How do I set a wedding budget for a hen do or stag do?

Start by talking openly with the people who will attend. Ask each person what they can comfortably spend, including travel, accommodation, food, drink and activities. The organiser, often the best person or chief bridesmaid, should then add up those figures and work out a realistic per-person total. That total becomes your cap for everything, from the venue to the decorations.

Next, decide what matters most to the couple. Maybe a nice meal out is the priority, or perhaps a weekend away is the dream. Put your money there first, and cut back on extras like matching T-shirts or fancy favours. Always add a small buffer, around 10 percent, for unexpected costs like a taxi or a last-minute booking fee, but never mention exact numbers here, just build it in quietly.

Collect money early, ideally when people confirm their place. Use a simple group chat or a shared spreadsheet to track who has paid. If someone drops out, you need to know before you book non-refundable things. Also agree what happens if the total is short: does the group split the difference, or do you scale back the plan? Make that decision together, kindly, before you book anything.

For the couple themselves, remember the hen or stag do is separate from the wedding budget. It is a gift from friends and family, so the couple should not be expected to pay for their own party unless they offer. Keep the whole thing flexible and fun, and check with everyone before you confirm any big spend.