The concept of a "stag do" or "stag party" has a long history dating back several centuries. The origins of these events can be traced back to ancient civilisations where men would gather for a final celebration before one of their own got married.

In ancient Greece, a pre-wedding celebration was held for the groom-to-be, known as a "symposium". This was a celebration of male bonding, where the groom and his mates would gather for a night of drinking, storytelling and partying.

In medieval Europe, the "stag night" was a similar gathering of male friends to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. The night would often involve drinking and celebrations, sometimes to the point of debauchery. This tradition continued into the Renaissance period, where wealthy men would host elaborate feasts and events to celebrate the upcoming wedding.

As time progressed, the concept of the stag do evolved and became more formalised. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, stag parties were typically private, invitation-only events held in the groom's home or at a rented venue. These events were often reserved for close friends and family of the groom and were an opportunity for the men to bond and share a final night of freedom before the groom tied the knot.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the stag do became more widespread and started to include more people beyond close friends and family. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, Stag Dos began to take on a more excessive and rowdy tone, with "last hurrah" type events becoming common. This was the era of "stag weekend" trips to locations like Amsterdam, Prague and Budapest, where large groups of men would travel to engage in excessive drinking and partying. This trend was popularised in movies and television shows, further fuelling the rise of the stag do as a staple of pre-wedding celebrations.

In recent years, stag dos have become more diverse and inclusive, some couples choose to have joint pre-wedding celebrations, whilst most opt for separate events that allow each partner to celebrate with their own friends and family.

Today, stag dos come in all shapes and sizes, from the traditional night out with friends to elaborate destination events that can last for several days and nights. Most stag weekend itineraries consist of rowdy, wild nights and outdoor adventures in the day.

Regardless of how they're celebrated, stag dos have become an integral part of the pre-wedding experience for many men. The events provide an opportunity for the groom and his friends to bond and share a final night of freedom before the groom takes the big step into married life.

The history of stag dos is long and rich, with roots dating back to ancient civilisations and a tradition that has evolved over the centuries to become an essential part of the modern pre-wedding experience. Whether you opt for a night out with friends or an elaborate destination event, the stag do is a chance to celebrate one of life's biggest milestones with the people you care about most.

You may also like:

The importance of your stag do