How Much a Hen or Stag Do Costs in the UK

We make cards, pin badges, prints and party bits in the UK. We don't sell inflatable anything, so this is a plain guide with our own bits only where they genuinely fit.

Hen and stag dos have quietly become the most expensive thing you get invited to, and almost nobody says so out loud.

Here are honest UK numbers, the costs people forget, and the wording for saying no without a falling-out.

Typical UK costs per person

• A night out at home: £60 to £100 once food, drinks and a taxi are counted.
• One night away in the UK: £150 to £250 including travel, a bed and an activity.
• Two nights away in the UK: £250 to £400.
• Abroad: £400 to £700, and that's before spending money.

Costs people forget to include

• The outfit, the sash, the matching t-shirt and the taxi home.
• A wedding gift, the wedding outfit and possibly a hotel for the wedding itself.
• Time off work, which for shift workers is a real and uncounted cost.
• Childcare for the weekend, which regularly doubles the price for parents.

How organisers keep it affordable

• Publish the full per-head cost before anyone commits, including the extras above.
• Offer a day-only option so people can come for part of it.
• One night, self-catered, in the UK is the single biggest saving available.
• Collect in instalments over three months rather than one lump sum.

How to say no

• "I can't stretch to the weekend, but I'd love to come to the day bit - can I join for that?"
• "Money's tight this year and I've got the wedding to save for. I'm going to sit this one out but I'll be there on the day."
• Say it early, say it once, and don't over-explain.
• Send a card to the bride or groom instead. It genuinely closes the gap.

Browse wedding cards

How to write it so it lands

• Publish the full cost up front.
• Offer a day-only option.
• Saying no early is not rude.

Where to shop next

• Hen party games
• Hen party gift ideas
• Stag do ideas in the UK
• Stag do games
• How to be a good bridesmaid or best man
• Hen party ideas in the UK
• Hen party at home
• Stag and hen planning checklist
• Stag do gift ideas
• Hen party bag ideas
• Hen party fancy dress themes
• Wedding gift ideas
• Wedding speech one-liners
• Party supplies
• All guides
• Hen party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?
• Pin badges

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hen do cost per person in the UK?

Around £150 to £250 for one night away, £250 to £400 for two nights, and £400 to £700 abroad before spending money.

Is it rude to say no to a hen or stag do?

No. Say it early, keep it short and don't over-explain. Going to the wedding is what matters.

Who pays for the bride or groom?

The group usually splits the guest of honour's costs. Factor it in when you publish the per-head price.