CELEBRATING a bride-to-be’s last days as a single woman is a rite of passage.
But hen-do expenses can easily spiral out of control, adding extra pressure to squeezed budgets during the cost-of-living crisis.
If you’re putting together a bash for a bride, here’s how to curb costs . . .
LOCATION, LOCATION: Have budgets in mind when choosing where to celebrate.
For example, pricey London used to be the most popular destination for partying, but Liverpool has since overtaken the capital.
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The Merseyside city offers a more purse-friendly night out, according to hen party company Fizzbox.
Overnight board is a huge outlay, so base the party within striking distance of where most of the group live.
Ask hens if they would host others at their home, then bunk up to save.
You could organise a local breakfast the next morning to bring the group back together.
ALL DRESSED UP: If you are planning an outfit theme, choose one that is least likely to require additional spending.
For example, all the hens dress in black while the bride-to-be is in white.
A GOOD VINTAGE: Hen-do sashes and other paraphernalia for the shindig get used just once.
So look for quality secondhand items on selling sites such as Facebook Marketplace. Find great vintage dresses at a snip on the likes of eBay.
GIRLS NIGHT IN: A big night out adds up. Instead, consider the ultimate girls night in. Decide on a cocktail menu and ask each hen to bring an ingredient.
Plan party games to play and throw some pizzas in the oven for easy and cheap food to serve a group.
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A “butler in the buff” to serve drinks could be the cherry on the cake. Maybe you can even call in a favour from someone you know to take the role!
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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