Who pays for the hen on her hen do?

In the UK, the custom is that the hen's guests pay for her. That means her travel, her share of the accommodation, her meals and her activities are split among everyone else. The bridal party often organises the collection and keeps a running total so nobody is surprised.

That said, money can be awkward, and groups vary. Some hens prefer to pay their own way, especially if the weekend is lavish or involves flights. Others ask for a simple afternoon tea instead of a big trip. The kindest approach is to talk about the budget early, before anyone books anything. Ask each guest what they can comfortably manage, and choose plans that suit the whole group.

If you are the maid of honour or chief bridesmaid, be transparent. Share rough costs per person before anyone commits. Collect money in advance so nobody is left chasing payments. And if one guest cannot afford the full share, quietly adjust the plan or cover the difference without making it obvious. The point is to celebrate the hen, not to put anyone in debt.

Remember that the hen's family sometimes contributes, especially parents, but that is their choice. There is no legal or fixed rule. What matters is that everyone feels included and no one feels taken advantage of.