How to Support Small or Local Businesses When Planning a Hen or Stag Do

Planning a hen or stag do is an exciting opportunity to create lasting memories with your friends and family ahead of your wedding while also supporting your local community. By choosing to shop small and engage with nearby vendors, you can add a personal touch to the celebrations while helping small businesses thrive.

Here are some key ways I supported local businesses when planning my hen do, and a few bonus ones!

Book Local Venues

Instead of booking a generic chain hotel or restaurant, consider hosting the hen do at a locally owned venue. I hired Essex Stays for my hen do with my friends so we could all stay together, make the most of the hot tub and the karaoke room, plus all get ready together like the old days! Mike hired a stunning converted Old School House which house all of his stags.

Whether you hire an independent café (I used Sweet Rose Cakery for my family hen do) or bar (I also stopped by Upminster Taproom), local spots often offer more character and flexibility than larger establishments. Many smaller venues are willing to tailor their services for private events, giving you a more personalised experience while supporting the local economy.

Hire Local Caterers or Bakers

If your hen do involves a meal, why not hire a local caterer or baker? Many small, independent food businesses provide exceptional, fresh ingredients and can often customise the menu to suit your preferences. Whether it’s biscuits from a home bakery, like mine from Jamie’s Bakery, or a grazing table from a local deli, supporting small businesses will add a unique and tasty element to the hen do.

Shop for Decorations Locally

Skip the generic party supply chains and explore local shops for your hen do decorations. Independent stores, like Aladdin’s Cave near me, often carry one-of-a-kind items that can elevate the event’s theme and make it more personal. From hand-crafted banners to personalised gifts, local artisans offer thoughtful touches that will make the event stand out. You can even commission custom items, adding a special, bespoke flair to the occasion; I ordered handmade badges (like those pictured) from a small business on Not on the High Street so all my hens could get to know each other better!

Support Local Experiences

Ok, so this wasn’t one that I managed to do as I went to Boom Battle Bar, but Mike nailed it with his stag by booking The Man Cave and Clay Pigeon Shooting, but instead of booking mainstream entertainment or activities, think about local options that reflect your area’s culture and uniqueness. You could arrange for a wine tasting at a local vineyard, a pottery class hosted by a nearby artist, or even a dog-friendly walk at a local park should you want your four-legged friends to join in. Not only does this support local talent, but it also creates more memorable and personal experiences.

Engage Local Photographers or Videographers

Capturing the special moments of a hen do is essential, and local photographers and videographers are often the perfect choice for the job. Their knowledge of the best spots around town, along with their flexibility in customising services, can add a personal touch to the documentation of the day. Plus, you’ll be supporting a small business while ensuring your memories are preserved beautifully.

I admit that I was cheap with this one and used a few of my friends who weren’t drinking to help capture all of our memories, and we also created a shared photo on our iPhones to all share the photos and videos we took! Had I had a bigger budget, I’d of 100% have done this as others who had stayed at our venue had done so and the photos were amazing!

Use Local Beauty Providers

If your hen do involves a pampering session (mine didn’t!), consider booking local beauty salons, spas, or wellness practitioners for the day. Whether it’s manicures, massages, or makeup artists, local providers often offer personalised services that larger chains can’t match. Supporting local beauty businesses also means you’re giving back to individuals who rely on the community for their livelihood.

When planning a hen or a stag do, supporting local businesses not only help you to craft a more unique and personal event, but also allows you to invest in the community around you. From booking local venues and caterers to engaging local artisans and photographers, there are endless ways to make your hen do both memorable and meaningful by choosing to shop small. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!