Who usually pays for the hen's night?

Short answer

The hen's night is usually paid for by the bridal party and guests who attend, not by the bride herself. The maid of honour or chief bridesmaid typically organises the event and collects contributions from everyone going. The bride may pay for her own drinks or meal if she offers.

In the UK, the hen do is a gift from the bride's friends, so the cost is shared among the people who join. The chief bridesmaid or maid of honour usually takes the lead on planning, collecting money and booking activities. Everyone who attends contributes their share, covering things like the venue, food, drinks, activities and any accommodation. The bride is not expected to pay for herself, though she may choose to buy a round or treat someone as a thank you.

If the hen do involves a weekend away or a big activity, the organiser should confirm the budget with everyone before booking anything. It is fair to ask each guest to pay a deposit, and to be clear about what is included. Some groups split costs evenly, while others pay only for what they use. There is no single correct way, as long as everyone agrees in advance.

If money is tight for some friends, suggest a simpler celebration, like a picnic, a pub quiz or a night in with games. The point is to spend time together, not to create financial stress. And if you are the bride, you can gently ask the organiser to keep costs low so that everyone feels able to come. A hen do should feel like fun, not a burden.