Verdicts
Is it tight to turn down a hen do abroad?

Am I being tight?Weddings and celebrationsFrom the Vouchernaut deskThursday 29 October

Is it tight to turn down a hen do abroad?

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Our note

On 23 September, LBC reported that Ryanair's chief executive, Michael O'Leary, expected fares into summer 2027 to rise materially because of higher oil prices. A hen do abroad brings accommodation, food and other costs as well as flights.

The fullest cost comparison I found comes from an Aviva survey in 2023 of 992 UK adults who had attended someone else's stag or hen do. A do abroad averaged £1,208 per person, against £779 in the UK. The abroad figure included £228 for accommodation, £200 for food and drink, £184 for travel and £157 for gifts. About a third of those surveyed had turned down an invitation; four in five of that group cited cost.

Debrett's advice on hen parties says costs, including the bride's share, should be agreed in advance and divided between guests. It also says an expensive weekend abroad may be beyond some guests and that declining is acceptable if you explain honestly. The invitation and the friendship matter, but so does the full cost you have been asked to take on.