FOCUS ON: HEN AND STAG
As summer approaches, the annual influx of prewedding parties is being organised, along with group parties and outings for sports events, festivals and general get-togethers. PPE catches up with suppliers to find out what’s trending this year and what the expectations are for hen and stag season.
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Right: Amscan’s new range of humour costumes are perfect for bridal party celebrations. Choose from food items, beverages, stick people and even a dart board to get your celebrations off to a fun start. Below: The officially licensed Mario and Luigi kits from Disguise are ideal for stags.tour with a new range of cowboy hats this summer.
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ome what may, hens and stags will always pull out all the stops to celebrate ahead of the big ‘I do’. Whether it’s a night out or a trip away, there’s always room for costumes, décor and more, to make sure the party goes off with a bang. “The season of hen and stag parties has begun and the celebrations aren’t slowing down despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis,” begins Dominique Peckett, director at Smiffys. “Social media is flooded once again with prenuptial parties featuring décor, balloons, costumes and accessories. “Staycation weekends seem to be the celebration of choice this year – city breaks and countryside getaways are a great opportunity for themed events.”
Holly Burgin, sales executive, Unique Party, agrees: “Hen and stag dos, whether they span an entire weekend or a more intimate affair, epitomise the joy of celebrating a key life milestone. “These traditional events we all know well still play a key part in the wedding build up and although many people are now opting for staycations, the traditional decorations still have a role to play, despite the current cost-ofliving crisis. Balloon back drops for the bride-to-be and fancy dress for the stag continue to be popular party favourites.” One emerging trend is a joint celebration. Fran Hales, Rubies’ head of portfolio and marketing, explains: “We’ve noticed people are starting to celebrate ‘sten’ parties, a joint celebration in place of stag and hen nights. Hosting celebrations at home has also become one of the key trends these past few years, ideal for couples on a budget, creating an opportunity for customers to
34 MAY/JUNE 2024 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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