The average hen or stag party abroad now costs more than £1,500 per person, a study has found.
Guests are typically forking out £376 on travel and flights, £362 on activities, £385 on accommodation, and £396 on food and drink.
And those attending a do in the UK expect to spend £854 - £200 travel, £235 on digs, £211 on activities and £208 on booze and meals.
While 51 per cent would be willing to fork out more money if they were offered the chance to do more cultured activities.
But 43 per cent admit if they were planning a stag or hen, making it cost effective would be a top priority.
The survey of 3,000 adults was commissioned by international money app Wise, which has launched a helpline [wise.com/staghenhelpline] fronted by actor Joe Thomas, who played Simon in the hit comedy show The Inbetweeners, to advise on cultured stag or hen events without breaking the bank.
The comedian will be helping out brides and grooms-to-be with their pre-wedding party issues, including how to avoid a ‘sten’ do - where the stag and hen parties are combined - and how to tastefully exit the inevitable WhatsApp group after the event.
Arun Tharmarajah, director of European payments at the app, said: "Stag and hen parties have definitely had an ‘upgrade’ in recent years but this can come at a cost - plus throw up all kinds of dilemmas.
“It’s particularly tricky for older best men, bridesmaids and guests who are organising and attending these more ‘grown up’ events.
“Joe will answer all kinds of questions from ‘how do I convert my pounds to euros and split that between 18 people?’ to ‘what’s the best destination for a more suave and sophisticated stag?’
“Our research shows that as you get older – and particularly when you’re in that sweet spot of stags, between 25-44, when everyone seems to get married – your tastes in these events do change.”
The study also identified what those polled would look to do on a stag or hen do of their own.
Almost a fifth (17 per cent) would opt for a ‘traditional’ affair – featuring exotic dancers and fancy dress, while 39 per cent would choose something slightly more cultured.
While 23 per cent of those aged 35-44 would be keen for a completely sober stag or hen – so they could remember it better.
When it comes to top foreign destinations, Barcelona, Ibiza, Berlin, Amsterdam and Santorini topped the wish list.
But 35 per cent reckon expectations for these trips have gone up massively in recent years, with those aged 45 and above most likely to feel this way.
And while 71 per cent of over 55s consider stag or hen dos an activity for younger people, only 34 per cent of under 35s feel the same way, according to the OnePoll data.
The poll also found setting a budget that suits everyone was the top struggle for 30 per cent of those who have had to organise a stag or hen party in the past.
While28 per cent had difficulty finding a date that worked for everyone invited.
Guests are typically forking out £376 on travel and flights, £362 on activities, £385 on accommodation, and £396 on food and drink.
And those attending a do in the UK expect to spend £854 - £200 travel, £235 on digs, £211 on activities and £208 on booze and meals.
While 51 per cent would be willing to fork out more money if they were offered the chance to do more cultured activities.
But 43 per cent admit if they were planning a stag or hen, making it cost effective would be a top priority.
The survey of 3,000 adults was commissioned by international money app Wise, which has launched a helpline [wise.com/staghenhelpline] fronted by actor Joe Thomas, who played Simon in the hit comedy show The Inbetweeners, to advise on cultured stag or hen events without breaking the bank.
The comedian will be helping out brides and grooms-to-be with their pre-wedding party issues, including how to avoid a ‘sten’ do - where the stag and hen parties are combined - and how to tastefully exit the inevitable WhatsApp group after the event.
Arun Tharmarajah, director of European payments at the app, said: "Stag and hen parties have definitely had an ‘upgrade’ in recent years but this can come at a cost - plus throw up all kinds of dilemmas.
“It’s particularly tricky for older best men, bridesmaids and guests who are organising and attending these more ‘grown up’ events.
“Joe will answer all kinds of questions from ‘how do I convert my pounds to euros and split that between 18 people?’ to ‘what’s the best destination for a more suave and sophisticated stag?’
“Our research shows that as you get older – and particularly when you’re in that sweet spot of stags, between 25-44, when everyone seems to get married – your tastes in these events do change.”
The study also identified what those polled would look to do on a stag or hen do of their own.
Almost a fifth (17 per cent) would opt for a ‘traditional’ affair – featuring exotic dancers and fancy dress, while 39 per cent would choose something slightly more cultured.
While 23 per cent of those aged 35-44 would be keen for a completely sober stag or hen – so they could remember it better.
When it comes to top foreign destinations, Barcelona, Ibiza, Berlin, Amsterdam and Santorini topped the wish list.
But 35 per cent reckon expectations for these trips have gone up massively in recent years, with those aged 45 and above most likely to feel this way.
And while 71 per cent of over 55s consider stag or hen dos an activity for younger people, only 34 per cent of under 35s feel the same way, according to the OnePoll data.
The poll also found setting a budget that suits everyone was the top struggle for 30 per cent of those who have had to organise a stag or hen party in the past.
While28 per cent had difficulty finding a date that worked for everyone invited.
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FunTranscript
00:00You having a stag do? Fun! How much is it gonna cost? Four days annual leave. No, no,
00:09no, no problem. That's great. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Put me in a room with Smelly Bob.
00:14Ah, stag and hen do's. They sound great, don't they? Until they're costing you a month's
00:22salary, all your annual leave, and more often than not, a fair portion of your dignity.
00:28Look at them. Poor sods. But as we get older and wiser, we start to crave a little more
00:34refinement, shall we say. Less Benidorm, more Bordeaux. But this opens up a whole new can
00:43of worms. With so many places and activities to choose from, it's hard to know where to
00:48go or what to do, and it also entirely depends on your bank balance. I've teamed up with
00:52Wise to bring you the stag and hen helpline. Consider me a mix between a travel agent
00:58and an unofficial therapist. Whether it's where to go, what to do, how to tell the bride's
01:04cousin Sarah she needs to call it on the group chat, or you'll end up leaving her behind
01:07at Heathrow. Sarah, you've made it abundantly clear this is the only break you'll get away
01:12from Steve and the kids, but no, we're not getting a stripper.
01:18The first word you need to learn is no. That's £5.99. No. No Nigel. No one wants the stage
01:25of pretend kidnapping of the groom for £200 a head. No one wants to be the poo in the
01:30pool. But have a voice, take your time, think about it, don't be a yes person. It's your
01:37holiday too. Things are getting out of hand and you're feeling the pressure. You're now
01:42in a WhatsApp group called Español 2025 with 15 people you don't know, a bit of £500
01:48to pay before the 30th, and a woman called Julie who contributes nothing but asks daily
01:53if anyone is bringing hair straighteners. Step back, look at the options and speak up.
01:59A silent voice means you lose control. And Julie, if you're that concerned, bring your
02:03own. Sorry mate, can I just... Be upfront about your preferences. If you'd rather not
02:10spaff a grand and five days annual leave on some tragic or inclusive, say so. Speak
02:15up, make suggestions, elevate your own experience as well as theirs. At Keith, we want crisp
02:21cold rosé as pale as an onion's skin, not pints and peanuts at an Irish bar in Cabos.
02:27Comprende? And don't be afraid to have conversations outside the group chat. Keep control.
02:38Of course, we're all learning and no one's perfected how to really nail a pre-nuptial
02:42party. But if you do need help, and let's face it, you do, give us a call on our Stag
02:48and Hen helpline. What is it? It's not a bridesmaid in trouble, is it? Has she got sash rash?
02:56I'm really sorry, I've got to go and help.