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Guests and etiquette · Hen and stag dos

Who normally pays for a hen party?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For the bridal party · For brides

Short answer

Usually the guests pay for themselves, and the bridal party or the maid of honour covers the bride's share. There is no fixed rule, so agree upfront who pays for what to avoid awkwardness.

In the UK, the common arrangement is that each guest pays for their own travel, accommodation and activities, and the group splits the cost of the bride's portion. The maid of honour or the chief bridesmaid often collects the money and pays for the bride's meals, drinks and any shared costs like a hired room or a cake. Sometimes the bridal party chips in to cover the bride entirely, especially if the hen do is a small, close group. If the hen do is a big weekend away, guests usually pay for their own rooms and tickets, and the organisers make that clear before anyone books. It is always best to talk about money openly from the start. Send a message saying what the estimated cost per person will be, and ask if everyone is happy before you book anything. No one should feel pressured to spend more than they can afford. If some guests have a tighter budget, suggest a cheaper option like a picnic or a home party. The bride should not have to pay for her own party, but if she offers, you can accept gracefully.

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