Why not get everyone down to the local pub or restaurant? Dress the place up and make it special but on a budget. It’s all about showing the bride you care and that you want to celebrate her love. REPURPOSE YOUR WARDROBE When a hen do becomes more than just a night out and into a three-day weekend at some fancy house, you naturally start to panic about what you’re going to wear. The knee-jerk reaction is to buy all new outfits but try to avoid this! You’ll be surprised at what’s lurking in your wardrobe. The key is to pack versatile pieces that can be easily worn for different activities. A floral or printed midi dress can go from daytime sightseeing to dinner with a change of shoes and accessories. You may also want to consider light layers that can transition from warm days to cooler evenings. Items such as leggings, jumpers and the classic white tee are great staples to bring with you. TAKE THE HEN DO ABROAD At first glance, a hen do abroad sounds like a dream! You get to bask in the sunshine with your best friends and soak up cocktails by the pool – but how does this look on the budget? Most people have a personal vacation every year, so how can you budget for two holidays and not live in constant stress? If you can, look at supporting the planning process, this way you can have a say in the accommodation options, activities and transport. You can research and suggest all-inclusive resorts that offer meals, drinks, and activities within the package price. Instead of collectively deciding on expensive tourist restaurants, explore local markets and street food stalls for a budget-friendly and authentic experience. This is another occasion where booking in advance should save you a few pennies! MONEY SAVING TIPS Get out a pen and paper and break the hen do down into smaller parts, allocating budget to each to see if it makes financial sense. If money is an issue, don’t be afraid to express that, be realistic with yourself and the bride. Overall, understand what you can afford to do, and remember that money comes back, but opportunities like this don’t. The primary goal of a hen do is to celebrate the bride-to-be; by being smart with your spending and prioritising shared experiences, you can create a truly memorable hen do without breaking the bank. HEN DO HACKS 75
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