How far in advance should you plan a hen do?

Start three to six months ahead for a weekend away, so you can book a house and give people time to save. A night out locally needs less notice.

Who pays for the bride on a hen do?

Usually the group splits the bride’s share between them. Say so when you share the budget, so it’s not a surprise.

Guides

How to plan a hen do: a step-by-step guide for the organiser

6 min read · Updated 30 October 2026

Organising a hen do is part event planner, part treasurer, part diplomat. These steps work just as well for a stag do.

Start with the person it’s for

Ask (or ask their partner) what they’d actually enjoy: a weekend away or a single night, a spa or a big night out, the whole group or a few close friends. Check what they’d rather avoid, too. It’s their weekend, not the group’s.

The steps

Agree a budget earlyBefore you book anything, set a rough per-person cost and share it. Money is the biggest source of hen do tension.
Pick a dateUsually one to three months before the wedding. Offer two or three options and go with the one most of the key people can make.
Confirm the guest listWith the bride or their partner, so nobody important is missed and nobody unexpected is added.
Choose where and book the big thingsThe house or hotel and the main activity first; they sell out. Then dinner and anything else.
Share one planPut the itinerary, the address, the costs and what to bring in one place, not scattered through a group chat.
Collect money in stagesA deposit to confirm a place, then the balance a few weeks before. Keep a clear record of who’s paid.
Ask the practical questionsWhich nights people are coming for, dietary needs, travel times and room preferences.

Keeping the group chat under control

Group chats are great for excitement and terrible for logistics. Keep decisions and details in one shared plan, and use the chat for the fun. When someone asks “what time is dinner?”, you can send the link.

If the bride shouldn’t see everything

Keep surprises off anything they can see. An invite-only site lets you share the full plan with the group and keep it away from the guest of honour.