Hens & Stags
Sally O'Briens Arklow is the place to be for your Hen or Stag Party, We have the perfect location for you to meet all your needs. We are located in Arklow, which is in the South-East of Ireland. Our Hotel, Bar & Nightclub offer the full package to a great night out.
Being the best man or maid of honour, it is officially your job to sort out the stag weekend or hen party. It’s a big task, as they’re counting on you to organise a truly memorable evening or weekend before they give up single life for good. The pressure is on, but where do you even start? No longer is a hen or stag party a small affair. Today they’re bigger than ever, from one crazy night out to long weekends away. We’ve all heard of the wild hen & Stag parties.
Being the chief organiser, you’ll have to put your creative head on. Sit down with the bride or groom initially and find out what sort of party they want. There’s nothing worse than getting the whole thing completely wrong; you may want half naked men or women and L plates on your last night of freedom, but that could be their idea of hell. You can’t let them dictate the whole thing to you, of course, but a general theme, budget and do's and doesn't from them are definitely advisable.
The most important decision is where you’d like to have the hen or stag party. Will it be fancy dress down at your local club or spending three nights in a foreign country? Most hens and stags prefer to get away to a different town, even if it’s just for one night. With cheap air fares and specialised hen and stag packages on offer as well, many people are opting to go abroad for the weekend, giving their hens or stags a real adventure to remember.
Where you go will of course depend on how much you have available to spend. Stag and hen parties can end up being expensive affairs if you don’t plan them well and stick to a budget. If the hen or stag and their guests can stretch to a couple of days abroad, then you’ll need to start looking for packages. If the budget is a bit tighter, however, then don’t worry; there are still some great places in the Ireland that offer first-rate nights out and weekends away.
It’s not just about where you go, either, but what you do when you get there. Spa sessions, go karting, dancing lessons and cocktail making are all the types of activities which hens and stags participate in, so it’s up to you to choose what’s right for your friend.
Are they into music, dancing or maybe sports? Men are usually quite happy if they end up taking part in a male-orientated activity such as paintballing or go karting. These bring out their competitive sides and give them a chance for some male bonding. Hens can be a bit pickier, but being the maid of honour, you’ll know if they’d prefer a dirty dancing lesson or white water rafting. Whatever activity you choose, it’s a chance to be with the girls or guys for the last time before they walk down the aisle, so make sure it’s an activity they won’t forget!
However, the main activity of the weekend usually involves alcohol. Either choose a venue and stay there all night or make sure that everyone sticks together if you’re going to different bars or clubs. If possible, try and have a sober hen or stag among you who can moderate what everyone else is up to. Make sure every member of your party knows which hotel you’re staying in as well, especially if you’re abroad. No one wants to get lost in a foreign country, particularly if they’ve had too much to drink. Try to plan a big meal before a night out, too; this way if you do consume a lot of alcohol, it won’t affect you and your party as much.
The most important aspect of the hen or stag party is to have fun; it is, apparently, their last night of freedom!
