You Have One Job
So my mate’s getting married and I’m in charge of the hen. What’s there to do? Drop the girls a text, do my nails, stick a veil on her, slam a few tequilas? Sorted! How complicated could it possibly be? If you’ve been honoured with making the Hen happen, then you’ll need to get your planning pants on if you want to smash that bash.
If you’ve been honoured with making the Hen happen, then you’ll need to get your planning pants on if you want to smash that bash.
Do Tell The Bride
It is a massive misconception that hen parties are pulled off to perfection in secret by gleeful bridesmaids, and while some surprises can be nice, remember that it’s her memories you’re making too, so while you keep control, always consult.
Get guest list approval. Maybe you can’t imagine a weekend of good times without Grandma but it’s possible that your bride would rather squirt tabasco in her eyes than have a single relative turn up. Check what she prefers numbers-wise – an intimate, closest-of-the-close collective or a massive bring-everyone-blow-out? Will she like it naughty or nice? It’s her party, after all!
Timing is Everything
4-6 weeks before the wedding is the standard recommended timing for a hen, but be conscious that when you reach a certain stage in life, you’ll find that weddings often happen in batches so watch out for a run of hens and nuptials around the same time, to be attended by some or many of the same guests. Factor in things like summer holidays, and check events in your destination to ensure that it’s possible to book meals and accommodation.
Invitations, Communications and Delegation
Give lots of time and set a solid RSVP date so you can start planning in earnest. There are tons of invitation templates online if you fancy doing something fun – or why not set up a website, or snag a page on the wedding website if the happy couple have created one?
Then keep the communication lines open – group email or a WhatsApp group are pretty much essential. Be careful of over-communication though – grinding people’s gears with constant pinging is guaranteed to lose you popularity points. Think about delegating some tasks – appoint a CFO, a Minister for Meals; create a Research Department or a Decoration Delegation …
All About The Benjamins
Whether you choose to splash the cash or keep it cheap, a hen party costs – and right here’s where you start … budgeting. Get the money management right, and no one will notice it’s being done at all – your Hen event will go all the smoother for it.
Research good value – accommodation, activities, transport, meals and drinks. Once all that’s decided, tot up what will be paid by individuals (eg train tickets, hotel rooms) and what’s going to be divvied up amongst everyone (set menu meals, shared accommodation, group activities). Then let everyone know well in advance, giving guests time to budget and a deadline for payments – to be clear is to be kind.
Set up a central account and be as transparent as possible with receipts. Add a little on for contingencies – it can always be used towards a round of drinks if there aren’t any. If you’re keeping it cash only, then use separate, clearly-marked envelopes for everything and keep a log of who’s paid as they do it so that you don’t find yourself with wads of cash and no clue where it’s come from or where it’s going!
Get the money management right, and no one will notice it’s being done at all – your Hen event will go all the smoother for it.
Be The Hostess
Okay – so far, you’ve done a freaking awesome job of organisation – now the hands on bit!
Think about ice breakers – hen party games can be an excellent way to get everyone gel – see our suggestions here (link). Assign tasks to people you know will get things flowing – glass-filler, chief chit-chatter, Game Dame …
Welcome guests – remember, some of them are flying solo and could really do with a friendly first impression. Look out for anyone left on their own. Keep your eyes and ears attentive. And whatever you do, don’t get …fully… into the party spirit too early!
