Hen's are Wilder than Stags
Check out the article from our recent survey on hen's and stag's in the Sun. Full details on our Survey below.
Irish Hens are wilder than Stags – but activity-based celebrations now as important as booze, tack and the occasional stripper!
- Huge majority of hens believe having planned activities for a hen weekend is vital
- Strippers come out on top as most embarrassing part of a hen party
- Sligo-based HenandStagSligo.ie finds that two-thirds of hens think joint hen and stag weekends are a bad idea
Nothing screams ‘Hen Party’ like pink feather boas, colourful cocktails and the bride-to-be wearing a sash and veil.
But a new survey finds that the modern hen-party has become a more sophisticated affair with activities now a must for many.
However, those asked were in agreement (55%) that hens are wilder than stags when they are let loose for the night.
HenandStagSligo.ie, one of the country’s main package providers for hens and stag parties, asked those ‘hens’ on its data base their views on the perfect hen weekend and discovered that:
· 83% of hens believe organised activities are a must for the best hen weekends
· Half of all surveyed said that tacky veils, sashes and t-shirts should be the chosen partywear
· A third of respondents said the performance by a stripper was the most embarrassing hen-weekend moment
· One-in-three say a hen weekend wouldn’t be a hit without alcohol
The majority (66%) of hens answered that they would not be in favour of joint hen and stag weekends.
One said: “There’s no place for them, the hen/stag night is the last major blowout and should be done with friends. What happens on a stag/hen stays on a stag/hen”. Another hen added: “They’re pure ridiculous, it’s like there’s no trust between the people who are due to marry.”
A third of those who responded to the survey said that the arrival of a stripper was the most embarrassing thing they have ever seen on a hen – especially when the hen was uncomfortable.
But some other embarrassing moments included the bride’s skirt splitting in two on the dance floor, Mr & Mrs quizzes and people generally getting drunk.
One said: “The hen fell asleep in the airport toilets and missed her flight.” Another revealed: “I wore all pink and was blonde at the time. I got lost during the hen party while carrying a blow-up doll! I had to go to the Garda station for directions and they were calling me ‘Barbie’ and the doll ‘Ken’.”
However, there can be many touching moments on these wild weekends with most of the group responding that the best thing that happens on hens is hooking up with old friends and making new ones.
Fergal Quinn, owner of HenandStagSigo.ie said that planned activities were now seen a must on hen and stag weekends.
“Planned activities can keep the mood light but encourage a competitive spirit and encourage bonding amongst the group. It can also break the ice between those who don’t know each other very well,” said Fergal.
“They can break up the day, ensure that people don’t start drinking too early and can be really inclusive of all the group, no matter the age or relationship to each other.”
A previous survey by HenandStagSigo.ie found that hens and stags are getting quite adventurous with their activities and want to stretch their muscles and their minds. (See list of top five activities below.)
One respondent to the survey gave her advice for the perfect hen weekend:
“Have activities which suit drinkers and non-drinkers. The stronger the theme the better the craic. Try to have activities which suit your group. And don't bring a bunch of girls who are not particularly interested in sports to partake in athletic activities. The most important thing though is to have as much fun as possible.”