03-05-2025
The rise of the 'pre-hen'! Brides-to-be are now hosting parties ahead of the official hen do - as a wedding expert warns of spiralling costs
For an increasing amount of bridal parties, bachelorettes are appearing to become more and more of a spectacle - both emotionally and financially.
But those who have been nominated to be part of a future 'wedding squad' may want to start saving up even more - for 'pre-hens' are now reportedly on the rise.
TikTok videos have shown a flurry of gatherings, curated ahead of the official celebrations, which feature drinks, nibbles and a quite night in with your girls ahead of the big party festivities that may include trips abroad, clubbing, and copious amounts of booze.
Elsewhere, stationery brands have been sharing customised keepsakes they've been commissioned to make for the day - from ornate welcome signs to mini-quizzes about the couple and drinks menus.
UK-based Ellis Warren took to her social media to gush about her 'pre-hen get together' with bridesmaids, ahead of their official trip to Paris.
Cocktail pitchers, goody bags and charcuterie boards were aplenty, as were printed out itineraries of their upcoming French getaway.
And Keavy from Scotland also shared a clip where loved ones made DIY food 'boards' for a 'pre-hen' ahead of a bachelorette party.
Meanwhile, Sophie, who got married last year was surprised with a Greek-themed 'hen-do warm-up'.
Rebecca Nowell, from Manchester also shared videos from a laid-back wine tasting 'pre-hen party' she hosted for a bestie, while Amanda Woodward, who's tying the knot this year, was also greeted with 'pre-hen' festivities from her 'bride squad'.
The trend certainly appears to be on the rise and ranges in formality, with many hosting chill evenings whilst others go out of their way to create customised invites for the event.
Speaking on the popular bridal forum, UK Brides, it has elicited largely positive reactions, with many excited to party.
'That is sweet if a little funny,' one shared. 'Hopefully it will not detract from the big night though.'
'That is funny, and you should have a lot of laughs, just make sure there is a big enough gap between the penultimate one and the real thing so you won't be too knackered, lol,' another added.
A third shared that they enjoyed the 'pre-hen' hosted by their friend, as it was 'a good way to get everyone together as we hadn't all met before'.
However, those taking part in future festivities may be worried about additional costs.
'A pre-hen is a smaller celebration, often held months, and sometimes years, ahead of the actual hen do and wedding,' Zoe Burke, wedding expert and Editor of told FEMAIL.
'They're a great way for those in the nearlyweds wedding party to meet and break the ice, and can also be super handy for the planning of the actual hen!
'But as the average cost of a wedding continues to rise (up 34 per cent since 2021, to £23,250), as well as the cost of attending a wedding, it's really important that those involved in the planning of a pre-hen are mindful of the costs.'
Zoe added that while getting together to 'prioritise fun and connection' is important, brides-to-be must make sure they're realistic about the budget.
'So many nearlyweds and their wedding parties are constantly taking in social media content that shows lavish celebrations, with detailed themes, but people will enjoy themselves more if they aren't worried about how much it's costing them,' she said.
'We're definitely noticing a growing interest at Hitched in more pared down, simple celebrations that prioritise smaller guest lists to keep costs manageable.
'It's all about striking the balance - making incredible memories without breaking the bank.'
It comes following reports that stag and hen dos are becoming increasingly lavish affairs as trips abroad are setting guests back £1,519 on average as of last May.
Partygoers are having to fork out eyewatering amounts of cash to attend celebrations outside the UK, with travel and flights alone costing on average £376, according to the money app Wise.
Guests travelling abroad were also found to splash out £396 on food and drink on average, as well as £385 on accommodation and £362 on activities.
Meanwhile, those who are a bit more strapped for cash, should look no further than the UK, with the average price for stag and hen do in Britain costing on average £854, almost half than what it would cost to travel abroad.
Stay at home brits typically end up spending just £200 on travel, £235 on accommodation, £211 on activities and £208 on food and beverages.
Wise also found, through a survey of 3,000 adults that, despite the eye watering costs 51 per cent of people said they would be willing to spend more money if they we able to participate in more cultured activities.
This might be wishful thinking however as just 39 per cent of people said they would choose a slightly more cultured itinerary while 17 per cent said they would keep it 'traditional' with the likes of exotic dancers and fancy.
A majority of people were also less concerned about keeping costs down, with just 43 per cent saying it would be a priority for them.
But setting a budget is also not always that easy as 30 per cent of people who had previously organised a stag or hen party found it to be one of the biggest challenges.
Setting a date for the event was also a challenge for 28 per cent of people who were surveyed.
Arun Tharmarajah, director of European payments at the app, commented: '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.'
'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.'
