Fancy dress can be the high point of a stag do or the item that stays in the suitcase. The difference is usually planning: one clear theme, costumes that are comfortable to wear for hours, and a plan for when to change. Here is how to get it right.
Group themes that work
- PiratesA hat, a sash and an eye patch, and everyone is in the theme. Easy to buy and easy to pack.
- SuperheroesCapes are cheap, bold and photograph well. The groom can be the villain.
- Cowboys and outlawsHats and bandanas dress up almost any outfit, and work in most weather.
- GangstersPinstripe suits and fake moustaches are easy to find and look sharp in a group photo.
- Retro sports kitA mix of old football or rugby shirts makes a group look like a team.
- Prison breakMatching striped shirts and a toy ball and chain. Simple, funny and inexpensive.
Outfits for the groom
- The full costume while everyone else wears normal clothes, so he is the only one in character.
- The silly suit, such as a bright tuxedo or a novelty one-piece.
- The beer suit or a novelty drinking costume. Bold, comic and a talking point at every bar.
- The one-accessory groom: a sash, a wig and a pair of oversized sunglasses.
- The swap: the groom wears the best man's outfit, and vice versa, for one round.
Costume planning tips
- Check the weatherCapes and wigs are fine in cold weather. A full body suit in a heatwave is not.
- Check the venueSome clubs and restaurants have dress codes, so plan when the group can change.
- Pack smallChoose costumes that fold flat, and carry them in a tote bag between venues.
- Plan the photoChoose the moment for the group photo and take it early, while everyone still looks fresh.
Keep costumes friendly. Avoid anything that mocks a group of people or could offend locals, and be ready to take the costume off if a venue asks.
By city
Costumes suit some cities more than others. In seaside resorts such as Benidorm and Brighton, fancy dress is part of the scenery. In cities with strict club doors, such as Berlin, save the big outfits for the daytime and keep night-time props small.
Props that help
- Fancy dress
- Wigs
- Hats
- Groom sash
- Matching T-shirts
- Inflatables