Saying Goodbye to Outdated Stereotypes 

Stag and hen dos are no longer wild, lawless nights out divided neatly down gender lines. In 2025, couples are rethinking what these events really mean. Are they fun or outdated? The truth lies somewhere in the middle. 

The modern stag and hen do doesn’t reduce people to caricatures, like the groom as a rowdy lad who needs one last night of freedom, and the bride as a princess swaddled in pink sashes. Today, people want their pre-wedding celebrations to reflect who they actually are, not a checklist of outdated tropes. 

From Acting Out to Bonding In

Gone are the days of ticking boxes like hiring a stripper, wearing novelty costumes, and doing crude dares. When the focus is on these clichés, the real point of the occasion – celebrating friendships and the upcoming commitment – can be lost. 

Instead, many of the best dos today prioritise connection over chaos. Think wellness retreats, creative workshops, hiking getaways, wine tours, or barbecues with close friends. These celebrations may be calmer, but they are no less meaningful. 

Inclusivity Over Expectation

Modern stag and hen do planning now includes questions that were never previously asked. Is this prank a case of punching down or playful? Does this plan include everyone, or does it alienate some guests? Is it what we really want to do? 

Swapping cruel pranks for thoughtful surprises and ditching competitive games for collaborative ones helps create an environment where no one feels excluded. Everyone gets to take part in the joy, whether extroverted or introverted, flamboyant or low-key. 

Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring 

It’s also worth questioning the level of commercialism that has crept into pre-wedding events. While there’s nothing wrong with splashing out on a memorable trip or night out, there’s no need to go into debt over traditions that don’t hold personal meaning. 

In fact, many couples are finding that smaller, more tailored events often feel more authentic and enjoyable. A backyard bonfire with close friends, a simple dinner party, or a shared group activity can feel more heartfelt than a lavish weekend abroad. 

The Rise of the Mixed-Gender ‘Sten’ 

One of the biggest changes in recent years is the growing popularity of the ‘sten’ – a combined stag and hen do. These mixed-gender events break down the outdated assumption that friendships must be split along gender lines. 

Planning a ‘sten’ allows couples to celebrate together with the people who matter most, regardless of gender. It feels truer to the relationships at the heart of the marriage and acknowledges the diversity of modern friendships. 

A Generational Shift in Attitude 

Perhaps these changes reflect a broader generational shift. Millennials and Gen Z are more comfortable discarding tradition when it no longer serves them. They’re more likely to blend friendship groups, reject rigid roles, and create experiences based on meaning over expectation. 

This generation places a greater emphasis on emotional wellbeing, inclusivity, and purpose. That’s why stag and hens do today are often less about cutting loose and more about making memories that resonate. 

Keeping the Tradition, Ditching the Baggage

We don’t need to scrap the stag and hen do altogether – just the baggage that no longer fits. These events don’t have to be regressive nights that end with an emotional hangover. When planned with intention, they can be one of the most affirming and fun parts of the wedding journey. 

The goal is simple: to celebrate your upcoming marriage in a way that feels joyful, inclusive, and true to you.