The cost of a typical hen or stag weekend has ballooned to more than £300 as Brits find increasingly elaborate ways to celebrate their last days of freedom before tying the knot.
The research, by LateRooms.com, reveals just how far brides, grooms, their best men and maids of honour will go to mark the end of single life.
Furthermore, the research reveals a clear gender divide with people attending Stag dos spending £346.19 on average, compared with those attending Hen dos, who will spend £286.96. Stags were also more likely to splash out, with a smaller percentage (6%) admitting to spending over £1,000 on their mate’s final blowout.
Foreign trips with adrenaline-filled adventure elements – such as quad biking or paintballing – are top of the stag party agenda (56%), while for hHens indulgent relaxation activities – such as a spa break or cocktail making classes – were more likely (73%). But half (50%) of those attending stag or hen dos admitted that they dread the event, with their top fears including overspending at the event (38%), drinking games (33%) and being humiliated (32%).
Over a third of men revealed that they would happily swap typical stag activities such as zorbing or go-karting for a relaxed meal or even a spa break (38%), while a far greater number of women responded that they would much rather be doing something more adventurous on a Hen weekend (60%).
Having a skinful remains central to the celebration, with 36% of stags and 19% of hens admitting to drinking so much they had forgotten some or all of the proceedings. One in eight stags (15%) and one in 10 hens (9%) reported that they have attended an event where one or more of the party did not end up staying in the accommodation that had been booked.
Extended celebrations are becoming the norm, with 60% of Brits saying their perfect stag or hen do lasts longer than the traditional night out, with weekends away the most common preference (29%).
When it comes to modern etiquette, rules are common on stag and hen events (33%). Wearing matching team T-shirts or hats is likely to feature in one in eight events (13%), while one in 10 bride or groom-to-be’s are likely to be dressed up in a silly costume (9%). Two thirds (66%) invited a family member to their stag or hen event, with a fifth inviting their soon-to-be in-laws (23%) and a smaller percentage (4%) even inviting their future spouse.
