STAG & DOES (SOCIALS FOR THOSE living in Manitoba) are Canada’s way to support brides and grooms prior to the big day. Unlike a wedding, where things tend to be regimented by custom and circumstance, the Stag & Doe is an unpretentious way to encourage guests to grab a beverage and let loose for a few hours of joy and release. And above all, it pays the bride and groom to party with their loved ones.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE MEETING
The idea of the Stag (Buck) & Doe is to create a party that brings together both family kinships and their respective friends for the single purpose of raising money for the intendeds.
This party becomes the sole responsibility of the best man and his partner, the maid (matron) of honour. They plan a complete party presentation that will generate the fun, social interactions, gaming opportunities and dance components for the whole evening. All the important aspects of this party have to be put in place well in advance.
Money and time are huge factors in making this event profitable. The best man (and/or best lady) is responsible for paying for all of the costs that are associated with the Stag & Doe. You might ask, “Why, in anyone’s right mind, would they step up to the plate and take responsibility for such an expensive risk?” If it works, there is a tremendous reward for the couple.
THE BEST MAN/BEST LADY
These individuals must be go-getters of the first order. They must plan the actual operation of the party into time and action segments that blend the interaction of the attendees, the equipment, the events, and the food and beverages.
They must make the phone calls to advertise the function and develop the entry tickets for the guests to purchase. These tickets are paid for in advance so that a cash commitment is established, and the “best people” will have a cushion or float” for the purchase or payment of up-front needs and expenses. These costs are numerous: the hall, the DJ (or and), he food, the prizes, the game rentals and the alcohol—to name a few.
THE HALL The hall should be secured well in advance. It should be a place that provides ample room for the expected number of guests and have enough parking facilities and space for all the events that will take place. Choosing the right spot may involve considering a kitchen, an enclosed bar area, appropriate table and seating requirements and, of course, special attention to the division of “people space” for games, socializing and dancing opportunities. The location of the hall can be a factor dictating the number of people that come out to enjoy the fun.
THE LIQUOR LICENCE
In Canada, a liquor licence must be obtained by the licencee prior to hosting any party that involves alcoholic beverages. This licence, issued by the provincial government, can take up to six weeks to process.
