Local stag dos 'can benefit the environment'

The traditional stag weekend away in eastern Europe could be a thing of the past as couples begin to factor in environmental concerns when making wedding plans.

According to the Chester Chronicle, an increasing number of couples are going green in the run-up to their nuptials, with e-vites replacing paper ones, and organic cakes and flowers on show.

But while the average white wedding emits more than 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide - and costs in excess of £20,000 - the ceremony itself is not the only place where couples can cut back.

Rosie Ames, founder of online wedding database Green Union, said people can also make more eco-friendly decisions when it comes to planning their hen or stag do by choosing to keep it local.

For example, a weekend in Cornwall learning to surf can provide "a good male-bonding experience for lads", without the need to jet off overseas, she claimed.

The idea could appeal to those planning stag parties in the coming months, with a break in the UK likely to prove cheaper than spending the weekend in Europe due to the current weakness of the pound.