FOCUS ON: HEN AND STAG
As wedding season looms, attention is also turning to the last fling before the rings, with both hen and stag party planning in full swing. Suppliers share the top trends for 2026 and the new launches hitting the market.
Inset: Rubies is seeing Marvel stags popping up all around the world.
The final farewell T Right: Smiffys is seeing a resurgence of the ‘traditional’ hen do.
he main trend for hen and stag parties over recent years has been that they are becoming bigger events. Few settle for just a night out now, with most making a weekend of the celebrations, or at least an overnight stay, with UK and international stays commonplace. Outfit and décor themes throughout the celebrations are also popular, with many having a different theme for each day or evening. Fran Hales, head of marketing and portfolio, Rubies, begins: “As summer approaches, hen and stag dos are beginning. In recent years, these celebrations have gotten bigger and bigger, with couples wanting to celebrate in every way they can. “This year, themed stag and hen dos are expected to be a major event, with top brands like Barbie and Marvel popping up all over the world.” Aneesa Beasley, vp, commercial, Disguise, adds: “Summer events continue to drive sales, particularly in the adult costume category, with many events bringing
key dress up moments such as hen, stag, festivals and sporting events. “Comedy and nostalgia are great for group dressing and capitalising on current trends and content moments, such as Super Mario Movie 2 and Moana Live Action, which are supported by Disguise’s costume ranges from the classic gaming and animated brand franchises.” Dominique Peckett, director, Smiffys, continues: “As we head into pre-wedding season, we’re looking forward to the return of hen and stag parties. We continue to see hens and stags heading away for a full weekend of celebrations, both abroad and here in the UK.” In terms of trends for the summer of celebrations, licensed brands are still going strong. Aneesa outlines: “A major moment for the summer, will be the theatrical release of Toy Story 5 - watch out for an exciting new range of adult licensed costumes and accessories hitting the UK this summer. “Disguise’s extensive line of bestselling, licensed inflatable costumes are always a hit for consumers looking to stand out from the crowd.” Accessories also continue to perform well. Fran continues: “Our new adult range of tops and half masks featuring characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America and Hulk make dress up more SPRING 2026 PROGRESSIVE PARTY EUROPE
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17/04/2026 11:33