Who Pays for the Hen Do?
Planning a hen do is always exciting, but one question that can often cause a bit of confusion is: Who actually pays for the hen do?
Whether you're the Maid of Honour, the bride-to-be, or part of the hen party, it's important to know who's footing the bill. Let’s break it down and make sure everyone knows where they stand before the celebration kicks off!
1. The Bride Covers Some Costs
While the hen do is all about celebrating the bride, it’s usually expected that she won’t cover the full cost of the event. Instead, it’s typically the responsibility of the hen party organisers (like the Maid of Honour and bridesmaids) to help fund some of her costs. After all, she's got a wedding to pay for!
That said, the bride-to-be might contribute to certain aspects, such as her outfit or activities she’s particularly excited about. It’s a good idea for the group to discuss this in advance to avoid any confusion
2. The Maid of Honour & Bridesmaids Pick Up the Tab
Traditionally, it’s the Maid of Honour’s job to lead the hen do planning, and they often take the financial lead, along with the bridesmaids. This can mean booking venues, activities, and possibly covering initial costs for the group (especially if you’re doing things like an overseas trip). In many cases, these expenses will be split among the bridesmaids and, if necessary, other close friends who are involved in planning.
It's a good idea to have a discussion about everyone's budget early on, so no one gets left out, and you avoid any awkwardness later on.
3. Contributions from Guests
While the Maid of Honour and bridesmaids typically cover much of the organising and upfront costs, guests are usually expected to contribute to the hen do as well. The cost per person will depend on the planned activities, location, and any overnight stays.
Some hens may ask their guests to contribute a fixed amount upfront, which helps cover activities, meals, and accommodation. Be transparent with everyone about how much they’ll need to contribute to avoid surprises. If you're a guest, it's polite to pay in advance when asked.
4. Shared Costs Among the Group
A modern trend is to split costs more evenly across the whole hen group, ensuring no one feels burdened by the expense. This means everyone chips in for the weekend getaway, activities, meals, and any extra special touches (like hiring a photographer or booking a private venue).
Again, this all comes down to the budget and preferences of the group. Some hens might also choose to go for a more budget-friendly event, like a local activity or a night out in town, which keeps costs lower for everyone involved.
5. What About Extra Activities?
If you're adding extra activities (fancy dress, games, hen party themed accessories), you’ll want to decide who’s paying for what. Sometimes, guests can pay for extras as they go, or the group might agree on a set amount to cover everything. If someone can’t make a specific thing due to budget constraints, it’s important that they aren’t made to feel uncomfortable.
The key here is communication. Being upfront about what the costs will be allows everyone to plan their finances and ensure a smooth and stress-free time.
6. What Should the Bride Expect to Pay For?
The bride-to-be should ideally pay for her outfit, her travel expenses (if applicable), and possibly her share of the activities. However, some guests may choose to cover her costs as part of the get together, this is something the bride should be clear about with the group to avoid any misunderstandings.
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