An alcohol free stag/hen do - 6 tips from the experts
Research by Hen Weekends and Stag Weekends found that over the past few years, the search terms 'alcohol free' and 'non alcoholic' have become increasingly popular, with the former having an increase of 1,941 monthly searches between January 2016 and January 2022.
As well as this, the company looked at their own data from 2021 to find that almost half (36.7%) of their booked stag and hen weekends include at least one non-alcoholic activity. With a boost in non-alcoholic alternatives hitting the beverage scene covering everything from 0% beer to clean gin, there's ample choice to still have a celebration and still feel like and adult!
Hen & Stag Weekends shared 6 of their top tips when it comes to having an alcohol-free pre-wedding celebration:
Book exciting, alternative activities for your group to participate in instead of heading to the club or bar. For example, try out an assault course, a shooting range or even a sporting activity. These activities are perfect if your party wants to let off steam without having to endure a hangover the next morning! Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more chilled out, book a day at the spa or treat yourself to a fine dining experience. These are great alternatives for those who don’t like a wild and adventurous stag or hen party and will help calm any nerves before the big day.
Make sure that everyone in your group is on the same page when it comes to drinking alcohol. If half of you are drinking and half aren’t, there’ll be a general inconsistency regarding your behaviour and the activities you all want to do and can do. This is likely to disrupt your group and could end some parties prematurely. Make it clear that you’re collectively not participating in any drinking activities well before the party starts.
Plan your event as thoroughly as possible. This way, you’re making sure you can cram in as many fun activities as possible, and it ensures party go-ers that a sober hen or stag do does not equal ‘boring’.
If some want to drink and some don’t – opt for a venue with a good selection of alcohol-free/low alcohol drinks. Whether it’s mocktails or beer, one of the best things about the increase in sober nights out and alcohol-free activities is the rise in suitable beverages. From big brands such as Guinness to local breweries, many of the best beers are now available without alcohol.
Tick something off your bucket list! Always wanted to skydive? Go ahead! Swim with sharks? Grab your scuba gear! Many of the most adrenaline-filled and memorable stag or hen experiences forbid alcohol consumption, so going sober is the perfect opportunity to include something extraordinary into your trip.
By going alcohol-free, you can also explore at your own pace and give yourself plenty of freedom. Whether white water rafting, renting out quad bikes or exploring on jet skis, you’ll gain a real sense of adventure that no bevvy can match – especially if your hen do or stag do is abroad.
Teaming up with Ruari Fairbairns, CEO of One Year No Beer, he commented on why more people are opting for an alcohol-free stag/hen do, and the benefits of doing so, "There's a stigma that your hen or stag needs to end up being legless, but by skipping the hangovers, people have found the sober version to be far from boring and, in fact, more special", he explains. "Adventurous activities focus on bringing friends together that haven't been acquainted either in a long time, or ever, and mean that you're doing something everyone will always remember".
