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WEDDING FEVER

Planning a stag or hen do on a budget? Swap Ibiza and Las Vegas for these cheaper holiday destinations

hen do

HEADING abroad for a stag or hen can be incredibly costly.

The average person now forks out a huge £507 per event, meaning they often can't afford to go on any other holidays that year.

 The average hen or stag do now costs £500... but you can still head oversees without breaking the budget
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The average hen or stag do now costs £500... but you can still head oversees without breaking the budgetCredit: Getty Images

If spiralling costs have got any brides or grooms-to-be panicking their friends will drop out of the big weekend away - you may want to check out this guide to the best budget destinations.

Whether you're looking to party with your mates, check out local casinos, shop 'til you drop, visit the spa or head to the beach - avoid the cliched destinations and head to these resorts instead.

The pound stretchers at advise heading off the beaten track to party in Croatia, ski in Bulgaria and shop in Lisbon. Here are their other top tips...

 If you're after a clubbing holiday, avoid expensive Ibiza (pictured, San Antonio)
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If you're after a clubbing holiday, avoid expensive Ibiza (pictured, San Antonio)Credit: Getty Images
 Head to Croatia's Dubrovnik instead
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Head to Croatia's Dubrovnik insteadCredit: Getty Images

1. The sunny break

If you don't fancy spending £40 - £60 on club entry, swap the white isle of Ibiza for Croatia's Dubrovnik.

Heading out of the Euro zone will save you a few pennies.

2. Gambling hot spot

Las Vegas, USA, is still seen as the pinnacle of stag dos for many men.

 Las Vegas is seen as the glamorous home of casinos
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Las Vegas is seen as the glamorous home of casinosCredit: Getty Images
 But Monaco offers the same glitz without the long haul flight
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But Monaco offers the same glitz without the long haul flightCredit: Getty Images

But the huge cost of flights and hotel rooms mean this is a costly weekend even before those inevitable gambling losses are factored in.

Monaco, in the south of France, offers the glitz and glamour of Vegas without an expensive long-haul flight.

3. Shopping trip

 Avoid Barcelona for shopping and beach breaks
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Avoid Barcelona for shopping and beach breaksCredit: Getty Images
 Lisbon offers all the same stuff at a fraction of the price
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Lisbon offers all the same stuff at a fraction of the priceCredit: Getty Images

Barcelona, Spain, is seen as the ultimate shopping destination for fashionable hens.

However Portugal's Lisbon, which is known for being one of the cheapest capital cities in western Europe, also offers the perfect mix of shops, bars and beaches.

4. Looking to unwind?

Tuscany has a reputation as one of Europe's best spa destinations, partly thanks to Italy's stunning countryside, but it doesn't come cheap.

Budapest, in Hungary, has dozens of natural spas and springs - and the city offers much more reasonably priced spa and massage experiences.

 Avoid Italy's Tuscany for spa breaks...
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Avoid Italy's Tuscany for spa breaks...Credit: Getty Images
 And head to Hungary instead
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And head to Hungary insteadCredit: Getty Images

5. Lads' long weekend

Dublin is one of our closest neighbours, meaning many blokes still jet off to Ireland to celebrate their last weekend of freedom.

But with Dublin prices pretty much matching those in London, the new stag do hub of Bratislava, Slovakia, is a cheaper bet.

 Dublin may be a short flight away, but it's just as expensive as London is
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Dublin may be a short flight away, but it's just as expensive as London isCredit: Getty Images
 Head to the new stag do hub of Bratislava instead
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Head to the new stag do hub of Bratislava insteadCredit: Getty Images

It's fast becoming a popular stag do destination and, despite slightly pricier flights, you'll save on beer and room rates.

6. Skiing holiday

Many people head to the French Alps for their stag and hen dos, but did you know Bulgaria offers a similar experience?

Head to Bankso for good slopes, cheap food and affordable ski passes. Your bridal party will thank you!

 Avoid the French Alps for skiing breaks
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Avoid the French Alps for skiing breaksCredit: Getty Images
 Bulgaria offers fantastic slopes and cheap skiing breaks
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Bulgaria offers fantastic slopes and cheap skiing breaksCredit: Getty Images

Spokesman Darren Williams said: “The stag and hen party has been an essential part of getting married for brides and grooms for decades... and the cost of these holidays can quickly begin to skyrocket.

“You don’t have to spend big abroad to get a truly memorable stag or hen do, and you’ll find that if you shop around you can get some great deals.

“Everybody wants their stag and hen do to be memorable, but just because you want to see out single life in style doesn’t mean you should break the bank.”

Savvy brides should head to Topshop for their wedding lingerie, while shops like Boohoo and Dorothy Perkins offer purse-friendly bridal gowns.