If you've ever thought about combining your pre-wedding celebration with your partner, then you're not alone! Sten Do's have grown massively in popularity thanks to their inclusivity and contemporary style. Whatever you've got lined up to mark your special occasion, a sten do will bring all your loved ones together in one space for one epic party. There's no need to split your friendship group up and juggle separate events - just host an unforgettable celebration together! Tempted to host a sten do? If so, we've got all the info you need right here - grab yourself a cuppa, and let's launch straight in!
What Is a Sten Do?
A combination of the terms ‘stag’ and ‘hen’, a sten do is a fun and inclusive event for couples of all genders ahead of their big day! Instead of hosting individual parties, partners will come together and enjoy a pre-nuptial celebration alongside both sets of friends and families. These days, many groups prefer to embrace the openness and inclusivity of a sten do, and break away from former traditions. Whether you're a same-sex couple, non-binary individuals, or are simply looking to ditch convention, a sten do will create a space where everyone can unite and celebrate their love with all of their favourite people!
Are Sten Do's LGBTQIA+ Friendly?
Absolutely! Sten do’s are for couples, their friends, and families of all genders and identities, providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The great thing about a sten do is that it removes the pressure of outdated hen and stag stereotypes, allowing everyone to be themselves and embrace inclusivity.
What Activities Are Best For A Sten Do?
You'll want to find an activity that everyone in the group will enjoy, especially if the group is mixed. As chief organiser, your best bet is to be open with the group and see what kind of activities they're open to - a poll is always a great way to gauge interest when it comes to sten do planning. But of course, it's the happy couple that matters the most, so do bear that in mind. Check out our top 10 sten do activities below for some unforgettable ideas!
The Top 10 Sten Do Activity Ideas
1. Inflatable Obstacle Courses
If you’re looking for the ultimate, outdoors challenge that’s all kinds of bonkers, look no further than an inflatable obstacle course experience! You and your sten group will be in hysterics as you tackle a hilarious course inspired by the classic TV gameshow. Get ready to bounce and slide as you take on various obstacles - perfect for those who fancy adding a competitive streak to their sten do! Not only that, but this experience is brilliant fun and a great icebreaker too! Whether you’re diving into foam pits, bouncing on inflatables, or balancing on wobbly platforms, this high-energy activity promises non-stop fun from the get-go.
Head back to the glory days with your squad and relive all the fun and chaos of school sports day! This incredibly entertaining session will see you and your group split into teams and don colourful bibs and headbands, before taking part in a series of daft games. With everything from sack races and egg and spoon relays to tug-of-war and plenty more, this fantastic activity adds a grown-up twist to these classic games! Expect a playful mix of nostalgia and total silliness that's ideal for groups looking for a lighthearted activity!
There’s nothing quite like a cocktail masterclass to kick off a sten experience! It’s a top choice that will get everyone talking and shaking up some delicious drinks. Your class will be hosted by an expert mixologist, who will guide your group and teach you how to whip up some incredible concoctions. No previous cocktail making experience is necessary, as you’ll learn in easy, simple steps.
Most experiences will usually throw a few games into the mix too, perfect for upping the fun and keeping the energy high. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a bit of healthy competition with your fellow sten group members! Once you’ve crafted your drinks, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour. This bestseller is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering the chance to let loose and learn a new skill. Non-drinkers within the group? No worries! Most cocktail masterclasses will be able to provide mocktails with advance notice.
Turn your sten do celebration into an adventure with a treasure hunt! Using a smartphone, your group will tackle a series of clues and riddles, leading you on a wild goose chase through the city, uncovering top attractions and hidden gems as you go! Prepare for hilarious challenges, mind-boggling riddles, and intriguing puzzles that will get that grey matter in motion. This is a fantastic way to familiarise yourselves with a new city, all while having a laugh and bonding with your group. Plus, there’s usually plenty of time for a couple of drink stops along the way.
5. Beer Bikes and Prosecco Bikes
Are you ready to pedal, sip and have a blast? Then you need to get your sten group booked onto one of our beer or prosecco bikes! Available in most major cities in the UK and abroad, this city tour with a difference will see you power your very own bar on wheels. A professional, sober chauffeur will be on hand to do the steering, so no need to elect a designated driver. Some bikes will operate on a bring-your-own-bottle basis, while others will offer either beer or prosecco - what will you choose? Check out our full selection of booze bike listings for further details. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pedal like you’ve never pedalled before!
Gather your sten squad and make waves with a party boat experience! You’ll hop on board a stylish vessel and will take the fun out to sea. Expect the ultimate party atmosphere, which will include the likes of a DJ, an onboard bar, and epic views from the water. Some experiences even include a welcome drink or bottomless drinks throughout - be sure to check your preferred listing for full inclusion details. If you’re heading to sunnier climes abroad, then you’ll be able to soak up the gorgeous weather as you cruise through crystal-clear waters. With private and public party boats available, there’ll be something to suit your whole group’s style and vibe.
Dive into another world with a thrilling, immersive experience. These fully interactive activities offer the gateway to an unforgettable adventure, that’s perfect for making memories and enjoying something unique with friends. Whether you’re solving murder mysteries, sipping cocktails at London’s Avora, or find yourselves behind bars at the Alcotraz prison bar experience, there’s an immersive experience that will get everyone excited! Expect live-action storylines in a creative, fully themed environment that will make for a seriously memorable time with your crew.
Get set to put your problem-solving skills to the test with an exciting escape game experience. You’ll need to work together with your group and solve a series of clues, puzzles and riddles. But there’s just one thing to bear in mind; time isn’t on your side, so you’ll need to race against the clock to make your exit. With endless themes on offer, you could find yourselves tackling spooky mysteries and taking part in high-stakes heists, or saving the fate of humanity! If you love the idea of an intense and thrilling experience that’s packed with surprises, make sure you organise an escape room for the sten do!
Chanel your inner lumberjack with a fun-filled axe-throwing session! Guided by a professional, expert instructor, you and your sten group will be taught how to throw axes and nail those bullseyes! After a safety briefing, your guide will share their best tips and techniques with you all, and then you’ll be free to chuck those axes! These sessions are suitable for all experience levels - whether you’re new to the world of axe throwing or have dabbled in lobbing axes before. Have fun and get competitive with your group to see who will score the highest and win full bragging rights!
Bottomless brunch is without a doubt one of our favourite activities for a memorable sten do. With everything from free-flowing prosecco and mimosas to bloody marys and much more, you’ll enjoy endless pours alongside tasty dishes like avocado toast, American style pancakes, or classic fry ups.. Many venues include music, games, and live entertainment to keep the party vibe alive throughout. Whether you’re starting your day in absolute style or making it the main event of your weekend, bottomless brunch is not to be missed!
Where Do People Celebrate Sten Do’s?
The most commonly booked destination for sten do’s are: London, Benidorm, Brighton, Manchester and Bristol.So it’s official, London is the home to sten parties, not just London hen parties. This contrasts quite a lot with the stag side, where London is the 9th top seller.
What Are The Benefits Of A Sten Do?
The first benefit comes down to price. With two celebrations going on at once, the prices can creep up, however if the couple can share a room and half some of their costs then there are benefits to economies of scale.It also helps to solve the issue of non-trust that is sometimes associated with these festivities. There is no ‘I’m off to Eastern Europe, catch you in a few days’, it is a joint adventure and no need to feel nervous about what the other half is up to.The most important reason in our minds is that we don’t have one set of friends, based purely on gender. It can be awkward if friendship groups are mixed, or the custom style is not to invite a friend simply because of their gender, therefore this allows you to drop all those ridiculous traditional methods and focus on just having an amazing time with the most important people in your lives. Plus, if there happen to be single members of each gender, this could be a great opportunity for them to meet each other before the wedding and hopefully sparks will fly! A wedding is a beautiful occasion and any opportunity to help others find love in the build-up would be absolutely perfect.
What Are The Negatives To This?
We mentioned there will be no strippers, well some people want strippers and this would definitely be awkward in front of the other half. Adonis Cabaret is one of our top sellers, however persuading male members of the group to come along might be a difficult challenge.If you like to get a bit more than tipsy, then a hen party is your last night of freedom, where you can get drunk beyond belief. However the last thing you want is a hard time from your partner. This won’t be the case for all, but it is an extra consideration for some.You also have to limit a number of other activities which the guys might not be into. Forget perfume making, nude life drawing, burlesque class or any form of dance class. This isn’t true for all guys, but a lot might be disappointed (or their mates will) if told they are going to be learning Beyonce’s Single Ladies dance moves as a day time activity.
