If you have been honoured with the duty of being the best man, one of the most important considerations is the orchestrating of the stag night. Obviously the last thing you would want as the best man is to be overseeing a stag night that turns into a disaster, so here I shall provide a timetable countdown for planning a stag night in a basic step by step process, that will make you the toast of the town:
1 Year before the stag weekend:
Most people will normally have a year or mores notice about being the best man for a wedding, and although you may be tempted to think that you have ages of time to get things planned, you ought to really start now. At this stage you ought to have a discussion with the groom and start drawing up a list of people that you would like to invite on the event.
8 to 9 months before the stag weekend:
You ought to now have your list of possible people coming on the event, and ought to have a discussion with the groom about possible destinations you may like to go to, and activities you may like to do during the weekend.
6 to 8 months before the stag weekend:
You now ought to have a rough idea of where you wish to go - overseas or in the UK, and a general idea of the activities for the weekend - i.e. motorised sport, shooting activities, outdoor pursuits etc. Start by contacting a few specialist stag night organisers to obtain some specialist advice - there are heaps out there - just search google.co.uk for the term "stag weekend". When looking at stag night companies specifically look for ABTA association, to ensure the companies legitimacy.
6 months before the stag weekend:
Obtain a deposit from each of the member of the stag night - most companies will require a deposit to hold a booking for your stag night.
4 to 5 months before the stag weekend:
You ought to now have all you deposits in from the group and have settled on what you are doing for the stag night. Reserving your place early will ensure that you get the activities you want and the best value accommodation. At this stage send out the details of the stag night to all parties of the group, along with details of when you will require the remainder of the payment from the group.
2 months before the stag weekend:
Usually most stag companies will require the full balance for the weekend 1 to 2 months before the event. You ought to have the full balance for the stag night and ready to pay the company you are booking with. On receipt of the balance you will be sent all the final details for the stag night.
1 month before the stag weekend:
Send out the full details to all members of the stag night. You ought to try and coordinate transport between any driver in the group.
1 week before the stag weekend:
Send out a final notice to all the group and remind them to bring any special requirements for example specific clothing for activities etc.
The day of the stag weekend:
A final ring round to the main drivers of the group to ensure they are fully prepared. Ensure you have everything to stitch up the groom and have a superb time!