How to Plan a Stag Do on a Budget

So, you’ve been given the honour of planning the stag do! It’s a massive responsibility, but before the panic sets in about costs spiralling out of control, take a deep breath. You absolutely can throw the groom an epic, unforgettable send-off without needing to remortgage your house. In fact, some of the best stag weekends are the ones that focus more on creativity and laughs than on lavish spending.

Planning a cheap stag do is all about smart choices, clever hacks, and getting the group on board from the start. A tight budget doesn’t mean a boring time; it just means you need to be a bit more strategic. With the right approach, you can keep everyone’s wallet happy and still deliver a legendary weekend. Let’s dive into how you can save money on a stag do and make it one for the history books!

Why a Budget-Friendly Stag Do is a Great Idea

First things first, let’s get rid of the idea that “cheap” means “bad.” A budget-conscious stag do has some serious advantages.

• More People Can Come: The biggest barrier for most guests is cost. By keeping it affordable, you make it possible for everyone the groom wants there to actually attend, from university mates to work colleagues.
• Less Stress for Everyone: Money can be a huge source of tension. Setting a clear, reasonable budget from day one reduces financial anxiety for you as the planner and for all the guests.
• Focus on What Matters: When you’re not throwing cash at every fancy option, you tend to focus on what truly makes a stag do great: camaraderie, shared experiences, and celebrating the groom.

Ready to become a budget-planning hero? Here are our top tips for organising a brilliant stag do that won’t break the bank.

Be Upfront About the Budget

This is the golden rule! Before you book a single thing, have an open and honest conversation with the group about money. Send out a message in the group chat and ask what everyone’s comfortable spending. It might feel a bit awkward, but it’s much better than booking a trip that half the group secretly can’t afford.

Create a simple poll with a few price brackets (e.g., under £150, £150-£250, £250+) to get a clear idea of the group’s financial situation. Once you have a consensus, stick to it! This transparency builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page. Remember, your job is to plan a weekend that works for everyone, not just those with the deepest pockets.

Choose Your Destination Wisely

The location is one of the biggest costs, so choosing wisely is key to saving money on the stag do. Forget the ultra-expensive cities and look for destinations that offer great value. Eastern European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Krakow are classic choices for a reason—the beer is cheap, the food is hearty, and there’s plenty to do.

Alternatively, consider a UK-based stag do. Cities like Liverpool, Newcastle, or Bristol offer incredible nightlife and activities without the added cost of flights. You could even go completely off-grid and rent a large house or group of cabins in the countryside. This gives you a base for cheap stag do plans like hiking, DIY sports days, or a massive BBQ.

Master the Art of Group Discounts

Your numbers are your power! Many companies offer significant discounts for group bookings. When you’re looking at activities, transport, or even restaurants, always ask if they have a deal for a large group.

This applies to:

• Activities: Go-karting tracks, paintball arenas, and brewery tours are often much cheaper per person when booked for a group of 10 or more.
• Travel: Booking train tickets or a minibus together can work out cheaper than everyone travelling separately.
• Accommodation: Renting a large self-catering apartment or house on sites like Airbnb is almost always more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get a communal space to hang out in!

Embrace DIY Activities

You don’t need to have every second of the weekend scheduled with professionally organised activities. Some of the most memorable moments come from things you organise yourselves. These are fantastic, economical plans for a stag do that are packed with fun.

Consider creating a “Stag Olympics” in a local park. Think silly challenges like a three-legged race, an egg and spoon race, or a space hopper Grand Prix. All you need is a bit of outdoor space and a few cheap props. Another great idea is a pub crawl with a twist—create a scorecard with challenges for each pub, or have a theme that everyone has to dress up for. These DIY activities cost next to nothing but generate maximum laughs.

Eat and Drink Smart

Food and drink can quickly eat up the budget. Instead of three-course meals at fancy restaurants, mix it up. If you’re in self-catering accommodation, make the most of the kitchen. A big group breakfast fry-up is a stag do tradition and costs a fraction of going out to a café. You could also organise a BBQ or have a “takeaway night” where everyone chips in for pizzas.

When you are out, look for happy hour deals. Many bars offer 2-for-1 cocktails or discounted pints early in the evening. Planning your night around these offers is a simple way to slash your spending. Having a few rounds of drinks at your accommodation before you head out (the classic “pre-drinks”) is another tried-and-tested way to save cash.

Plan Your Stress-Free, Budget-Friendly Stag Do Today!

Organising a cheap stag do is a challenge, but it’s one you can definitely conquer. It’s all about smart planning, clear communication, and a little bit of creativity. By focusing on value and shared fun, you can give the groom an incredible send-off that everyone can afford and enjoy.

Looking for more inspiration? We have tons of budget-friendly stag do ideas, from affordable destinations to brilliant activities that deliver maximum fun for minimum cost. Explore our guides and start planning an unforgettable weekend today!