HOW TO THROW A HEN DO ON A BUDGET!

The average cost of going to a hen do is anything up to £507 per person! But you can give your bestie an epic send-off without landing yourself in debt in the process...

Once upon a O time, hen do’s consisted of a few drinks or a meal out with a few cheeky willy straws thrown in for good measure. But now they’re more likely to be fullblown holidays, complete with swanky apartment, fun activities and clubbing. However, whether you’re attending or planning a hen, you can save cash while still enjoying an awesome bash!

BOOK EARLY

Book next year’s venue now for the best deal. “Most venues bump up prices in peak months like June to September, and lower them in less popular months. How much does the date matter? If you can pick a different month, you could save a fortune,” says Debs Vickers, finance expert on moneyguru.com.

DON’T MISS CASHBACK

“If you do go away, book flights and accommodation through a cashback site,” says Abigail Yearly, from Topcashback. co.uk. “You can earn money back with hundreds of travel retailers, including 12% cashback at Expedia and 8% at Lastminute.com.” Compare Airbnb and budget hotels too, who often sign you up to their priority schemes when you make a big booking.

BARTER WITH BARS

“Haggle the cost of a booth or a drinks package,” says Abigail. “It’s easier to get a good deal when the bar owners know you’re celebrating and will be putting money behind their bar. And if you’re going for a meal, choose a BYO [bring your own] restaurant.” Also, think about throwing a “Sten”– combined hen and stag do – as the more people, the better the discounts.

HOST AT HOME

Cut accommodation costs by hosting at home. “Create a mini festival in the garden,” suggests Darren Williams from Promotionalcodes.org. uk. “Decorate with bunting and blankets and make a playlist of the bride’s favourite tracks. Hire beauty therapists and have pamper stations offering massages, manis, pedis and facials.” Try apps blow LTD, BEYOU and Urban Massage. Sporty hen? Play “sports day” games, too.

DIY THE DECORATIONS

“Make a selfie wall by tying lengths of coloured ribbon to the washing line” says Kate Beavis, owner of blog Magpiewedding.com. “Or make personalised bunting; design colourful triangles on Powerpoint with letters spelling ‘Team Bride’. Print, hole punch the top corners, then thread.”

TRY WINE TASTING

Forget expensive cocktailmaking or wine-tasting classes. “Do your own research and impress your cheese and wineloving hens,” says Samantha Cross from i heart Wines. “Make scorecards and ask each hen to bring along a different cheese. If your hens love fizz, try prosecco tasting instead.”