Everything you need to know about stag parties: How the custom of the stag party is celebrated

The wedding reception is a traditional wedding custom that has been celebrated in Germany for centuries and has lost none of its popularity to this day. Whether you're just starting to plan or are already in the middle of organizing, there's a lot to know about the wedding reception. From the invitation to the gift to the dress code, we explain everything you need for an unforgettable stag party!

The significance of the hen party: a custom with a history

The stag party is a wedding custom whose roots go back a long way. Traditionally, it is celebrated in front of the bride's parents' house, where crockery and china are loudly smashed. The idea behind it is simple: broken pieces bring good luck! The loud crashing of china and earthenware is said to drive away evil spirits and bring the bride and groom good luck for their future together. The bride and groom then sweep up the broken pieces together, symbolizing their cohesion and their journey together as a married couple. Today, the wedding reception has lost its original superstition, but its significance as a joyful celebration with friends and family has remained.

When does the wedding reception take place?

Traditionally, the wedding reception takes place on the evening before the wedding, i.e. directly before the ceremony. In practice, however, it is now often celebrated a few days or even weeks before the wedding so that you as the bride are rested and relaxed on your big day. Many couples opt for the Thursday before the wedding, for example, if the ceremony takes place on a Saturday. The only important thing is that the stag party takes place before the actual wedding ceremony, as it is considered the festive prelude. When exactly you plan your stag party is therefore entirely up to you and your groom, and you can flexibly adapt your stag party to your needs.

Invitation to the hen party: who and how do you invite?

Traditionally, everyone is welcome at a wedding reception! In the past, it was a public celebration to which the whole village was allowed to come. Nowadays, the invitation to a stag party is usually more private, but you can also invite people who are not attending the actual wedding reception. Whether classic invitation cards on kraft paper, a digital invitation via WhatsApp or an e-card, the possibilities are endless. It is important that you include all the important information in the invitation, i.e. date, time, location and whether guests should bring old crockery. Send out the invitation in good time so that everyone can save the date!

Stag party customs: What does it involve?

In addition to the classic smashing of porcelain, there are many other bachelor party customs that vary from region to region. Another popular custom on stag night is, for example, the burning of the groom's trousers at midnight, which symbolizes that he is leaving his bachelorhood behind him. Hiding the bride's shoes or hiding the bride's bra are also classic pranks that make for lots of laughs. Some families also have the custom of burying a bottle of schnapps, which the newly married couple open together a year after the wedding. All these traditions make the wedding reception a very special evening full of surprises.

Stag party gift: What do you give for a stag party?

Do you have to bring a gift to the wedding reception? According to etiquette, as a guest you are not obliged to do so, as the custom is the main focus. Nevertheless, the bride and groom will of course appreciate a small gift! If you have been invited to both the stag party and the wedding, a small gift will suffice. A gift of money is particularly popular, as it gives the bride and groom the freedom to make their own wishes. So that it doesn't look boring, you can wrap it creatively, for example by attaching it to a broom or hiding it in a piggy bank. If you want to give something more personal, you can choose personalized gifts, such as champagne glasses engraved with the bride and groom's names or beautiful jewelry from Pukka Berlin, which will remind the bride of this special evening for a long time to come.

Stag party games and ideas for the evening

Creative games such as making a wedding dress out of toilet paper or a karaoke challenge will provide plenty of laughs and unforgettable moments. Your groomsmen can also prepare a funny sketch or organize fun pranks to liven up the evening. And don't forget the guest book, where all the guests can leave their wishes for you as the bride and groom!

What to wear on your wedding night: the right dress code

What do you wear to a stag party? The dress code is much more relaxed than at the actual wedding reception. You don't need evening wear, but a neat and comfortable outfit in which you can move freely is the perfect choice. As the bride, you can wear a festive dress or an elegant trouser suit, or you can use the evening to wear an old favorite dress one last time. For guests, a smart but relaxed outfit is ideal, for example jeans with a nice blouse and blazer or chinos with a shirt. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in your clothes and that they are practical enough for a fun night out!

Planning a hen party: tips and ideas for a successful evening

To make your wedding reception truly unforgettable, it's worth starting the planning early. First, think about how many guests you would like to invite and choose a suitable location. Also make sure you have enough crockery and china to smash by asking your guests to bring something in the invitation. Also plan for enough food and drinks, as the party should of course continue after the smashing!

Conclusion

The stag party thrives on its informal and cheerful atmosphere, so don't put too much pressure on yourself when organizing it. With the right ideas, good music and your loved ones by your side, your stag party will automatically become an unforgettable evening full of laughter, shards and lots of anticipation for the wedding. Because as the saying goes: shards bring happiness, and we wish you as many of them as possible!