Hen dos and don’s
🥂 The Best & Cheapest Ways to Have an Epic Hen and Stag Do
Planning a hen or stag do is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey—but it can also be one of the most expensive and stressful. With travel, accommodation, and activities, the costs can spiral quickly. But fear not! Whether you're the best man, maid of honour, or just a very good friend, you can organise a memorable bash without draining your bank account.
Here’s how to organise a legendary hen or stag do on a budget—without compromising on the fun.
Before you start booking anything, set a budget that works for everyone. Ask the group what they’re comfortable spending. A good rule of thumb? Keep the total cost (including travel, food, drinks, and activities) under £150 per person if possible.
One of the biggest expenses is travel. While jetting off to Ibiza or Prague sounds dreamy, there are plenty of affordable local options:
Brighton – beach, bars, and vibrant nightlife.
Manchester or Liverpool – buzzing party scenes.
Bath – ideal for classy hens who love spas and Prosecco.
Edinburgh – historical charm plus pub crawls = success.
If you want a countryside vibe, rent a cottage or Airbnb in the countryside and bring the party with you. Think fire pits, hot tubs, games, and BYOB.
Not everything needs to be pre-booked or paid for. Here are some free or low-cost hen/stag party ideas:
Cocktail making night (DIY with ingredients from Aldi or Lidl)
Spa night at home – face masks, fluffy robes, relaxing music.
Afternoon tea – homemade cakes and bubbly in the garden.
Cheeky games – Mr & Mrs quiz, scavenger hunts, or dares.
Pub golf – choose a few local pubs, assign drinks/scores.
Back garden beer pong and BBQ.
Football or five-a-side tournament.
Poker night or games night.
Group accommodation is way cheaper when split between 6–12 people. Look for:
Airbnbs or cottages
Group lodges
Holiday parks (like Center Parcs or Haven)
Look slightly outside city centres for lower prices, then get a minibus or cab into town.
Restaurant bills add up fast. Instead, make it a fun group activity:
Cook dinner together – themed nights like Italian, tapas, or BBQ.
Pre-drink at the house with games like Ring of Fire or Prosecco Pong before heading out.
You can also book a private chef for a surprisingly affordable “fancy” night in—great value when split between 10+ guests.
If you do want to go away, try:
Off-peak travel times (Friday morning to Sunday afternoon)
Group travel deals on trains or coaches
Budget airlines like Ryanair or easyJet (watch the baggage fees!)
Don’t forget to use cashback sites and group discounts!
Not all brides and grooms want a wild weekend. What about a picnic at a stately home (fingers crossed for good weather) or a day out to a theme park?
Not everyone drinks, so think outside the box—consider a ghost tour or a walking tour around a city.
Many couples share friendship groups, especially if you're an older couple, so why not throw a party? Instead of the traditional separate events, have an old-school house party, hire a room, bring a plate... do what you want, not what Pinterest tells you!!!!
lose the decorations and costumes, ask everyone to print out 10 photos of the bride or groom to decorate the room, and a simple veil and sash won’t cost the earth.
A hen or stag do doesn’t need to be expensive to be unforgettable. With a bit of planning, creativity, and a focus on fun, you can throw a send-off that your bride or groom will remember forever.
Whether it’s a weekend in a countryside cottage or a garden party with DIY mojitos, the best times come from laughter, love, and good friends—not how much you spend. And remember, not every bride or groom wants a big weekend away; many people just prefer a simple night out, party, or afternoon tea, so check with your bride and groom to make sure it’s what they want. Sometimes, a simple pyjama party with pizzas is the perfect way to relax in the stressful run-up to a wedding.