Typically planned and hosted by the couple’s wedding party, guests are invited to purchase tickets and enjoy a night of entertainment and fun. At the end of the party, the couple receives the money raised at the event, and after expenses are covered, remaining funds can be put toward wedding expenses. Here are some tips that can help with your planning!

Budget
When planning a Stag N Doe prepare a detailed budget, just as you would for a wedding. Include your projected ticket sales and assume that if you sell 150 tickets, about 90 people (or 60%) will actually show up for the event. Of the guests that attend, its best to plan on an average of 4 drinks per head in alcohol sales.

Choosing a Hall
Try to choose a hall that allows you to collect the revenue from drink sales. Sometimes choosing a Friday over a Saturday may lighten the price of the hall and the DJ, but take care that the night you select does not impact attendance. Check with the hall to also see if you are allowed gambling and 50-50 draws as some facilities may have restrictions.

Find Helpers
Usually the Stag N Doe is a fundraiser prepared by the bridal party to help the bride and groom with future wedding expenses. Recruit husbands, wives, girlfriend and boyfriends to help run the door, oversee games, and even with bar tending.

Sell Tickets
If you want 200 people to show up, you need to sell about 300 tickets. The more sales the better as a lot of people will buy tickets to help support the couple. The ticket price depends on what you have to offer and what the going rate is in your area. The general price ranges from $10 per person to $20.

Draws
Prize draws are excellent way increase a Stag N Doe’s revenue. Most people only do a 50-50 draw where half of the money goes to the couple and the other half to the winner. Others will draw for liquor or clothing.

Prizes
Prizes entice people to attend the party and if drawn properly over the length of the evening, will keep them there longer. We find the best time to do the majority of your door prizes is shortly after the late night buffet is served.

Bar Sales
Make the standard liquor and beers available. Drink prices should range from $3.50 a drink to $5.00. Jell-O shooters are very popular Stag N Doe refreshments and generally sell for a $1.50 a piece.

What other tips would you suggest for those planning a Stag N Doe? Let us know with a comment below!

Happy planning!