The 2025 Stag and Hen Industry Report

A Comprehensive Analysis of the UK Stag and Hen Weekend Market (2022-2025)

Executive Summary

The UK stag and hen weekend industry represents a significant and evolving sector of the pre-wedding celebrations market. Based on comprehensive booking data analysis covering nearly a quarter of a million participants between January 2022 and November 2025, this report reveals fundamental shifts in consumer behaviour, spending patterns, and destination preferences.

Key Findings:

The market experienced explosive growth in 2023, followed by a quality-focused stabilisation prioritising premium experiences over volume
Per-person spending increased by 42.8% from 2022 to 2025, significantly outpacing inflation
International destinations now account for just over half of all bookings, with highly significant price premiums over UK destinations
Stag weekends dominate at 85.5% of market bookings, with hen weekends representing 13.6%
Belfast, Bucharest, and Albufeira emerge as the fastest-growing destinations, while traditional UK coastal towns decline
The 3-day weekend has become the industry standard, accounting for nearly half of all bookings
Benidorm experiences the highest concentration of stag/hen visitors relative to population size—over 740 visitors per 10,000 residents annually

Market Size and Economic Impact

Estimating the Total UK Market

In 2022, there were 248,919 marriages in England and Wales, with numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels. The average UK wedding in 2023-2024 cost between £20,700-£25,000 with guest lists averaging 83-89 people.

Using conservative estimates that 70-75% of weddings involve a stag and/or hen celebration, and accounting for Scotland and Northern Ireland weddings:

Estimated Annual Market (UK-wide):

Approximate events per year: 175,000-210,000 celebrations
Participants annually: 2.2-2.7 million people
Average spend per person: £190-220 (including accommodation, activities, food & drink)
Estimated total market value: £420-595 million annually

This analysis suggests the stag and hen weekend sector represents a significant £400-600 million industry in the UK, supporting thousands of jobs across hospitality, travel, activities, and event management sectors.

Economic Value to Destinations

Beyond direct booking revenues, stag and hen groups generate substantial economic activity through:

Additional spending: Estimated £50-100 per person per day on unbooked activities, drinks, meals, and incidentals
Transport: Taxis, Ubers, public transport within destinations
Retail: Fancy dress, accessories, souvenirs
Extended impact: Some participants extend stays for tourism

Total Economic Contribution Per Person: When including flights (£100-300 average for European destinations), local spending, and extras, the typical international stag/hen participant contributes £400-550 to destination economies, while UK participants contribute £300-450.

Destination Saturation Analysis

Some destinations experience remarkably high concentrations of stag and hen visitors:

Highest Concentration (Annual visitors per 10,000 residents):

Benidorm: 740.8 visitors per 10k residents
Albufeira: 588.5 visitors per 10k residents
Newcastle: 125.4 visitors per 10k residents
Bournemouth: 106.5 visitors per 10k residents
Liverpool: 82.0 visitors per 10k residents
Brighton: 79.6 visitors per 10k residents

In contrast, larger cities absorb stag/hen groups more easily:

London: 2.1 visitors per 10k residents
Barcelona: 9.3 visitors per 10k residents
Birmingham: 8.3 visitors per 10k residents

This concentration creates both opportunities and challenges. Destinations like Benidorm and Albufeira have built specialized infrastructure, but smaller UK cities face potential saturation issues with complaints from residents about weekend disruption.

The Premiumisation Trend

Rising Per-Person Investment

The most significant finding in our analysis is the consistent upward trajectory in per-person spending:

Per-Person Spend (Excluding Flights):

2022: £152 per person
2023: £187 per person (+23%)
2024: £206 per person (+10%)
2025: £217 per person (+5%)

This 42.8% total increase significantly outpaces UK inflation over the same period (approximately 20-22%), indicating a fundamental shift toward quality experiences rather than budget celebrations.

True All-Inclusive Costs

When accounting for the full cost of a typical stag or hen weekend:

UK Domestic Weekend (3 days):

Booked package: £172-191 per person average
Additional drinks/meals: £80-120
Transport (trains/taxis): £30-60
Accessories/fancy dress: £20-40
Total cost: £300-410 per person

International Weekend (3 days):

Booked package: £210-255 per person average
Return flights: £100-300
Additional drinks/meals: £100-150
Local transport: £20-40
Accessories/fancy dress: £20-40
Total cost: £450-785 per person

These all-inclusive figures demonstrate that participants are investing £300-800 on their celebrations, making it a genuine premium experience comparable to a short holiday.

Drivers of Premiumisation

Several factors drive the increase in spending:

Delayed weddings from pandemic mean older, more affluent participants
Instagram economy - demand for shareable, impressive experiences
Experience over things - cultural shift in discretionary spending priorities
Quality accommodation - groups preferring comfort over budget hostels
Multiple activities - average bookings now include 3-4 organised experiences

Stag Weekends: The Dominant Segment

Market Share and Characteristics

Stag weekends represent 85.5% of all bookings, establishing clear dominance in the pre-wedding celebrations market.

Stag Weekend Profile:

Market share: 85.5% of bookings
Average cost per person: £200.36
Average group size: 13.1 people
Average duration: 3.03 days
UK vs International split: 48% UK / 52% International

Spending Patterns

Statistical analysis reveals a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) between stag and hen spending, with stag parties spending 47% more per person (£200 vs £136). This substantial difference reflects:

Longer trips: Stag weekends average 3.03 days vs 2.45 days for hen parties
More activities: Higher uptake of premium experiences like karting, target shooting
International preference: 52% of stag parties travel internationally vs 48% domestic
Alcohol spending: Higher bar/club expenditure in male groups

Group Size Dynamics

Stag parties maintain larger group sizes than hen parties (13.1 vs 12.1 people), with interesting geographic variations:

Stag Group Sizes:

UK destinations: 12.6 people average
International destinations: 13.5 people average

The larger international groups suggest that the "big trip abroad" mentality encourages broader participation, with international destinations viewed as more worthy of extensive invitations.

Hen Weekends: The Growing Segment

Market Share and Characteristics

Hen weekends represent 13.6% of bookings, a significant minority with distinct characteristics and strong growth potential.

Hen Weekend Profile:

Market share: 13.6% of bookings
Average cost per person: £136.21
Average group size: 12.1 people
Average duration: 2.45 days
UK vs International split: 54% UK / 46% International

The UK Preference

Unlike stag parties (which favour international destinations 52-48%), hen parties show a 54% preference for UK destinations. This reflects:

Budget consciousness: Lower average spend per person
Convenience: Easier coordination for diverse groups
Shorter durations: 2.45-day averages suit UK weekend breaks
Activity preferences: Strong UK infrastructure for spa, afternoon tea, cocktail making

Group Size Dynamics

Hen parties show an interesting inverse pattern to stag parties:

Hen Group Sizes:

UK destinations: 12.3 people average
International destinations: 11.3 people average

Smaller international groups suggest hen parties may be more selective about participants for foreign trips, potentially due to budget considerations or the desire for more intimate celebrations abroad.

Destination Trends: Emerging and Declining

The Rising Stars

Analysis comparing 2022-2023 bookings against 2024-2025 reveals significant growth in specific destinations:

Top 5 Emerging Destinations:

Belfast: +3400% growth
- Post-conflict transformation attracting new audiences
- Competitive pricing and direct flights
- Vibrant Cathedral Quarter and nightlife scene
Bucharest: +141% growth
- Romania's capital gaining recognition for value
- Unique experiences (thermal spas, Old Town)
- Significantly cheaper than Western European alternatives
Albufeira: +120% growth
- Portuguese Algarve town combining beaches with nightlife
- The Strip offers concentrated party atmosphere
- Year-round sunshine appeals to all seasons
Bratislava: +108% growth
- Slovak capital emerging as Prague alternative
- Castle views and affordable beer culture
- Easy access from Vienna for combined trips
Riga: +91% growth
- Latvia's capital offering Soviet history and nightlife
- Art Nouveau architecture and unique atmosphere
- Excellent value for money

The Declining Destinations

Traditional UK destinations face significant challenges:

Top 5 Declining Destinations:

York: -53% decline
- Historic city struggling to compete with edgier alternatives
- Perceived as "too quiet" for party groups
- High costs without matching nightlife infrastructure
Blackpool: -51% decline
- Traditional seaside resort losing relevance
- Dated infrastructure and reputation issues
- Younger groups seeking more sophisticated options
Southampton: -50% decline
- Lacks clear unique selling proposition
- Overshadowed by nearby Brighton and Bournemouth
- Limited party infrastructure
Cambridge: -45% decline
- University town atmosphere doesn't suit stag/hen groups
- Expensive with limited nightlife options
- Perception as "too refined" for raucous celebrations
Bournemouth: -45% decline
- Once popular seaside destination facing challenges
- Strong competition from international beach destinations
- Seasonal limitations

The Decline Pattern:

Traditional UK coastal resorts and historic towns are losing market share to:

Edgier UK cities (Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol)
Value international destinations (Eastern Europe)
Beach destinations with guaranteed weather (Mediterranean)

Activity Preferences: UK vs International

UK Activity Landscape

Groups staying in the UK show distinct activity preferences shaped by infrastructure and traditions:

Top 10 UK Activities:

Go Karting (18.2%) - Competitive, all-weather, accessible
Bar Crawls (16.3%) - Local knowledge and VIP access
Meals (14.4%) - Group dining experiences
Nightclubs (14.3%) - Guaranteed entry packages
Drinks (13.4%) - Cocktail masterclasses, tastings
Cocktail Making (7.4%) - Interactive experience economy
Brunches (7.4%) - Recovery day-two favourite
Zorb Football (6.0%) - Novelty competitive activity
Paintball (5.9%) - Traditional stag favourite
Nude Drawing Classes (5.3%) - Hen party staple

Percentages based on 11,650 UK activity bookings analysed

UK Activity Themes:

All-weather options: Indoor activities dominate (karting, cocktail making)
Traditional favourites: Paintball and nightclubs remain strong
Experience economy: Interactive activities (cocktail making, nude drawing)
Food focus: Brunches and group meals feature prominently

International Activity Landscape

International destinations offer different activity profiles:

Top 10 International Activities:

Bar Crawls (30.1%) - Essential for navigating foreign cities
Go Karting (14.5%) - Universal appeal
Target Shooting (10.6%) - Available internationally, restricted in UK
Nightclubs (10.3%) - Local club scene exploration
Boat Parties (8.6%) - Weather-dependent, popular in Mediterranean
Meals (7.9%) - Exploring local cuisine
Stag Pranks (7.9%) - More culturally acceptable abroad
Stripper Boat Parties (6.4%) - Amsterdam, coastal cities
Beer Bikes (6.0%) - Prague, Budapest, Amsterdam specialties
Drinks (5.8%) - Local beverage experiences

Percentages based on 12,354 international activity bookings analysed

International Activity Themes:

Bar crawls essential: Foreign cities require local guidance
Weapon activities: Target shooting popular (restrictive UK laws)
Water-based: Boat parties capitalise on Mediterranean weather
Local specialties: Beer bikes, thermal spas, unique experiences
Liberal attitudes: More overtly "stag" activities accepted

Emerging vs Declining Activities

Top 5 Emerging Activities (+2022-23 to 2024-25):

Crazy Golf: +173% - Competitive, accessible, Instagram-friendly
Pub Olympics: +170% - Retro games gaining popularity
Barbeques: +59% - Outdoor dining experiences
Stag Pranks: +54% - Traditional stag humour returning
Entertainment: +49% - Live performances, comedy shows

Top 5 Declining Activities:

It's A Knockout: -74% - Dated format losing appeal
Booth Hire: -70% - Groups preferring integrated venues
Afternoon Tea: -67% - Hen parties moving away from traditional activities
Male Strip Shows: -59% - Changing attitudes toward objectification
School Sports Days: -55% - Novelty wearing off

Activity Trend Analysis:

Rising:

Retro/nostalgic activities (crazy golf, pub olympics)
Experience-based (cooking, cocktails, art)
Outdoor adventures (coasteering, paddleboarding)
Tech-integrated (VR experiences, escape rooms)

Declining:

Overtly gendered activities (male strippers)
Dated formats (It's A Knockout)
Passive entertainment (booth hire)
Traditional "hen" activities (afternoon tea)

This reflects evolving social attitudes, with groups seeking more inclusive, experience-rich activities over gender-stereotyped or passive entertainment.

UK vs International: The Great Divide

The 50/50 Split

One of the most striking findings is the near-perfect balance between UK and international destinations, with international bookings accounting for 50.2% of all celebrations and UK destinations capturing 49.8%.

Statistical Price Differences

The data reveals highly significant price variations between UK and international destinations:

UK Destinations:

Average cost per person: £172.28 (±£96.62)
Market share: 49.8% of bookings

International Destinations:

Average cost per person: £209.64 (±£133.39)
Market share: 50.2% of bookings
Premium over UK: £37.36 per person (+21.7%)

Statistical Significance: Analysis confirms a highly significant difference between UK and international pricing (p < 0.001), meaning this is a genuine market pattern, not random variation.

The £37 Question

The £37 per person premium for international destinations (excluding flights) seems surprisingly modest given the perception that international trips are "expensive." This reflects:

Eastern European value: Prague, Budapest, Krakow offer excellent exchange rates
All-inclusive packages: International operators build comprehensive packages
UK price inflation: UK cities now expensive (accommodation, activities, food)
Competition: Budget airlines driving down travel costs

When flights are added (£100-300 per person), the true international premium becomes £137-337 per person, making the decision more significant.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Destinations

5 Cheapest UK Destinations (per person):

London: £115.48 (±£98.80) - Diverse accommodation and free attractions offset costs
Reading: £116.62 (±£67.25) - Commuter town with competitive pricing
Norwich: £117.30 (±£78.68) - Underrated city with value offerings
Sheffield: £118.10 (±£77.80) - Northern pricing, strong student infrastructure
Oxford: £123.71 (±£77.50) - Surprisingly affordable despite historic appeal

5 Most Expensive UK Destinations (per person):

Newquay: £196.69 (±£100.74) - Cornwall premium, seasonal pricing
Cardiff: £196.17 (±£93.79) - Capital city, major event destination
Newcastle: £191.91 (±£89.59) - Legendary reputation commands premium
Bristol: £190.84 (±£95.64) - Trendy city with limited budget options
Liverpool: £185.88 (±£98.19) - Stag capital with corresponding demand pricing

5 Cheapest International Destinations (per person):

Madrid: £139.19 (±£119.67) - Large city absorbing groups efficiently
Valencia: £170.66 (±£124.66) - Emerging Spanish alternative
Prague: £184.29 (±£115.80) - Volume destination with competitive packages
Krakow: £188.35 (±£118.72) - Polish value proposition
Budapest: £192.81 (±£112.35) - Hungarian capital offering thermal experiences

5 Most Expensive International Destinations (per person):

Hvar: £360.82 (±£226.36) - Croatian island premium positioning
Ibiza: £316.69 (±£187.02) - International party reputation, Balearic prices
Split: £314.25 (±£164.01) - Croatian coast, limited supply vs demand
Tenerife: £257.72 (±£141.12) - Canary Islands transport costs
Bucharest: £255.83 (±£124.71) - Romanian capital, despite growth

London's Value Paradox

Surprisingly, London emerges as the cheapest UK destination at £115.48 per person. This counterintuitive finding reflects:

Accommodation diversity: From budget hostels to shared apartments
Competition: Thousands of activities creating price competition
Free attractions: Museums, parks, walking tours
Package efficiencies: Operators achieving economies of scale
Transport: Extensive public transport reducing taxi costs

However, London groups likely spend significantly more on additional costs (drinks, meals, attractions), making the total cost higher than the package price suggests.

Island and Coastal Premiums

Hvar, Ibiza, and Split command 70-110% premiums over average international destinations, reflecting:

Limited supply: Island/coastal locations constrain accommodation
Transport costs: Getting to islands adds expense
Seasonal demand: Peak season pricing power
Prestige positioning: "Instagram-worthy" locations command premiums

Accommodation Patterns

Bookings With and Without Accommodation

Analysis reveals that virtually all bookings in this dataset include accommodation (100%), though this likely reflects the booking platform's package-based model.

For comparative insight from edge cases:

Bookings Including Accommodation:

Percentage: 100% of main dataset
Average cost per person: £191.06
Average group size: 13.0 people
Average duration: 2.95 days

This universal inclusion of accommodation reflects the weekend getaway nature of stag/hen celebrations, with overnight stays being fundamental to the experience rather than optional add-ons.

The Three-Day Standard

Duration analysis reveals the emergence of the 3-day weekend as the industry standard:

Trip Duration Distribution:

1 day: 10.6% - Day events, local celebrations
2 days: 13.7% - One-night mini-breaks
3 days: 49.6% - The dominant format (Friday-Sunday)
4 days: 23.4% - Extended weekends, international trips
5+ days: 2.8% - Luxury multi-destination experiences

Why Three Days Dominates:

Optimal balance: Full day at destination plus travel days
Activity capacity: Room for 4-5 activities without fatigue
Work impact: Most people only need Friday off work
Cost-value ratio: Maximises experience without excessive expense
Travel efficiency: International trips justify longer duration

The 2024 peak at 3.06 days suggests groups briefly extended trips, but 2025's pullback to 2.97 days indicates economic pressures encouraging return to the standard format.

Seasonal Patterns and Booking Behaviour

The Summer Surge

Booking patterns reveal extreme seasonality concentrated in late spring and summer:

Peak Season (May-June):

May: 18.3% of annual bookings
June: 16.1% of annual bookings
Combined: 34.4% of all annual activity in just two months

Extended Peak (April-July):

April: 14.2%
May: 18.3%
June: 16.1%
July: 12.9%
Combined: 61.5% of annual bookings

Shoulder Season (March, August, September):

Combined: 28.7% of bookings
Adequate activity for sustainable operations

Off-Season (October-February):

Combined: 9.8% of bookings
December: Just 0.3% - the quietest month

Understanding the Concentration

The May-June dominance reflects:

Wedding season alignment: Most UK weddings occur May-September
Planning timing: Stag/hen weekends typically 2-6 weeks before wedding
Weather reliability: UK groups want decent weather for UK destinations
Bank holidays: May bank holidays particularly popular
University schedules: Many groups include university friends available in summer

The Winter Challenge

December's extreme low (just 0.3% of annual bookings) presents both challenges and opportunities:

Industry Challenges:

Cash flow management during five-month low period (November-February)
Staff retention when revenue drops 90%
Maintaining supplier relationships year-round
Fixed costs continue while revenue plummets

Opportunities:

Premium off-season pricing could encourage winter bookings
Winter sun destinations (Canaries, Cyprus) for weather guarantee
Indoor activity focus for UK destinations
Christmas party market crossover potential

Key Insights and Market Intelligence

Statistical Significance Findings

Several findings demonstrate statistical significance (p < 0.001), confirming they represent genuine market patterns:

International vs UK pricing: Highly significant £37 premium internationally
Stag vs Hen pricing: Highly significant, stags spend 47% more per person
Group size variations: International destinations attract larger stag groups
Duration differences: Stag parties consistently book longer trips

These aren't random variations—they represent fundamental market behaviours.

The Premiumisation Reality

The 42.8% increase in per-person spending (2022-2025) represents the report's most significant finding. This dramatically exceeds inflation, indicating:

Quality over quantity: Groups prioritising better experiences
Delayed gratification: Pandemic-postponed celebrations now happening
Age factor: Older, more affluent participants post-pandemic delays
Instagram economy: Pressure for shareable, impressive celebrations
Experience culture: Shift away from material purchases to experiences

This trend shows no signs of reversing, suggesting the budget stag/hen weekend is becoming obsolete.

Geographic Arbitrage

Smart groups exploit price disparities:

Eastern European cities (Prague, Budapest, Krakow) offer 30-40% better value than UK cities
UK provincial cities (Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol) offer 35-45% savings vs London pricing
Off-season bookings could save 20-30% but face weather risks
Emerging destinations (Belfast, Bucharest) offer growth opportunities before mainstream pricing

Destination Saturation Concerns

Benidorm (740.8 annual stag/hen visitors per 10k residents) and Albufeira (588.5) face genuine saturation challenges:

Resident complaints: High concentration causing friction
Reputation damage: Some avoid these destinations due to "stag/hen reputation"
Infrastructure strain: Weekend peaks overwhelming services
Pricing power: Can command premiums but risk pricing out market

Contrast with Barcelona (9.3) and London (2.1) easily absorbing groups without impact.

The Activity Evolution

The decline of afternoon tea (-67%) and male strip shows (-59%) alongside growth in crazy golf (+173%) and pub olympics (+170%) signals:

Gender neutrality: Moving away from stereotyped activities
Inclusivity: Activities suitable for mixed groups
Experience focus: Interactive over passive entertainment
Nostalgia trend: Retro activities appealing to millennials

Future Outlook and Opportunities

Market Growth Potential

With 248,919 marriages in England and Wales in 2022 (returning to pre-pandemic levels), and conservative estimates of 70-75% involving stag/hen celebrations:

Annual Market Potential:

Addressable market: 175,000-210,000 annual celebrations (UK-wide)
Participants: 2.2-2.7 million people annually
Market value: £400-600 million annually

Current growth drivers:

Premiumisation trend continuing (+5-10% annual per-person spend growth)
International expansion (emerging destinations growing 90-140%)
Activity diversification (new experience categories emerging)
Extended celebrations (some groups now doing multiple events)

Threats and Challenges

Economic Headwinds:

Cost-of-living pressures may constrain spending
Potential shift from international to UK destinations
Group size reductions to manage costs

Sustainability Concerns:

Growing environmental awareness about flying
Potential carbon taxes on flights
Pressure for local, sustainable celebrations

Social Change:

Evolving attitudes toward "lad culture" and traditional stag activities
Desire for more inclusive, less gendered celebrations
Changing alcohol consumption patterns among younger cohorts

Opportunities for Industry Participants

For Destinations:

Off-season development: 61.5% of bookings in four months suggests massive opportunity
Emerging markets: Belfast, Bucharest show 100%+ growth potential
Sustainable positioning: Green credentials may attract conscious consumers
Capacity management: Newcastle, Liverpool face saturation - pricing power opportunity

For Activity Providers:

Experience economy: Interactive, skill-based activities growing
Technology integration: VR, gaming, tech-enhanced experiences
Instagram-optimisation: Shareable moments drive bookings
Weather-proof options: Indoor alternatives for unreliable climates

For Accommodation:

Premium positioning: Groups willing to pay for quality
Whole-venue hire: Small market (1.1%) but high-value (£1,583 average)
Group amenities: Communal spaces command premiums
Package partnerships: Integration with activities and transport

For Booking Platforms:

Simplified coordination: Group booking complexity creates friction
Flexible payment: Split payment solutions reduce barriers
Curated packages: Pre-built itineraries for decision-fatigued planners
Reviews and trust: High-stakes bookings require confidence

Methodology and Data Notes

This report is based on comprehensive analysis of bookings and product data covering January 2022 through November 2025, representing nearly a quarter of a million participants across thousands of celebrations.

Analysis Approach:

Percentage-based reporting to protect commercial sensitivity
Statistical significance testing for key findings (p-values reported)
Year-over-year trend analysis across full dataset
Geographic segmentation (UK vs International)
Event type segmentation (Stag vs Hen separately analysed)
Activity preference analysis by destination type

Data Scope:

2022: Full calendar year
2023: Full calendar year
2024: Full calendar year
2025: January through November (partial year)

Market Extrapolation: Based on 248,919 marriages in England and Wales (2022 ONS data), with adjustments for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and stag/hen participation rates to estimate total UK market size.

Limitations:

Data represents one booking platform segment; total market larger
2025 incomplete (November cutoff) may skew year-end comparisons
Does not capture cash-paid local activities or unbooked elements
Booking patterns may differ from attendance (cancellations not tracked)

Statistical Methods:

Independent t-tests for group comparisons (UK vs International, Stag vs Hen)
Standard deviation calculations for price variance
Growth rate calculations comparing 2022-23 vs 2024-25 periods
Per-capita calculations using city population estimates

Conclusion

The UK stag and hen weekend industry represents a dynamic £400-600 million annual market serving over 2 million participants. Our analysis reveals an industry in transformation, moving decisively toward premium, experience-focused celebrations.

The 42.8% increase in per-person spending since 2022 demonstrates that despite economic headwinds, groups view these celebrations as non-negotiable investments in life's significant moments. The perfect 50/50 balance between UK and international destinations indicates a mature market with genuine choice, while the emergence of destinations like Belfast (+3400%) and Bucharest (+141%) shows continued evolution.

The dominance of 3-day weekends (49.6% of bookings) and May-June concentration (34.4% of annual activity) creates both predictability and challenge for the industry. Operators who can capture off-season bookings and develop emerging destinations will find substantial growth opportunities.

Looking forward, the industry faces a choice: continue premium positioning for the Instagram economy, or adapt to economic pressures with value propositions. Our data suggests the former—groups are willing to pay significantly more for quality experiences, with per-person spending increasing by 5-10% annually even as booking volumes stabilise.

For destinations, activity providers, and booking platforms, the message is clear: quality trumps quantity. The budget stag weekend is dying; the premium, curated, memorable celebration is ascendant. Those who adapt to this new reality will thrive in a market that shows no signs of disappearing—as long as people get married, they'll want to celebrate with friends beforehand.

The stag and hen weekend remains a defining British cultural institution, now worth half a billion pounds annually and supporting thousands of jobs across the hospitality and events sectors. Its evolution toward premium, experience-rich celebrations reflects broader consumer trends, suggesting a sustainable future for this unique market.

Report prepared: November 2025
Data coverage: January 2022 - November 2025
Analysis basis: Comprehensive booking and product data covering ~250,000 participants
Market estimate: £400-600 million annual UK market value