more than likely have a great time for all involved. Trouble can be had when you go on a stag. You don’t want to go too far with the stag. A laugh may be a laugh, but don’t go overboard and upset him and the bride before their big day.
What we offer at House Of Mulben.
We have hosted hundreds of stag parties over the years, and we’ve had great fun doing so. We have a variety of sizes and group ages. Our activities of clay pigeon shooting, archery, air-rifle shooting and fishing give the group a range of contrasting activities to enjoy.
FAQ
These are some of the questions for a stag party that come up.
How long should a stag be?
It can be a few hours, or it can be a week abroad - up to all involved, the planners, the best man and people organising. What would be 1. memorable for all, and 2. Great for the stag are 2 of our priories we hear of the most.
Do you have to give a gift at a stag party?
No, you don’t, it’s not necessary, gifts are normally given at a wedding, though.
Should we even have a stag in the first place?
The vast majority of weddings have a prior stag, but it’s not too uncommon to skip it. Really up to you and who’s involved.
What is a hag party?
A Hag party is a joint stag and hen party, and these are becoming more and more popular. Both men and women attend a good time is to be had.
Do people get invited to the stag party and not the wedding?
Yes, this is quite common as the stag can be more social, and some weddings these days are quite private affairs with only a few attendees.
Conclusion
We have discussed many topics of a stag party on this page; the main consideration is to enjoy your choice of stay and activities. There are many choices for a stag party, but having fun and a memorable time is the most important.
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