Four ways to plan the perfect hen-do without breaking the bank
CELEBRATING a bride-to-be’s last days as a single woman is a rite of passage.
But hen-do expenses can easily spiral out of control, adding extra pressure to squeezed budgets during the cost-of-living crisis.
If you’re putting together a bash for a bride, here’s how to curb costs . . .
LOCATION, LOCATION: Have budgets in mind when choosing where to celebrate.
For example, pricey used to be the most popular destination for partying, but has since overtaken the capital.
The Merseyside city offers a more purse-friendly night out, according to hen party company Fizzbox.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
Overnight board is a huge outlay, so base the party within striking distance of where most of the group live.
Ask hens if they would host others at their home, then bunk up to save.
You could organise a local breakfast the next morning to bring the group back together.
ALL DRESSED UP: If you are planning an outfit theme, choose one that is least likely to require additional spending.
Most read in Money
For example, all the hens dress in black while the bride-to-be is in white.
A GOOD VINTAGE: Hen-do sashes and other paraphernalia for the shindig get used just once.
So look for quality secondhand items on selling sites such as Facebook Marketplace. Find great vintage dresses at a snip on the likes of eBay.
GIRLS NIGHT IN: A big night out adds up. Instead, consider the ultimate girls night in. Decide on a cocktail menu and ask each hen to bring an ingredient.
Plan party games to play and throw some pizzas in the oven for easy and cheap food to serve a group.
A “butler in the buff” to serve drinks could be the cherry on the cake. Maybe you can even call in a favour from someone you know to take the role!
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
TIME to get riding with this Challenge Spectre mountain bike from Argos. It’s down from £180 to £144.
SAVE: £36
Cheap treat
PREPARE for sunny days with these rose gold aviator sunglasses, £5, Matalan.
What's new?
KEEP your feet extra comfy this summer with these rubbery quilted pool shoes, £9.99, new in at H&M.
They are available in pink, cream, black, yellow and light purple.
Top swap
SLATHER Nutella on toast for a chocolate and nutty treat. It’s £3.20 for a 350g pot from Tesco.
Or save with Aldi’s delicious Nutoka at £1.45 for a 400g jar.
SAVE: £1.75
Leah's little helper
DINING al-fresco? Keep bugs away from your grub with a mesh food cover.
Wilko sells a basic one for £2.50 or this pretty embroidered cover is £7.49 from Robert Dyas.
Shop & save
GIVE your tresses some TLC with this L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil nourishing hair mask, down from £6.99 to £3.49 at Boots.
SAVE: £3.50
Hot right now
SAVE up to £1.25 on faves from Iceland including pizza pockets and Magnums until May 15. Grab McCain fries for £2.25, were £3.50.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!