Planning a Hen Party can be tough, making the bride happy, choosing activities that everyone will like, getting the money off the other Hens - we know how exhausting it can be. We want to help you keep on top of all this party planning madness, so we've put together this checklist to help you out!
Well in advance ( 5+ months before the party)
Discuss the Bride's expectations for the Hen party:
- When does she want it?
- What kind of party does she want? (Wild, tame, afternoon tea, strippers in the club, etc.)
- Who is on the guest list?
- Where does she want it?
The Bride may have a lot of specifics in mind, or she may leave it up to you to decide what her last night of freedom will entail. Either way, deciding these factors early on will help you in the long run. Remember this night is about her so if she feels very strongly about something it's your job to listen.
Get in touch with the Hens
Hopefully you know many of them already, but when it comes to coworkers, groom's relatives or uni pals it's likely you are all quite unfamiliar with one another. So the best thing to do is start an online chat (assuming you aren't all in meeting distance), get all their numbers from the bride for Whatsapp or get a Facebook group on the go. You need to start discussing the following:
- When are you all free?
- What's everyone budget?
- Who can help with what?
- What ideas/themes/surprises for the bride does everyone think will work?
Once this is all decided the rest is much easier. The Bride (if she wants to be that involved) and the Maid of Honour get the final say just so decisions can be made quickly. Of course, you need to pick a budget and date that suits all of the guests so you can start booking activities and venues.
Book the venue and activities
It seems early, doesn't it? You'd be surprised how quickly venues and hen-centric activities fill up so make sure this is one of your first priorities. Try your best to book activities that fit the agreed budget on the agreed dates. Then you can go back to the Hens and let them know to write it in their diaries and give them the official price of the day/evening/weekend. If there's a deposit ask the hens for it now so you can get it booked ASAP!
Spa days, cocktail classes, strippers and other Hen fun are incredibly popular so even if you think it'll probably be fine it's worth booking early. Honestly! If you need any inspiration have a look at our daytime activities ideas, or our destination guide!
Book transport
This is also the time to ask the hens to book their transportation to the city, or time for you to book the bus, limo, taxi you have decided on.
Hen Party Approaching (2+ months before the party)
Ask for the Hens for their payments
No one likes to play debt collector, but it puts you in a difficult position and unable to pay off the venue or start buying the decorations. Hopefully the Hens involved understand this, after all, no one wants to stress out the Bride! The group chat is the best way to gently remind the Hens they owe you money and that you can't do much more without it. This should convince them to transfer it straight to you.
Order Sashes, T-shirts or any matching accessories
These are the touches that make a Hen do special! Although these products don't tend to take too long to arrive if you are after personalised goodies you don't want to worry last minute about sizing, numbers or what your personalised gear will say.
Order any theme-related outfits
Similarly to the above, if you have a theme you want to give the hens plenty of time to receive their costumes or other bits. You may decide to order for everyone, or just send links to the items they should be getting so they look the part! This gives everyone plenty of time to get sorted.
Right around the corner (1 month before the party)
It creeps on you quickly, doesn't it? Now it's time for you to order all your Hen Party Essentials ready for the do! By now you'll know what budget you have left to spend on games, accessories, and decorations. Here are some things to get ordering:
When your goodies arrive make sure they are what you wanted! If you plan to make Hen party bags make sure you have everything you need to save you having to make another order later on.
Confirm venue, transport and guest attendance
Reassure the bride, the hens and yourself by confirming what you have booked. If there are any disasters you have time to plan something else! It's also a good time to hit up that group chat again, make sure all the Hens know the plan and confirm they are still coming - again this gives them time to check all their plans are in motion.
A week to go! (1 week or less before the party)
With only a week to go, it's time to get all your last bits together! Now you can go ahead and:
It's also a good time to run through what's planned with the Bride (unless any of it is supposed to be a surprise!) and the other Hens. Hand out the itinerary so that everyone knows what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
It's Here! (On the day! & the night before)
Finally! It's here, the night we've all been waiting for! All that planning has gone to good use and you can see all your hard work coming together.
If you are able to access the venue the night before it's a great time to decorate, but if not most venues will let you pop in to decorate and leave you goodies well before the party itself. With all your organising skills this should all be going incredibly smoothly, all the Hens and Bride should be at ease!
Be sure to encourage everyone to take loads of photos and get involved in all the activities! Now there's only one thing left to do:
Have Fun!
If you need anything else for your Hen Party we have a huge selection of party bits to help you make it perfect! Browse through our website and create the best party to suit the Bride-to-be! Or for any other advice feel free to contact us today.
