But between lap dancing in Scotland and champagne flutes in the Home Counties there are a million possibilities. Here are just a few.

"I'd booked the Butlins 80's weekend at Skegness for my hen do" says Natalie. "We had all arranged to dress up 80's style for the main Saturday night - as had everyone else at Butlins - so we dug out the shoulder pads, crimped our hair, wore our Day-Glo leg warmers and Frankie says Relax t-shirts and went about putting big and bold make-up on.

"I was all dressed up" she says, "ready for the night out - then the girls set about changing what I had on for something more 'appropriate'. So, with learner plates, a handmade veil, a t-shirt with 'bride-to-be' slogans on it, leggings and little pink willies hanging from my neck and wrists, we ventured out for my hen night of laughs, drinks and dancing".

"I had a wonderful weekend with my close friends by my side. We danced and sang the night away in full blown 80's style and I couldn't have wanted anything more - it was great, we all really enjoyed it."

Laura E. booked the Beach House in West Sussex, a huge, comfortable property right on the tip of Selsey Bill with a water feature at the bottom of the garden; the English Channel.

"I wanted something relaxing, a bit different, a get-away where we could all enjoy the company of close friends and family. The weather made our weekend - it was glorious sunshine which meant we could sit on the sun deck looking out to sea enjoying a glass of wine ... or two."

Laura is getting married on a Caribbean island early next year; no surprise then that, on her hen do, there was a tropical island theme to the dressing-up. The grass skirt, garland of flowers, bride-to-be sash and veil were nicely set off by the snorkel, mask and flippers. "But" says Laura "my hen weekend was everything I wanted. I will always look back on it with very fond memories. You know you have great friends when they actually listen to what you want and don't just book the traditional hen night!"

"Your hen do is a once in a lifetime experience" says Helen, "getting all the fabulous ladies you know together.

"I decided I wanted a 70's theme for mine. My wonderful organisers found the perfect murder mystery evening at the Bonnington Hotel in Bloomsbury, London.

"Flares, platforms and big hair were the order of the evening. I dressed as Foxy Valentine in a Charlie's Angels style wig and authentic cat suit - amazingly owned and worn in the 70s by my mother-in-law.

"We had to work out which hen killed my future husband while sitting down for a three course meal and acting out our individual scripts with the help of Peter Stringvest - a professional actor from Big Monty Productions.

"The murder mystery was a brilliant ice breaker and a chance for everyone to get to know each other, as well as being lots of fun trying to work out who was the dastardly killer.

"Whodunnit over, I was presented with a pre-married life book of messages, photos and memories. It was very touching and something I will treasure.

"My chief bridesmaid also organised a Mr and Mrs style quiz, where I was asked a number of questions to see if they matched my fiancée's answers. I passed the test and it turned out we knew each other very well. 

"The oldies then made their exit while the rest of us were swept away in awhite Hummer limousine to travel in style to the next venue. We all felt like superstars surrounded by funky leather seats, a mirrored ceiling, champagne bar, music station, disco lights and, most importantly, big windows for us to hang out of and say hello to the capital before being dropped off at the Carwash nightclub in Old Street to strut our funky stuff."

"I have to admit" says Laura C. "I was slightly apprehensive about going on a party bus in London with a group of girls and a stag-do we had never met - not to mention the price of the package. But my opinions soon changed when the hen night was in full swing.

"From VIP entry into some of the hottest clubs in London to a yummy meal that tickled the taste buds it was well worth every penny.

"Oh, and did I mention the hour's lap dancing session with a professional lap dancer?  Ouch be prepared ladies!

"But if you are looking for a weekend to remember, don't be afraid, jump on the party bus and boogie the night away."

Jackie arranged to go to Royal Ascott. "It was my biggest fear to be thrown a 'tacky', boozy, traditional hen weekend. So by arranging it myself (with some help from my sister - who is of the same opinion) I could maintain full control.

"I loved the very idea of getting dressed up with hats and handbags and drinking Pimms with the best of them. My very close friends travelled down the night before and we spent the evening in a local pub just chatting and drinking which actually, though different to the main day, was just as much fun.

"I really appreciate just how important it is for the bride-to-be to have her friends help celebrate the remaining months of life as a single girl. And I guess it just proved it's more about the people you spend it with than what you actually do."