If you’re trying to plan a hen party or stag do for next year but have no idea what to do, we’ve got you sorted. Rob Crump from personalised product retailer Printster tells us what hen and stag trends are set to be popular in the new year.
“A huge trend set for weddings in 2022 is making up for lost time,” says Rob. “This mindset is not just reserved for the wedding itself, but also for the hen and stag dos.”
The Rise of the ‘Sten Do’
“Sten do” – 9900% uplift in Google searches
A ‘sten’ do is a joint stag and hen do, where the bride and groom decide to celebrate together before their wedding day. They have steadily been increasing in popularity, with searches for “sten do” seeing a massive 9900% uplift in the last month alone.
The tradition of having the men and women celebrate separately is considered outdated, as many couples share a friendship groups and also stag and hen dos don’t cater for same-sex couples. Another reason for the trend’s growing popularity comes from the budget. “Separate stag and hen dos can be costly, so by combining the two events into one big event can be significantly cheaper.” Rob explains.
At Home Hen Parties and Stag Dos
“At home hen/stag do” – 9600% uplift in searches
Instead of destination stag and hen dos, or even staycation events, many hen and stag dos are favouring home comforts and hosting their party at home.
Rob explains that the reasoning for this trend comes from an awareness of the pressures of being a guest at a hen and stag do. “The average cost of attending a hen or stag party in 2019, before the pandemic, was a massive £391. After the pandemic hit and many lost their jobs or had financial difficulties, many couples are mindful of asking too much of their guests and instead, are favouring a more low-key affair.”
Just because a hen or stag do is set at home doesn’t mean it needs to be less exciting than any other event. Rob advises on how to throw a hen or stag do at home:
- If the weather permits, throw a garden party equipped with BBQ and cocktails
- Host an afternoon tea indoors, with sandwiches, finger food and prosecco
- Hire entertainers to come to you. This will work out a lot cheaper than if you were going to venues
For more hen party inspiration, see our round-up of the best hen party accessories and ideas here.
Small Hen Party and Micro Stag Dos
“Small hen do” – 215.2% uplift in searches
Despite covid restrictions easing and looking positive for the year ahead, one lingering trend which is set to continue into 2022 is the micro hen/stag do.
“Rather than inviting lots of people to their celebration, couples are now favouring smaller celebrations with their closest friends,” Rob explains. “After 18 months of being separated from so many close friends and family, events such as hen and stag dos are no longer about big blowouts, but more about making up for lost time.”
The average hen size was 14 and the average stag size was 15 back in 2019 and many couples are looking to reduce this even further, with the estimated amount dropping to around 10 or 12. Despite groups getting smaller, many are not looking to reduce their budget, resulting in more luxurious celebrations.
Delayed Celebrations
“Hen do after wedding” – most Googled question
The pandemic saw the significant rise of the micro wedding, with many couples scaling back their previously larger weddings to involve just close friends and family.
“Despite over 260,000 couples postponing their weddings to 2021 instead, a huge amount decided to keep their previous 2020 date and just scale their wedding and celebration down.” Rob notes.
According to Google, one of the most searched for questions regarding hen dos is “can you have a hen do after wedding” as many couples look to challenge the tradition.
“Hen and stag dos are no longer seen as being the ‘last night of freedom’ before entering married life and are instead just a way to celebrate the couple.”
Rob continues: “with this in mind, it is no wonder many couples are opting to host their hen and stags much later on.”
With travel restrictions still in place, and lots of us with extended family and friends all over the world, it can be difficult to ensure everyone you want is able to come when your heart is set on a particular wedding date. This is where prolonging your hen and stag comes, as it gives those who perhaps missed the wedding a chance to properly celebrate.
Activity Hen Parties and Active Stag Dos
“Activity hen do” – 194% uplift in Google searches
“Activity stag do” – 119% uplift in searches
Another hen and stag trend to emerge are activity-based hen and stag dos are set to be a massive trend for 2022, as these take pressure off the host and allow everyone to loosen up and do something they have never done before.
A huge trend set to take off in 2022 is hosting a murder mystery party, with searches specifically for “hen murder mystery” seeing a 9700% uplift in searches in the past three months alone.
“Pulling off a murder mystery is a lot easier than you might think,” Rob advises. “The appeal of a murder mystery night is that it can suit all budgets. You can buy cheaper kits which give you step by step instructions on how to successfully host, or those with bigger budgets can even make a whole weekend of it, with many venues across the UK offering immersive experiences.”
A murder mystery is particularly appealing to those with larger groups who perhaps have lots of friends and family who don’t perhaps know each other very well. “Activity based parties are excellent ice breakers, as it allows newly introduced guests to get to know each other.”
