Ladies - when did Hen Dos become such a massive deal that they require us to fork out our life savings for such pleasures as unwanted manicures, pruned hands, small talk, awkward room sharing issues and overpriced cocktails in musty clubs?
I've been asked to pay £200 for a weekend in a house in the country. There are about 20 girls so we're talking a total of £4000).
Price includes entry to a spa with one glass of champagne and a 30 min massage, the house (shared rooms - some will have sofa beds only) for 2 nights, some food and a few bottles of bubbles on the first night and possibly transport to a meal on the second night. It does not include transport there and back, a meal out on the second night, food/drink at the spa, any other drinks on either night (a night out is planned), transport back from a night out (to the middle of nowhere...) or anything for the final day when people will leave around afternoon-time. So overall, I think we're looking at £350 or so before I have even attended the wedding.
To make matters worse I am unlikely to make it until about midnight on the first night as I live further away than anyone. So said bubbles and food is unlikely to be waiting for me. This has been mentioned and conveniently ignored.
Not going is not an option, btw, as this is DH's DSis and he is very keen that I go. DH is actually paying for half of it because I got so angry about the assumption that I have so much money to just spare!
A friend has just informed me that she has also been asked to cough up £250 for a different hen weekend in the country with a similar set up, though I understand that food is included at that one.
Neither bride knows about these hen dos - they are to be surprises.
Why is this now the norm? My theory is that hens are always organised by chief bridesmaids, who are best friends or sisters of the bride... to them the wedding will be the biggest event of the year as its their bestie or sister, so they want the full works. However, they never seem to consider the rest of us poor schleps who end up spending obscene amounts of money for something that, actually, isn't anywhere near as huge an event in our lives...
AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHH