What Etiquette Should Guests Follow at a Stag Party: Top Tips to Know

Want to make it through the stag weekend with your friendships intact and your wallet, phone and dignity still in one piece? Here are the essential stag do dos and don’ts.

Hear us out. Etiquette may not sound exciting, but a great weekend isn’t just about big nights and bold plans - it’s about making sure everyone has a brilliant time, respecting the groom’s wishes, and keeping things fun (without things getting messy for the wrong reasons).

What is Stag Party Etiquette and Why It's Important

Stag party etiquette isn't a stuffy set of rules designed to rein in the fun. Think of it as the type of behaviour any good friend should display at a groom's stag do.

Stag and hen nights are known for acts of debauchery and embarrassing pranks, which, actually, not everyone is comfortable with. In fact, research has shown that men often feel uneasy with some activities they feel they have to participate in during stag dos, but give in due to peer or social pressure.

Fortunately, you can avoid creating this kind of tension on a stag weekend by following some basic guidelines.

Plus, you can avoid any serious trouble; getting drunk and disorderly over a stag weekend can lead to major consequences, including legal issues. This is even more of a risk if you travel abroad to somewhere with unfamiliar local customs and laws, which is all the more reason to be on your best behaviour for the occasion.

10 Things You Should Never Do During a Stag Party

Sure, you can probably think of way more than 10 things you shouldn't do at a stag party, but let's start with this list. Follow it if you want your trip to be something to remember rather than an embarrassing story you never live down:

1. Getting too drunk (again, hear us out on this)
2. Putting the groom in a spot
3. Overboard pranks and hypersexualisation
4. Ignoring the plan and organiser
5. Being selfish (budget and focus)
6. Partying too hard the night before the wedding
7. Forcing participation
8. Losing people
9. Being disrespectful to strangers
10. Pushing anyone beyond their comfort zones

Getting Too Drunk

Let's face it, your average stag party involves spending a pretty healthy amount of time at the bar (or indeed many bars). After all, what better occasion could you have for cutting loose with some of your best friends?

There is, however, such a thing as getting too drunk. Yes, even at a stag do. Know your limits to avoid peaking too early or losing control altogether. The last thing you want is to end up burning bridges with a friend or putting yourself or others in danger when everyone else is just trying to have a good time.

And if being responsible doesn't convince you, why waste all that money if you can't even remember any of the fun the next morning?

Putting the Groom in a Spot

Tempted to have a bit of fun at the groom's expense? Perhaps by shoving him into some ridiculous outfit or plastering embarrassing posters with his face everywhere to 'surprise' him during your big night out.

Some stags will love it. Or, love to hate it.

But not everyone enjoys this type of humour. Keep it lighthearted instead of humiliating. Don't try to make him spill all his secrets or force him to do anything he doesn't want to do.

This is a celebration of him. If he's not enjoying it as much as you are, you're doing it wrong.

Overboard Pranks and Hypersexualisation

Make sure you're all on the same page when it comes to the level of pranks and banter that you're comfortable with during the stag trip.

Some people are perfectly happy to be embarrassed and for others to laugh at their expense, while others simply do not. Be mindful that degrading comments may not be received in jest, and that everyone has things going on in their lives outside of the stag do.

So, try to keep any pranks and jokes on the lighthearted side. Avoid anything that could be dangerous, humiliating, or suggestive. Not everyone will enjoy that.

Ignoring the Plan and Organiser

It's normal to get a bit carried away on a stag weekend, but don't forget the point of your trip!

Organising a stag do takes a huge amount of time and effort. Respect this and try not to diverge from the plan, because this just derails things for everyone.

Being Selfish (Budget and Focus)

Each person in your group is likely to be in a different position financially, which is why having a budget for stag trips can help make sure everyone has as much fun as possible.

Even if you're happy to go big, be responsible with your spending. Getting carried away and splashing loads of cash can make things awkward for everyone else.

Remember, the groom has a wedding to pay for.

Partying Too Hard the Night Before the Wedding

This one is a classic! No matter how strong the temptation is, you have to hold back a bit if the stag do is the night before the ceremony. You're all going to need something left in the tank for the big day - especially the groom.

Look after him, so that he and the bride can enjoy their first moments of married life without him needing to sneak off and be sick in the nearest plant pot during the vows.

Forcing Participation

No means no. If one of your stag group decides not to participate in something, it's probably for a good reason.

Don't worry that they feel left out by not joining in; that's still preferable to forcing them to do something they're fundamentally uncomfortable with against their will. Respect their decision.

Losing People

Do everything you can to keep your group together.

This is especially important if you're in another city or country. Sure, it can seem funny at first when one of your friends goes wandering off and disappears, but things can quickly go south in an unfamiliar place, especially if you've all been drinking.

The last thing the groom needs is one more thing to worry about.

Being Disrespectful to Strangers

While you and your mates may be having one of the best weekends ever, most of the people around you will be just trying to go about their daily lives. While you're in public, try to keep any wild or noisy behaviour to a minimum; you don't want to ruin anyone's sleep (or morning commute if you stay out long enough).

Pushing Anyone Beyond Their Comfort Zone

Again, if someone in your group says 'no' to something, they don't need an excuse. No is a complete sentence.

Respect their boundaries and let them be. Any good stag do is about making memories - positive ones for all involved. Celebration, not humiliation.

The Better Way to Behave

Good news: this list is much shorter and easier to follow. Encourage the entire group to honour these guidelines, and the groom is sure to appreciate it:

1. Focus on the groom
2. Be respectful
3. Stick to the plan/budget
4. Communicate
5. Manage valuables
6. Know the rules

Focus on the Groom

It's the groom's send-off, not yours. Above all else, you should do what you can to help him have a great time and share some unforgettable moments with his friends.

Don't try to drag him somewhere he doesn't want to go, or talk him into an activity he's not that interested in.

Be Respectful

Don't be that guy. It's easy to let the freedom of a stag do get to your head, but try to be sensible and respectful, too.

Be aware of local customs if you're travelling to a different country, and don't offend the locals. Try not to offend your mates either, unless you know they're 100% comfortable with a little verbal sparring.

Avoid using language that might make other members of your group feel disrespected or excluded. Not everyone shares the same views and opinions as you.

Stick to the Plan/Budget

Your group will have a plan and a budget for a reason. Some of your friends may be less well off than others, and the groom will likely have just paid a pretty penny for the ceremony, reception, meal, cake, suit... You get the idea.

Communicate

When you're out on a stag night, it's important to remember that you're part of a group. Make sure to communicate with everyone about where you're going and what you all decide to do.

Likewise, you should check in with each other if something doesn't seem right.

Manage Valuables

Don't get caught with your pants down, literally or metaphorically.

When you spend a whole weekend letting your hair down, it can be all too easy to leave a wallet behind on a table or a credit card in an ATM. So try to have some sort of system for managing the group's valuables, because you'll probably need it more than you think.

Know the Rules

Are girls allowed? Can you post photos on social media? Do you have to take whatever happened last night to your graves? What should you all wear? Spoken or unspoken, all stag dos have their own sets of rules, and it's important to familiarise yourself with them in advance. If you're unsure, ask the best man.

Respecting the stag do rules helps everyone make the most of the groom's big send-off and can help avoid any unnecessary embarrassment once you're all back in the real world again.