FOCUS ON: HEN AND STAG PARTIES
Tis almost the season for the last flings before the ring to take place. While budgets are tight for many, the lack of restrictions this summer will hopefully see consumers taking advantage of their freedom and planning some parties. Progressive Party finds out what the latest trends are, and what key suppliers are expecting for the season.
The I d crew
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he cost-of-living crisis may mean that the extravagant hen and stag dos of the past aren’t on the cards for many this year, but that in no way means that the celebrations themselves are cancelled. Some are expecting to see smaller, more intimate affairs this year, as Emily Duke, marketing and design coordinator at Amscan explains: “One thing is for sure, couples will still want to be celebrating their upcoming weddings. The most important thing is their friends and family can come together to have a good time and toast the happy couple. “Here at Amscan, we believe there will be a continuation of the trend of smaller affairs, a trend we saw originate from lockdown, with people preferring smaller, more intimate, yet luxurious gatherings, and the bonus is, curating their event just how they want it.” Right: The She Said Yaaas range from Hootyballoo features wearables such as the Brides Babes Sashes.
Sales as we head towards the season have been promising, and some are anticipating more celebrations in home territory, but still on a similar scale. Elliott Peckett, director of Smiffys, tells us: “Following on from the biggest wedding season on record in 2022, the pre-wedding celebrations are beginning in the run up to summer this year. The
Above: The Rose Gold DIY Garland from Amscan is ideal for home inflation and setting the scene.
hen and stag celebrations are going strong, and as the cost-of-living crisis may see less groups boarding flights to exotic destinations, the parties and weekends away on home soil are continuing. “Hen parties in hired houses invite endless partyware opportunities. Decorating the house, kitting out the full hen party in accessories and making sure the bride has the perfect costume; hen parties are a great opportunity for retailers and party suppliers alike.” Julie Dommett, head of marketing at Pioneer Europe, agrees: “As the micro-weddings of the pandemic years transition to bigger celebrations, bigger hen and stag parties are definitely back on the agenda. ‘Team bride’ gift balloons and décor are a perfect way to get hen celebrations off to a good start.” There are some who expect the hen and stag spending to continue as it
26 MAY/JUNE 2023 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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20/05/2023 12:04