Money Moral Dilemma: Best man seems to be overcharging for the stag do - should we pay up?

I think you have a right to ask, as long as you're polite about it. I organised a stag doo for my best friend recently. As I was sensitive to different people's financial situations I ensured I included an itemised cost breakdown of everything I could, to the penny. And even when people still asked me about the cost of things, I backed it up with the mathematics and asked them to check also, providing links to the websites that I used to make the bookings.

Some of the group came back to me with cheaper options and I took some advice but I ensured not to change everything based on their suggestions, as I also wanted to ensure my friend got some of the things he wanted i.e. nicer accommodation. It did feel a little patronising at first, but members of the group had found some deals that I wasn't aware of, which did save us money.

I provided a breakdown of the main costs (accommodation, activity, group meal) and suggested that the group bring their own drinks and snacks to share. I took the personal hit though on other things such as cooking breakfast for the group e.t.c. and only thought this was fair, in case some people didn't want to eat.

People work hard for their money, so like with anything else you have the right to ask. I doubt that your friend is trying to profit from the event however. I have heard of situations however where people have said that the stag organisers were more reluctant to give cost breakdowns.

I imagine you don't want to patronise the organiser by bombarding them with cheaper options or alternative things to do to save money. But if they don't want to give you a breakdown then you also have the option to say you cannot afford it and not go, and use the money saved for a better gift for the groom in question. Hopefully, for your sake he can provide the info and you can make an informed decision whether you think it's worth it or not. All the best.