7 Classy Stag Do Ideas For a Sophisticated Groom

Published by Claire Gould on

By English Wedding member Truly Experiences, Feature photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash

If we go back to early 14th century English, the word stag was used to refer to a male of any species. But in today’s current wedding lingo, a stag party means a get-together reserved for men when one of the group is about to get married. It’s traditionally held just before the wedding and is something of a rite of passage.

While stag dos have gotten a reputation for being bawdy and often out of control, the good news is that this is changing. There are plenty of ideas for planning and experiencing the kind of stag do that the groom will not forget in a hurry – for all the right reasons.

You can keep things elegant, interesting and cosmopolitan by hosting a more urbane event using any one of these ideas.

Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash

All in Good Taste

Who doesn’t love a tipple, a great wine or a pint of a frothy bevvy? There are heaps of places you can go and indulge in this pastime, including tours of breweries and distilleries so you can see how it all comes together.

The UK is dotted with some of the most prominent distilleries and wineries in the world and exploring them in a group makes for a great day out. Discerning stags can opt for a full wine tasting course or can hop between venues to try out a range of different drinks. Who knows? You may even find the perfect pre-wedding drink that you can toast the big day with!

Hit the Jackpot

Everyone enjoys a bit of a flutter every now and then, and it’s so much more fun when you’re out with your best mates. As odd as a casino stag do sounds, it a classic and classy activity thanks to the wealth of packages available these days. You’re guaranteed to find one that includes everything your party needs.

All men have at one point or another indulged in a dream of being James Bond. This is the night you can make it come true, even donning black tie attire in the process if you choose. Whether it’s Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, or slots, everyone will have a good time and there’s no fear of losing the shirt off your back.

Popular areas in England that offer gambling opportunities aplenty include Blackpool, Leeds, and Manchester. You can always head farther afield to places like Amsterdam or Ibiza if you want to go large.


Photo by Micha? Parzuchowski on Unsplash

Curry Favour

Does the groom fancy himself a bit of a MasterChef? If so, why not consider a stag do centred around cooking? There’s a vast array of different courses available where participants can cook, eat, and drink, so finding something everyone will enjoy shouldn’t be too much trouble.

You’ll be able to host a South African braai, an Indian curry night, or a fabulous Italian fiesta. If you don’t want to spend the whole evening chained to the stove, a pizza-making class is always an option, which will take only a couple of hours.

Most classes feature lessons from top chefs and engaging teachers who can show you a range of recipes and offer expert tips. After that, you’ll try them out yourself, under their guidance, which ensures the tasting session doesn’t depress anyone. These classes are available almost everywhere, so you’ll have no trouble finding a conveniently located option.

Kill Two Birds With One Stone

Well, sort of.

Clay shooting is a feather-free experience and one that offers the full range of top-drawer competition. This sport is hugely enjoyable and, if you’ve never done it before, the thrill of hitting your first clay is spectacular. Then there’s the simple fact that you’ll get everyone out into the fresh air in some of the beautiful settings in the UK. And there’s always somewhere nearby that you can grab a full English breakfast and a piping hot cuppa.

Don your tweeds and check out English cities like Bath, Cambridge, Exeter, Oxford, and Surrey or hit Berlin, Dublin, Madrid, Prague, and Riga.

A Day at the Races

Heading off to a horse race is a wonderful way to celebrate your friend’s good fortune. There’s a full bar available at these events, a thrilling atmosphere, and the potential that you’ll back a winning filly too!

Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a total newbie, you and your group will have an outstanding time at any of the incredible horseracing courses around the country.

Mingle with poker-faced punters, pleasure-seeking playboys, and genteel aristocracy at courses like Ascot, Cheltenham, Doncaster, Goodwood, and Newmarket.

Get the Groom’s Pulse Racing

If the groom is a Formula 1 fanatic, then what better send-off is there than going to the Grand Prix? If he loves the excitement, speed, and thrills of racing then you’ll be creating a memory with your friend that he’ll carry a long way into his marriage.

Remember that booking a weekend away to Barcelona or Budapest could work out far more cheaply than going to the British GP.

Plan properly for this event, including little things like lanyards to keep your tickets securely around your neck. If possible, book a spot in a private viewing room that overlooks the track offers and full catering facilities.

The Gentlemen’s Game

You don’t have to head to far-flung corners of the globe to experience a world-class golf weekend away. England has much to offer in some of the most gorgeous parts of the country.

You can choose to host a stag do with a difference on the premier championship links courses in Kent’s Sandwich Bay or indulge in a five-star experience along the Golf Coast. Explore Birkdale, Lytham, and Formby and you will be spoilt for choice.

There are many reasons to book a weekend away for you and the boys at one of the many great Golf courses has to offer. There is a wealth of heathland courses, links, and parkland grounds to choose from and Championship and European Tour courses to play on. You can pick between an urban experience or a more rural one and take full advantage of a range of restaurant and entertainment options while you are at it.

These are just a few of the many ideas for a stag do that are sophisticated but still heaps of fun.  Remember to plan the event well ahead of time, taking into account the groom’s personal tastes, not his friends. He’ll thank you for having a stag do that’s full of cherished memories, not awkward recollections he’d rather forget!


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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