Hen and stag do cost splitter

There is no rule that says the bride or groom must pay for their own hen or stag do. Many groups split everything evenly. Some cover the guest of honour's food, drinks or activity. Others let them pay their own way.

Decide this before you book anything. Agree on a budget and a payment plan so no one feels pressured. Ask each person what they can afford to spend. It is kinder to say this early than to sort it out after the bill arrives.

• Agree who pays for the guest of honour before you book.
• Keep receipts and note who paid for what.
• Decide how you will collect money, such as a group chat or bank transfer.

In most groups the guests cover the guest of honour's costs. This is common for the main activity, accommodation and group meals. It is less common for personal spending, such as a solo drink, extra shopping or a taxi home.

You may prefer a different split. Perhaps the whole group pays for the activity but the guest of honour pays for their own food. Or everyone shares everything. There is no right or wrong answer, only what your group agrees on.

• Tell the guest of honour clearly what is covered.
• Be open if their costs change after you have booked.
• Use this tool to show the split so everyone sees the same numbers.

Fairness comes from clear choices, not from guessing. Write down every cost, who paid it and which group it belongs to. Then choose whether the guest of honour pays their own share or not.

Check the maths before you ask anyone for money. If someone has already paid for a deposit, make sure the tool records that so they are not asked to pay again. If someone cannot afford their share, decide together how to adjust it rather than chasing them.

• Note who paid upfront so repayments are correct.
• Update the list if someone drops out or a cost changes.
• Share the final totals with the group so everyone agrees.