Brides-to-be and grooms-to-be tend to like to celebrate their last moments of 'freedom' surrounded by their friends and family members. This time honoured tradition, known as stag nights or hen parties, has gone on for many, many years, but how did it start?
No one knows exactly when or even why stag nights and hen parties started, but many historians have taken an educated guess on this subject. The following is a look at some of the versions of stag nights and hen parties historians have found throughout their research.
The Spartans Celebration
Stag nights – or even weeklong celebrations – date back to the early 5th Century B.C. Many individuals believe that the Spartans would throw huge parties to honour the groom-to-be. These celebrations included lots of drinks, foods, and festivities, but of course it was guys only!
There is no indication as to why this type of celebration was started, but it may have been a way to celebrate the upcoming wedding ceremony. Men would gather to have one last hurrah together, as they eat, drink and be merry!
King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII certainly had a lot of wives and with that came many, many stag nights. Some documents indicate that King Henry VIII would throw a stag party for every upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, this party is a little different from the traditional stag parties.
These stag parties would include food, drink, and entertainment, but those that were invited did not have the option of declining. If you were to receive an invite to the stag party, you were required to go, unless you wished to face the possibility of displeasing the king, and history shows what happened to those that Henry VIII was displeased with!
Pre-1990s Stag Nights and Hen Parties
Some of the wildest stag nights and hen parties can be discovered during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Men, and now women, decided to celebrate their last days as single individuals in style. These parties, which could last for several days, included lots of alcohol, remote getaways, adventures, and sometimes, even strippers.
The Calmer, More Relaxed Stag Nights and Hen Parties
Nowadays, stag nights and hen parties tend to be calmer, more relaxed affairs. Men and women still gather to celebrate their last days of singlehood, but they do so in a way that is totally different.
Stag nights and hen parties can include a variety of activities that include everything from going out and just enjoying a night out on the town to a movie night with friends and family. Drinking alcoholic drinks, if of course, optional, because the ultimate goal of the evening it to create memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are in charge of planning an upcoming stag night or hen party, don't worry. Wholesale Wedding Superstore has everything you need to make the night memorable. Even though we are known for our wedding decorations and wedding accessories, we have a vast number of products that are perfect for stag parties and hen parties. We feature a vast inventory of items from cupcake liners to streamers and ribbons that will allow you to add a decorative touch to the party celebrations.
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