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Focus On: Hen and Stag
NAUGHTYNIGHTS
Hen nights, stag weekends, batchelor or batchelorette
parties – whatever you call them, they are big
business. With the hen and stag market alone worth
£300 million per year, the party industry would
be a lot smaller without them, as PPE finds out.
W
e’ve all seen them
dress code, ensuring there is
– the herd of stags
a key consistent theme
zigzagging down
within the group.”
the high street in their
Accessories and
matching Morphsuits,
other easy-to-wear
or the brood of hens
items are a popular
with their personalised
choice as they make
t-shirts, announcing that
an easy impulse
they’re on a ‘pink ladies’
purchase and an effective
hen night. According to
addition to any outfit. Hot
ThisIsMoney.co.uk website,
pink items in particular
25% of people have paid more
remain a favourite choice
than £300 to attend a ‘prefor hen parties, while
wedding knees-up’. For many,
humorous outfits are
a hefty portion of that sum
popular with the boys
will be allocated to costumes,
– especially the stag.
accessories and novelties,
While comedy is
so a visit to their local party
always an important
Above:This range of fun new costumes from Rubie’s is
retailer is almost inevitable.
element of the
available for both men and women, and is sure to add a
According to Emma Angel,
evening, many
little spice to any night out.
director of Angels Fancy
brides-to-be will opt
Dress; “Every self-respecting bride and
for a more ‘risqué’ theme. “Trends may
groom knows that an eye-catching outfit
be changing, but the market remains,”
is a must on their last night
asserted Joyce Mallo, marketing
of freedom, and sales are
and communications at Leg Avenue.
starting to pick up as April
“Although being with friends is always
approaches. Spring sees the hen
the most important thing at hen and stag
and stag parties really start!”
parties, we have noticed that the desire
With the new season already in
for risqué celebrations is far from over!”
mind, Pam’s recommends that
This is not surprising, considering the
retailers get stocked up now endless supply of costumes, products
so they are well-prepared.
and accessories available, from sexy red
Marketing manager Carl
garters to willy-shaped balloons and
Taylor advises retailers
truth-or-dare games. That said, erring
to: “Keep a selection of
on the smutty side isn’t the only way to
traditional and novelty
celebrate the ‘last night of freedom’.
party supplies in stock and
“Risqué celebrations will always be
always keep up with the latest
synonymous with hen nights,” said
licensed fancy dress costumes,
Holly Forder, marketing manager at
as these always prove popular.”
Creative Party, “but it also seems to be
So, has the market changed at
increasingly common for brides to have
all this year? There may be a return
a ‘family-friendly’ hen do. This often
to the prime hen and stag market
has more of a sophisticated feel, and
of five or six years ago, according
is normally held as an afternoon
to Palmer Agencies’ marketing
tea or a garden party.”
director Sergio Battaner. “While
With so many options open
we do not envisage a
to the ladies, what does the
return to the crazy times
stag theme entail? Above:Balloons from
Qualatex set the scene. of 15 people flying off
“Historically, stag parties
to Prague for a long weekend dressed
typically involve dressing
up as pimps or 40s/50s bobby soxers,
the groom up for maximum
we should not rule this out just yet…
embarrassment,” said
these days it is all about accessorising
Smiffys’ Grace Hutchinson.
and creating a sense of the group.”
“So retailers should ensure
Similarly, Charlotte Cox, Amscan’s
they have all bases covered
marketing manager, said: “Typically a lot
by topping up their comedy
of effort goes into organising a fabulous
collection. I predict the hilarious
celebration for the bride or groom-to-be!
Well Hung Highlander costume
A big part of the occasion surrounds the
will be a big hit with the boys!”
Right: Widmann has
a wide range of hen
and stag costumes
and accessories,
from sashes and
badges to costumes
and head boppers.
Setting The Tone
“From the silly to the embarrassing
– and even the unashamedly naughty
– there are some great novelty lines
around for hen parties and stag dos.
Party-goers often want to make
sure the bride or groom-to-be is as
prominent as possible by dressing
them in a novelty veil or inflatable
willy costume... It’s all about setting
the tone for the forthcoming fun!”
Anna Solly, Sancto International
(Widmann’s UK distributor)
Kerrie Stapylton, Fun Shack’s marketing
manager, agreed, saying: “The pink
mankini is always a hit with stag parties.
The more outrageous and fun an outfit
for the bride-to-be and stag, the better,
especially where stags are concerned.”
So, sexy for the girls and silly for the
boys? Whatever is chosen, one thing is
for sure: hen and stag season is almost
upon us and it’s a great time of year!
Below:Hens are also getting into the OppoSuit act by wearing
the smaller sizes and turning up the cuffs.There is no doubt
that a party group wearing these suits cannot be missed!
Picture credit: Last Night Of Freedom.
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Focus On: Hen and Stag
Naughty Nights
This well-fitting, spandex sexy police
woman costume from Magic by Freddy’s
is very popular for hen groups.
From Creative Connections, these party packs come
complete with reusable willys, optional cut-out head
and a prize for the winner.
This new Willy Veil from Alandra is liberally sprinkled
with pink and silver willies and L-plates, while the
necklace drinking tube is ideal for partiers.
One of the new range of OppoSuits
for 2015, the Cannaboss has been well
received at trade shows this year.
Creative Party provides the latest essentials for a more familyfriendly hen party, with paper bunting and cookie cutters.
The hugely popular range of Stand
Out Suits from Smiffy’s will ensure
stags can keep their dignity intact.
The pink mankini from Fun Shack
is perfect for creating maximum
embarrassment for the groom-to-be.
Ideal for themed groups, these gnome costumes from
Palmer Agencies provide the group with a fun,
colourful, shared and dynamic sense of identity.
Add some colour to a hen party with
the tongue-in-cheek Crayola Crayons
costumes from Rasta Imposta.
Themed costumes tailored to the destination
are ideal for stag parties held abroad This
Bavarian Guy from In Character is the
perfect attire for a bustling beer hall!
Let’s face it, willys will always be funny! This set of
rainbow-coloured willy-shaped shot glasses is just one
item in Pam’s huge range of hen and stag products.
Customers can celebrate a girls night out with a
touch of hot pink with this pretty Diamondz foil
balloon from Amscan, while the classic hen
party sash is always a winner.
Flapper dresses like this from Leg Avenue
are expected to continue to be popular in
2015 for the more glamorous hen party.
Hen night balloons from Qualatex have
always been a must-have, from microfoils
to supershapes – and the champagne bottle
can even be personalised.
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