As far back as the 5th century BC Spartans toasted comrades who were about to be wed.
Stags, Hens and Bunnies is an on-going project documenting Blackpool a Northern English seaside town.
Stag and hen nights are about friends getting together to celebrate the bride/groom’s "last night of freedom." It is a last chance to gather together a group of same sex friends they have known since childhood, or through school, university and work. Mums, dads, sisters and brothers also often come along for the ride.
The duration of the event over recent years seems to have grown from the traditional drink the night before the wedding to weekends away participating in things the future spouse may not approve of. Activities are usually organized by the best man/woman and are traditionally kept secret. They often feature heavy drinking and cheap sexual initiation rituals and pranks. This at the bride or grooms expense, performed as a rite of passage to the "more responsible" marital life. It is a celebration in their honour (although it may not seem so at the time) and symbolizes the last time they’re free from the influence of the new spouse.