Planning a Ski Stag or Hen Do
Planning a wedding takes lots of energy. It’s no surprise that arranging the stag and hen dos is traditionally handed to the best man and maid of honour. Although, there are many brides and grooms-to-be nowadays that have a vision of how this festivity should enfold and, therefore, add it to their wedding planning lists. Regardless of who’s in charge, everyone agrees the send-off should be something spectacular – a regular night out just won’t cut it.
But how do you make the stag or hen do that little bit extra? The answer involves doing something out of the ordinary around a central activity and location. One suggestion is a ski weekend in France with return coach travel from the UK to your chalet. Never planned a group ski trip before? Fear not, this guide will cover everything you need to arrange the ultimate ski stag or hen do on the slopes.
Make an Invitation List
First things first, you need to know who to invite. This involves collaborating with the groom or bride to create a guest list and find the best way of contacting them. You’ll want to do this in advance, so you have time to plan each part of the trip.
If you’re the maid of honour or best man, don’t feel like you must do it alone. It will take far less time to check in with the groom or bride-to-be about who to invite than scrolling through their friend’s list and making executive decisions. You could miss someone vital if you don’t cooperate, which could cause awkwardness at the wedding.
For brides and grooms planning their celebration, only invite who you want to be there. It’s your party, and you don’t need to invite people to avoid offending. If any individuals don’t make the guest list who have asked you about it, there are a couple of ways to alleviate the tension:
- Tell them in advance – this will eliminate the disappointment on their side and ensure the relationship is not damaged.
- Blame the numbers – tell them that the stag and hen do could only facilitate a specific number and you had to cut down on the guest list.
- Suggest doing something smaller with them before or after the wedding to celebrate, making sure to tell them how much you value their support.
- Tell your selected few to keep the conversations about the stag or hen do to a minimum as they could make matters worse or accidentally invite someone else.
With the guest list created, assign a private space for messages. You might consider Whatsapp, Facebook groups, group texts or an email chain. Pick something which everyone uses to ensure no one misses out on important information or causes you to have to communicate the same things in different formats.
Discuss the Dates, Budget and Location in Advance
The first conversations that should be made around a ski stag and hen do are the possible dates. Timing can be one of the most challenging parts of arranging a stag or hen do because of conflicting schedules and responsibilities. Therefore, have these conversations in advance so people can claim their holiday allowances or mark it on their calendars, as well as allow you enough time to consult with the chalet owners about their availability. Ski resorts have busy and low seasons, and availability can vary during these times, especially for larger groups.
The next item on the list is the budget. Be mindful that everyone’s budget for a stag or hen do will differ and some people will feel uncomfortable about sharing how much they are willing to spend. Research a couple of chalet options and put it to a vote. You’ll want to make sure these options sit in the budget-friendly side to prevent anyone dropping out because they cannot afford it. Consider package deals which include coach travel, half-board accommodation and have exclusive deals for insurance, ski passes, equipment hire and lessons. You will also find ski chalets that have group discounts for parties for larger groups which means even more savings.
Location is important, and it’s all to do with practicality and personal preferences. The closer you are to the UK, the cheaper it will be, but it also means there will be more time to spend on the slopes. Additionally, some resorts will be less expensive than others. For a budget-friendly ski trip, the best bet from the UK is our neighbours in France. Avoid the popular resorts which will have big price tags attached to them and opt for the hidden gems instead. You’ll find that there are a few resorts which are well-connected to the popular destinations but offer a cheaper holiday like Vallandry just down from the Les Arcs resorts.
Check what activities are available at the resort options to ensure a well-rounded celebration and research the après atmosphere to ensure you match the preferences of your group. For example, Vallandry holidays offer dog sledding, ice climbing and a lively nightlife while Serre Chevalier has a fantastic spa for a more relaxing alternative.
Confirm the Attendee List and Collect Deposits Early
Before you book anything, confirm the attendee list and collect their required deposits. You’ll want confirmation from each person before booking to avoid facing any cancellation fees or you paying for anyone in advance and having to chase them for reimbursement. Put a realistic deadline in place for people to let you know if they’ll be coming and when and how to pay you. Once the deposits are collected, you can then book the agreed ski chalet.
Book the Chalet and Travel as Quick as Possible
Booking your chalet and travel arrangements are best done earlier rather than later. The best deals are often rewarded to early bookers. While there are some excellent deals just before the selected dates, this will not allow enough time to arrange the stag and hen do properly or, most likely, means that not everyone can stay in the same chalet. The same can be said for travel options with some ski chalets offering cheap return coach trips with limited availability.
Let your group know when the ski trip is booked so that they can put in their holiday requests.
Suggest Insurance, Ski Passes, Equipment Hire, Lessons and Extra Circular Activities
While you are not responsible for each attendee, it may be helpful to show others which insurance, ski passes and equipment (if needed) you’ll be getting. As mentioned earlier, ski chalet owners may have exclusive deals with providers and will be able to advise you accordingly. You can pass this information onto the rest of the group to make their arrangements.
On the other hand, lessons and extra circular activities are best booked as a group to ensure everyone is together on the day. Don’t be afraid to ask the ski chalet owners for the best places to book – they’ll know the providers like the back of their hand.
Create a Packing List to Help Attendees
Your group will consist of a variety of ski levels. Maybe, you’re all beginners, seasoned skiers or went once a long time ago. While packing for skiing consists of many items you’d pack for a holiday in a snowy destination, your ski packing list should also include some other items specifically designed for skiing in the mountainside conditions. One essential tip for those new to ski holidays is packing layers which allows you to put on and take off as needed throughout the day. If you don’t want to commit to buying the clothing necessary, many providers offer hireable clothing and equipment and equipment. Refer to internet searches or, again, ask the ski chalet owner.
Arrange the Meeting Place and Time for Departure
Make sure everyone is clear about the timetable for leaving for and returning from the chalet. If you opt for coach travel, the chalets will be able to help you with the schedule. However, you may need to organise travelling to the pick-up points. Be sure to know how each person will be getting to the pick-up and drop-off points, whether it’s car-sharing, a shared taxi or trains. The same goes for if you’re getting flights or a train. Knowing everyone’s schedule will ensure no one gets left behind!
Here are the top tips for planning a ski stag or hen do. Follow these steps, and it’s sure to go without a hitch. Our last and final tip is to enjoy yourself. Once all the planning is out of the way, it’s time to let your hair down.
Author Bio: Hucksters ski lodges offer budget-friendly ski chalets in France. They have accommodation options in Vallandry (Les Arcs), Serre Chevalier and Tignes. They have been operating for nearly 40 years and specialise in group deals.
Hucksters Ski Lodges have shared a £20 reduction on the total cost of a ski trip. Quote SKISTAG20 or SKIHEN20 on booking to receive this offer.
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/HuckstersLodge/
Twitter account: @huckstersski
Image links:
