The ‘hag do’ is becoming a popular way to celebrate before a wedding. Here, Debbie Ratcliffe, Marketing Manager at Ufford Park, Woodbridge discusses this new trend and why it is such an attractive alternative to the traditional stag and hen do.
Pre-wedding traditions are changing. Over the last few years we have seen a rise in couples looking to celebrate the end of their single lives together, ditching the traditional stag and hen parties.
A hag do (also referred to as a sten do) is the term for a joint stag and hen do, meaning that the bride and the groom celebrate together rather than apart. It is the ideal solution for couples who share the same friendship group or people who want to enjoy one big joint celebration.
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Hag do activities can vary depending on the couple and the age ranges and interests of the guests, but with many activities nowadays appealing to both men and women, there is lots to choose from.
One of the main challenges for couples is finding activities suitable for all ages. Wedding parties can feature several generations so trying to find a way to celebrate with everyone can feel like an impossible task, particularly if, for example, your bridesmaids are under the age of 18. This is why it is becoming more common for couples to have at least two celebrations to cater for everyone. However, this comes at a cost.
Budget can also play a big part in the decisions. The wedding market is growing significantly meaning that the average cost of a wedding is increasing year on year. Another benefit of a hag do is that it’s cheaper.
Although hag dos are becoming more popular, many brides and grooms-to-be still like to have a hen and a stag do. That said, the traditional perception of celebrations being ‘the last night of freedom’ filled with alcohol and partying somewhere abroad, is becoming less common and this could be because couples are waiting longer to get married.
Parties which include activities seem to be popular. For example, many stags and hens would prefer to enjoy a day of golf, a pamper in a spa or a day/weekend filled with a range of different activities including paint balling, footgolf or cocktail making.
For couples who like the idea of a separate celebration but would also like to spend some time with their other halves and their friends, it is also common to arrange separate activities during the day and reconvene in the evening. This could be a cost-effective way to enjoy two celebrations in one.
Ufford Park boasts a wide range of facilities to cater for different types of celebration, including an 18 hole golf course, spa facilities and treatment rooms and an adventure golf course. It also includes a modern restaurant, a bar serving afternoon tea with outdoor terrace space and private function rooms available for hire. As a hotel with 90-ensuite bedrooms it can also be the ideal location for overnight breaks.
Visit their website for more details and to book your pre-wedding celebration at Ufford Park: https://www.uffordpark.co.uk/events/
