What do British people call bachelor parties?

Short answer

British people usually call them stag dos or stag nights. The groom is the stag. A hen do is the female equivalent. The terms are used across the UK, though some regions might say "stag weekend" for a longer celebration.

In Britain, the standard term for a stag do is a "stag do" or "stag night". The groom is referred to as the stag. If the celebration lasts a whole weekend, people often say "stag weekend". The female equivalent is a "hen do" or "hen night", and the bride is the hen.

These terms are used throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You might also hear "stag do" in more formal or American-influenced contexts, but it is not the everyday British phrase. In some parts of Scotland, you might hear "bucks night" occasionally, but that is more common in Australia and New Zealand.

The stag do tradition has evolved. A classic stag night might have been a pub crawl with close friends. Now, many stag dos are multi-day events with activities like golf, clay shooting, karting or city breaks. The best man usually organises it, often with help from the ushers. The group might wear matching t-shirts or fancy dress, especially on the last night.

Whatever you call it, the purpose is the same: to celebrate the groom and give him a memorable send-off. The best stag dos are personal. Ask the groom what he enjoys. Some prefer a quiet dinner with lifelong friends. Others want an adventure. There is no right or wrong, as long as everyone feels comfortable and the groom feels celebrated.