Chances are you have only recently heard of the word “sten.” This wedding-related word has suddenly become ordinary, especially on the internet, but what does it mean?
Sometimes referred to as a sten party, a henstag or sten is the gender-neutral version of a stag do.
It is simply a gathering among friends of a couple, mostly scheduled for the days leading up to a wedding.
It is a celebration of the upcoming nuptials and an opportunity for the guests to acquaint themselves with each other before the wedding.
Traditionally, only women attend a hen party while the male gender restrictively attends the stag party. A sten is a party that cuts across both genders.
You can choose to have friends from your social circle or guests from your and your partner’s social groups. So, should you have a sten do? Here’s why or why not.
Reasons to Have a Sten Do
1. It is a Great Way to Socialize and Get to Know Your Partner’s Friends better
If you are the kind of person who loves socializing, then a sten is the best way to get to know your partner’s friends better.
It allows you to mingle and interact with people you would not otherwise meet. This is also a perfect time to get to know the people your partner will spend a lot of time with after marriage.
Unlike a stag party or a hen do, you interact with both genders making it even more satisfying.
This will make you feel more comfortable with them going forward.
2. It is an Opportunity to Have Some Fun and Let Loose
Let’s be honest. When you have a wedding coming up, you can barely unwind and let loose.
There is so much planning and preparation that you often do not get time to relax and have fun.
A sten does give you that opportunity. It is a chance for you to let your hair down, have some drinks and enjoy yourself without worrying about the wedding preparations.
3. It Makes the Wedding Planning Process Less Stressful
Wedding planning can be pretty stressful, especially if you are the kind of person who likes everything to be perfect.
You barely have time for anything else when you are busy with wedding preparations.
Having a sten do gives you a much-needed break from all the wedding planning and allows you to focus on other things for a while.
You can incorporate many stag party activities into the sten to make it more fun and less stressful.
Even for people not getting married, a sten can be a great way to take a break from their hectic lives and have some fun.
4. It is a Great Way to Bond With Your Partner
For many couples, the wedding planning process is the first time they are working together on something.
A sten is a great way to bond with your partner and get to know them better. It is also a chance to show your partner that you support their decision to get married.
Why Not Have a Sten
1. Costs
The main reason people do not have a sten do is the costs. Think about the expenses you have incurred while planning for your wedding.
Consider the amount of money you have spent on the venue, catering, decorations, and other things. Now add to that the costs of having a bachelor/bachelorette party.
The total amount can be quite overwhelming.
2. Too Much Work
Wedding planning is already stressful in its way. May you develop anxiety in the days leading up to the wedding.
Adding a sten do to the mix can just make things worse. It needs to be taken into account while making wedding plans.
3. Time-Consuming
Much planning goes into making a sten successful like the wedding itself. You must decide on the venue, send out invitations, book hotels, and more.
This can be overwhelming, especially if you are already busy with wedding preparations.
4. Not Everyone Will Be Interested
Not everyone is interested in attending a sten do.
Many people would rather not be a part of it. This can make it quite challenging to find people who want to attend the party.
After all, you now want to spend weeks planning a party that no one wants to attend.
There are pros and cons to having a sten do. It is important to weigh these carefully before making a decision.
There is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your specific situation.
If you decide to have a sten do, plan it carefully and consider all the factors involved. Otherwise, you might end up regretting your decision.