Bachelor Party
City Battles

The origin of the stag party

The roots of bachelor parties go back to antiquity. The concept of the stag party originated around the 5th century BC in Sparta, where military comrades would celebrate and toast on the eve of a warrior's wedding. However, the development of the modern stag party took a significant turn in the 20th century. Particularly influenced by evolving social norms, the rise of consumer culture and the tourism industry. However, while stag parties are a relatively new phenomenon, they also have historical antecedents, e.g. in medieval Britain there was a "bride-ale" - a party for the bride before the wedding.

How is a stag party organised?

Organising a hen or stag party can be quite an adventure. For this, the responsibility usually lies with the best man or maid of honour. The first step is to choose a date, followed by choosing a destination, compiling a guest list and deciding on activities. Here it is important to consider the preferences of the groom or bride. Some prefer an adrenaline-filled weekend of activities, others may prefer a relaxing spa visit or a culinary experience.

What a stag party includes depends on the preferences of the group. Common elements include accommodation, meals, activities and often transport. In most cases, stag and hen parties visit a city and plan 4-5 activities on that special day. Most groups often also want to experience the sights of the chosen city. Especially for this our city rallies are HENtastic City Battle and STAGtacular City Battle perfect for this part of the day.

The process of a stag party is quite simple. After moving into the chosen accommodation, the group takes part in pre-planned activities. The evenings are often reserved for a visit to a restaurant, exploring the local nightlife or a private party. The key to a successful stag party is a balance between structured activities and free time for relaxation and spontaneous fun.

What activities are part of a typical stag party?

The most popular activities for stag parties in Europe have diversified greatly in recent years. Adventure activities such as go-karting, paintballing and white water rafting are very popular for stag parties. For the more relaxed groom, beer tastings, golfing or fishing may be more appealing. Hen parties often include spa visits, cocktail classes, yoga retreats or wine tasting tours. Likewise, themed dance classes have gained popularity, with everything from salsa to belly dancing on offer.

In the last few years Smartphone-based City Battles emerged and are enjoying increasing popularity among both sexes. Here, many groups find the flexibility of time and the playful exploration of the city centre particularly advantageous. As the leading provider of these city rallies in Europe, we have already organised over 10,000 stag parties an unforgettable day.

How much does a stag party cost per person?

The cost of hen and stag parties can vary greatly depending on the country, city and activities chosen. In 2023, you will have to spend on average between €100 and €300 per person for a weekend in most European countries. In countries like Spain and Portugal, costs tend to be at the lower end of the scale and include visits to the vibrant nightlife and affordable activities. In contrast, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark tend to be more expensive due to the high cost of living.

In summary, hen and stag parties in Europe offer a wealth of opportunities for memorable experiences. Although traditions evolve and tastes differ, these celebrations offer a unique blend of camaraderie, adventure and a joyful start to married life. Have fun planning!