Against the backdrop of more Brits cutting back on alcohol, health-conscious stags and hens are shouting "I do!" to supercar experiences over boozy weekends for their pre-wedding parties.
That's according to our latest booking data for our Stag and Hen Days experiences here on Driving Experience, which offer brides and grooms-to-be the chance to drive or ride as passengers in Supercars such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis, doubled from 2022 to 2023. In fact, our most popular offering, the Learn to Drift Half Day Drifting Experience, has quadrupled in popularity year-on-year.
We're attributing this increase to Brits' decreasing alcohol consumption in recent years. Research by the charity Alcohol Change UK revealed that only one in five adults (18%, excluding non-drinkers) drank more in 2023 compared to 2022, with over half (57%) of this group planning to cut down on their alcohol intake in 2024.
Furthermore, a survey of over 3,000 adults found that one-in-four (24%) adults aged 35-44 stated that they would be keen for a completely sober stag or hen, so they could remember it better.
Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.com, says: "Stag and hen-dos have always been about partying hard before tying the knot. However, there's been a noticeable shift in attitudes towards drinking in the UK in recent years, with a stronger emphasis on health and wellness. Our bookings reflect this trend, and we anticipate it will continue to grow."
Joe Marley, director of communications at Alcohol Change UK, adds: "Many of us use alcohol as our go-to way to have fun, de-stress or treat ourselves. But finding new ways to have fun where alcohol doesn't play the starring role can be liberating and positive and there is a huge growth in people embracing this."
"Creative and fun alternatives to alcohol, particularly for traditionally boozy occasions like stag and hen dos, can end up being much more inclusive, enjoyable, and memorable."
Dan at DrivingExperience.com has also advised a word of caution for grooms-to-be: "With some of our supercars reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, grooms should be aware that these vehicles make for great getaway cars for a runaway bride with cold feet!"
