Stag & Doe's have become quite popular in recent years as a good way for a couple to raise money for their wedding.  Consider these tips and points to ensure you have a successful and profitable night.

Planning a Successful Stag & Doe (also known as a "Jack & Jill")

• Door or Raffle Prizes - have one big thing: Every Stag & Doe always has a bunch of door prizes.  Functions that feature one big prize like a TV or some other slightly costly electronic device enjoy better ticket sales because people always like winning something significant.

  Money-Making Gags and Gimmicks

  Crown & Anchor Wheel: I don't think I've been to a Stag & Doe yet where they didn't have a Crown & Anchor wheel.  Have a friend or two (that can stay with the wheel the whole night) run it for you.  Also, take two of the spots on the wheel that result in the house paying everyone who bet, into "bets donated to the bride and groom" spots.  Usually a slip of paper with the Bride and Groom's name it on does the job nicely.  Your guests won't mind - after all, it's a good cause!

  Toonie-Toss for a Texas Mickey: This one's a great money maker.  Go to the liquor store and buy the largest bottle of whiskey you can find.  The big ones are up to two or so feet tall.  When it's time, place the bottle on the floor, and set up a throwing line.  Have your guests stand behind the line and toss their toonie at the bottle.  You can make rules like "closest without touching it first" wins the bottle, but make sure you come prepared.  Have at least $150 in toonies on hand to sell to your guests.  Don't worry, you'll get them all back!  Guests who have had a few drinks think nothing of throwing $20 or so dollars at a bottle to try and win it.  Have the toss after 11:00 and don't forget to tease anyone who tries ("Is that the best you can do?").

  Jello Shooters: Almost expected these days are shooters made of jello, and guests love buying them.  If you're unsure on how to make them, all you need is either rum or vodka and a lot of jello.  Try searching on the Internet for a good recipe.

Remember you are limited only by your imagination!  I've seen everything from cow flop contests, to card games, goldfish races, and try your key to unlock the treasure chest full of goodies.  It seems the more uncommon the idea and the better you can push and sell it, the more money it makes and the more fun your guests have.

Host an event of discintion; avoid the "same old..."

• Rows and rows of tables.  We've all been to functions where the tables are arranged in long rows upon rows in the room with an open spot/hallway in the middle.  Table arrangements like this are socially awkward for your guests (sitting with people you don't want to sit with), not to mention it's like going to the washroom in the middle of a movie at the theatre when you want to get in and out of your seat.  Even if you are stuck with nothing but long rectangular tables, consider having them on angles at each other instead of rows.  A creative and nonstandard arrangement will give your event a better feel.
• The Disc Jockey is up on the stage.  It's a strange feeling towering above the guests on a stage while playing music, not to mention guests having to climb a sometimes hidden set of stairs to make a song request.  Consider putting your disc jockey down near the dance floor for easy guest accessibility.  You can always have a microphone up on the stage for presentations and such - my cables are certainly long enough (especially when I use the wireless mic).
• Too many door or raffle prizes!  Sometimes people think the more prizes, the better.  It always looks impressive when the prize tables are absolutely loaded with loot.  Consider that it takes time to draw a ticket for a prize, so more prizes means more time drawing which guests can find less than interesting.  I always play my no-lyric loops in the background when doing prize draws, but most music services have never heard of such a thing.  If you've got a lot of smaller prizes, consider consolidating them into "Prize Packs" or letting the disc jockey give some away for spot dances - a great way to get your guests up dancing and enjoying themselves.

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