Who pays for the hen do? Usually the hens: they split the costs equally and cover the bride’s share between them, so she pays nothing. It’s most often organised by the maid of honour with friends or the bride’s sister, a few weeks before the wedding.
These are customs, not strict rules – every group does it a little differently. Below you’ll find the most common options, cost-splitting examples and tips on choosing a date. We’ve run Bumper Ball games in Krakow for years, hen dos included, so we know these questions from experience.
Who organises the hen do?
Usually the maid of honour – a natural extension of her role, as she’s already close to the wedding preparations. But she rarely does it all alone: friends, the bride’s sister or a cousin help out. Divide the jobs straight away – one person handles the money, another the programme and bookings, a third the surprises.
It can work differently, too. If the maid of honour lives abroad or in another city, someone local takes over while she coordinates remotely. Sometimes the bride organises her own hen do because she likes being in control or has a very specific vision – then she usually sets the budget too.
Should the bride know what’s in store?
Three approaches work in practice. With a full surprise, the bride finds out everything on the day – good if she loves spontaneity. With a partial surprise she knows the date and guest list, but the programme stays secret. With co-organising, she picks the activities herself and the maid of honour handles the logistics.
The middle option usually works best. Even with a full surprise, discreetly ask what the bride definitely doesn’t want – neither she nor the guests should feel awkward.
Who pays for the hen do?
The usual convention is simple: shared costs are split equally between all the hens except the bride. They typically include the activities, the bride’s dinner, decorations and small accessories. Club drinks and accommodation are often paid individually – agree on this at the start.
An example: a group of 10, bride included, chooses bubble football with a hall at €22 per person, which is €220 in total. Nine of them pay, so each puts in just under €24.50. With the VIP package at €28 per person (€280 in total), each of the nine pays just over €31, and the group also gets a game host and referee, souvenir photos, water for everyone and a professional warm-up. Current packages and add-ons are in our Bumper Ball price list.
Ways to split the costs
| Model | How it works | When it works best |
|---|---|---|
| Equal split, bride goes free | Shared costs split between all hens except the bride | When everyone does the same programme |
| Shared activities, the rest separate | Activities and the bride’s share paid together; drinks and travel paid individually | When the night ends at a club |
| Core plus optional extras | Everyone chips in for the main activity; extras are optional | When budgets in the group vary a lot |
| The bride contributes | The bride pays for, e.g., accommodation or dinner; the rest is split | When she’s organising it or it’s a trip away |
How do you talk about money without it getting awkward?
Money can easily cause friction, so agree a few ground rules from the start:
- set the budget before booking anything, and give the per-person amount with what it covers,
- ask what people can afford in an anonymous poll with price ranges – nobody has to explain themselves in public,
- set payment deadlines and stick to them, as many bookings are paid in advance,
- agree what happens if someone drops out at the last minute,
- invite anyone on a tighter budget to join just part of it, e.g. only the dinner.
Let’s price your bubble football match
Tell us your numbers and date, and we’ll send a per-person quote – it makes the kitty easier to work out. We reply within 24 hours.
Get a quotePrefer to call? +48 509 196 229 – Sylwester. We reply within 24 hours.
When should you hold the hen do?
Traditionally, the hen do takes place a few weeks before the wedding. That gives the bride time to recover and avoids a clash with last-minute jobs such as dress fittings, the hair trial or final details with the venue. The last weekend before the wedding is risky – tiredness and stress make poor party guests.
When choosing a date, consider:
- the bride’s and key guests’ calendars,
- travel for out-of-towners – the further away they live, the more sense a weekend makes,
- the season – in summer, water and the outdoors are tempting; in winter, indoor activities,
- availability – Saturdays in wedding season get booked up fast, so book ahead.
Which day and what time of day?
Saturday is usually the most convenient: the day for an activity, the evening for the party and Sunday for recovering. If you’re planning something active, schedule it for early afternoon, before dinner – bubble football is played sober. In summer we advise against playing in the midday sun, so on hot days a hall is the better choice.
A weekend instead of one night, or a joint party with the stag do
Some groups turn one night into a whole weekend: an activity and a party on Saturday, a relaxed brunch on Sunday. Others join forces with the groom’s crew, and a hens-versus-stags bubble football match can become the highlight of the day. We explain how to plan it in our article on a joint hen and stag party.
Unusual situations – who pays and when to celebrate?
Customs work for a typical group, but life likes complications. Here are a few situations where it’s worth agreeing the rules separately:
- A trip to another city. Everyone usually pays for her own travel and accommodation, while the activities and the bride’s share go into the kitty. If you’re coming to Krakow, we can arrange transport from your hotel to the match and back.
- Two hen dos. Sometimes the bride celebrates separately with her friends and with her colleagues. Each group pays for its own party, and the bride is a guest at both.
- A pregnant bride. Choose the date with her and build the programme around calmer activities, such as a spa, workshops or a dinner. Bubble football is out – save it for the first anniversary.
- A wedding far from where you live. Hold the hen do where most of the guests live – then fewer people have to pay for travel.
- Family want to chip in. If the bride’s mum or sister offers to pay for, say, the dinner, accept it as a kind gesture, not a new rule.
What’s down to the maid of honour and what’s down to the bride?
A quick division of responsibilities that helps avoid misunderstandings:
- maid of honour – the date (after consulting the bride), the kitty and settling up, bookings, the plan for the day, surprises,
- bride – the guest list, boundaries (“I definitely don’t want that”), approving the date,
- hens – paying on time, helping with the surprises and bringing good energy on the day.
The full task list is in our guide on how to plan a hen do, and programme inspiration in our round-up of hen party ideas in Krakow. For something active, see bubble football for hen parties in Krakow – we deliver the balls free within 15 km of Krakow city centre and can book a hall if needed.
Pick a date for your bubble football match
A match before dinner is a great start to a hen do. Tell us when you’re planning the party and we’ll check which dates are free.
Check availabilityPrefer to call? +48 509 196 229 – Sylwester. We reply within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the bride pay for her own hen do?
Usually not – the other hens cover her share. If she offers to pay for something, feel free to accept – it’s her choice, not an obligation.
Does the maid of honour pay the same as everyone else?
Yes – organising is contribution enough, so she shouldn’t pay more than the others. If she’s paid for things upfront, settle up with her quickly.
How many weeks before the wedding should the hen do be?
A good window is 2–6 weeks before the wedding: close enough to feel the wedding buzz and far enough away for the bride to recover. Fit the final date around her calendar.
Who sends out the hen do invitations?
Usually the maid of honour, but only once the bride has approved the guest list. The simplest option is a group chat where you share the date, budget and payment deadline straight away.
