Quick summary: Hen and stag do drinking games get the group going from the pre-drinks through the journey to the party in the evening. Here you'll find the best games with full instructions, sorted by situation: on the go, outdoors and indoors. Plus the most important tip: stretch the drinking out playfully instead of powering through — with the right timing, the night stays fun instead of getting out of hand.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the SwigSki3000® — four people, one ski, one shot in time. More on that below ↓
A hen do or stag do (or bachelorette or bachelor party, depending where you're from) is the last big night out before the wedding — and drinking games are the easiest way to bring the group together fast. They loosen everyone up, create the stories everyone tells afterwards, and give the night some structure. To keep it fun and stop things escalating too early, the right mix and the right timing matter. Here are the best hen and stag do drinking games with clear instructions — plus tips on running them safely and with fun for everyone.
A good hen or stag do drinking game is a sociable game where a "mistake" is punished with a sip — a guessing game, a skill challenge or a dare centred on the bride or groom, for example. The ideal mix fits the situation (on the go, outdoors, indoors), involves the whole group and always allows an alcohol-free version, so that everyone can genuinely join in.
Pre-drinks & the journey there: the first rounds
The night often starts well before you even reach the destination. A train journey is perfect for pre-drinks — but please be considerate of fellow passengers. Start with something a bit lower proof and build up gradually:
- Platform vibes: Meet at least half an hour before departure. The bride or groom-to-be approaches strangers and collects cheek kisses — for every rejection, they buy a round.
- Who knows the bride/groom best? Take turns asking personal questions about the bride or groom (favourite food, first kiss, most embarrassing moment). Whoever gets it wrong drinks a shot.
Drinking a Shotski together at a festival with no bands playing … – @apresallstars
Practical side effect: because the SwigSki3000® is made up of four separately removable modules, it goes straight into the dishwasher after the round instead of into a corner somewhere.
Outdoor drinking games: our favourites
If you're out and about or in the open air, these games work especially well — they need space and movement:
- Tipsy yoga: Everyone stands in a circle on one leg, the sole of the other foot against the thigh like the "tree" pose, arms stretched above the head. Whoever loses their balance and touches the ground with their foot drinks a shot and gets back into position. As the drinks add up, it gets harder and harder — whoever's still standing last wins.
- Shot scavenger hunt: Set up five stations with small skill challenges (knotted ropes, a nail board with a mini hammer). Whoever solves a challenge gets the clue to the next station; everyone else drinks a shot. A small surprise gift waits at the finish.
Indoor drinking games: for the table
When the group is sitting together, these classics guarantee conversation and laughs:
- Taboo words: Agree on a few words that are banned for the whole night (wedding, registry office, mother-in-law). Whoever says one drinks. No more than ten words, or it gets tiresome.
- Dare cards: Write fun (moderately embarrassing) dares on cards that get drawn in turn. Whoever doesn't want to do the dare drinks a shot instead.
- Ski boot glass roulette: A row of glasses, some filled with spirits, others with water — take turns drawing and drinking without knowing what's in it. With ski-boot-shaped glasses it becomes a real eye-catcher.
Practical side effect: because the SwigSki3000® is made up of four separately removable modules, it goes straight into the dishwasher after the round instead of into a corner somewhere.
Dare card ideas
Dare cards are the heart of many hen and stag do drinking games. Here are a few templates to copy — mix harmless dares with (moderately) cheeky ones, depending on the group and the bride or groom-to-be:
- "Get three strangers to sing 'For They Are a Jolly Good Fellow' together."
- "Swap your T-shirt with a guest at the bar."
- "Collect three phone numbers — for the hen/stag do fund, of course."
- "Give a 30-second thank-you speech to your freedom."
- "Get a stranger to give you some marriage advice."
- "Take a selfie with the coolest dog in town."
Whoever doesn't want to do a dare drinks a shot instead. That way nobody's left out, and the cards keep the laughs coming all night. You'll find even more dares and party games in Hen & Stag Do Games & Dares.
What you need for the drinking games
Most hen and stag do drinking games barely need any equipment — but a few things make it more complete:
- Glasses & Shotski: for toasting together and games like the roulette round.
- Dare cards: prepared and shuffled in a small box.
- Drinks in two strengths: something mild for the pre-drinks, something stronger for later — plus an alcohol-free option.
- Water & snacks: as a buffer between rounds.
You don't need much more than that — the best hen and stag do drinking games come from the group and a bit of imagination, not expensive gear.
The glasses are dishwasher-safe and have their own glass shape — the set with binding outlasts any plastic cup by a mile.
Timing & safety: how to keep the night fun
Drinking games live and die by the right measure. A few ground rules to keep the hen or stag do a good memory:
- Timing is everything: On an active day (cycling, climbing), save the drinking games for the end, once everyone's steady on their feet.
- Stretch it out playfully: Lots of small sips over the evening beats powering through fast — it keeps the mood going longer.
- Water & snacks ready: Drinking and eating in between keeps everyone in good shape.
- No pressure, alcohol-free always possible: Never push anyone to drink. Whoever's driving or taking a break plays with juice or water — the fun stays exactly the same.
You'll find even more ideas for the night in Hen & Stag Do Games & Dares. For the full overview on planning, see the Hen & Stag Do Guide, and if the celebrations roll straight into the wedding, the wedding drinking games are a perfect fit. In the end, the same rule applies to every hen or stag do drinking game: it lives on the group, not on the alcohol. Whoever pays attention to timing, breaks and a bit of consideration creates a night that the bride or groom-to-be and the whole crew will still love talking about at their silver wedding anniversary.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Hen & Stag Do Drinking Games
Which drinking games work best for a hen or stag do?
A mix suited to the situation: on the go, "Platform vibes" and "Who knows the bride/groom best?", outdoors "Tipsy yoga" and a shot scavenger hunt, indoors taboo words, dare cards and ski boot glass roulette. What matters most is that the games fit the group — whether it's a hen do, a stag do, or a bachelorette or bachelor party.
How do I stop the night from getting out of hand too early?
With timing and moderation: start with something lower proof, stretch the drinking out playfully, and save drinking games for the end of any active parts of the programme. Water and snacks in between keep everyone in good shape.
Can hen and stag do drinking games work without alcohol too?
Yes. Every game works with alcohol-free shots made from juice, syrup or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. That way drivers, anyone pregnant and anyone who wants a break can join in equally — the fun is in the game, not the alcohol.
Which drinking game works best on the way there?
"Platform vibes" and "Who knows the bride/groom best?" need no equipment and work on the way to your destination. Be considerate on public transport — for bigger groups, it's worth booking a separate carriage.
What makes drinking games with a Shotski or ski boot glasses special?
The Shotski forces several people to toast together and makes a great photo highlight, while the ski boot glasses are both an eye-catcher and a keepsake. Both lift an ordinary drinking game onto another level, visually and as a group experience.
How many drinking games should you plan for?
Three to five spread across the evening is enough. Alternate between calmer guessing games and more active movement games, and leave enough breaks. A few good games with everyone joining in beat non-stop games that wear the group out eventually.