Planninga Hen’s party is usually the primary task of the chief bridesmaid,but if you are notused to organising events,it can seem a daunting task.Ahen party is designed to be a final ‘girls night out’ occasionleading up to the wedding -the perfect sendoff before the bride takes on the responsibilities of being a wife.
Not all hens need to have drinking and dancing, there are many alternatives, so think out of the box! From budgets and themes, to transport and tipples, read our top tips to provide your best friend with a memorable occasion to look back on:
Pick a Theme
Deciding on a theme for your party will make planning easier, as it will narrow down options and provide you with a direction to follow. When it comes to organising the night, it’s essential to know the bride’s personal taste, as some would love a night with cheeky male strippers, while others would be embarrassed, and prefer a spa weekend or a cocktail making class. Ask yourself, is your friend a wild party lover or would she prefer old age glamour? Surprises that go well are great, but often they can backfire. Also, know your audience – you don’t want to cause discomfort over the theme you choose – and you certainly don’t want to offend the mother in law!
Set a Budget
Possibly the hardest part of planning your occasion is setting a budget and sticking to it. It’s very tempting to add on little extras, but the cost quickly rises. To save a last-minute shock, obtain written quotes from suppliers, calculate the expenses involved and remain steadfast! Try to keep the cost realistic because some guests may not want to pay for a super lavish event. To keep everyone happy, provide a few options and always make sure they pay upfront!
Pre-Book Transport
To ensure the group does not split up, and everyone arrives at the right place on time, it works well when you book a stretch limo or minibus to ferry the revellers, especially if you are travelling any distance or if drinking is on the agenda.There are many companies offering transportation facilities and competition is fierce. Research for the best offers, but also make sure to choose a reliable providerwho won’t let you down at the last minute.And keep your phone loaded with a killer playlist to fire up the party on the way to your destination!
Organise Interesting Activities
To organise the appropriate games, it isessential that youconsideryour guests,because you want everyoneto be involved. If attendees include family members of varied ages,keep it familyfriendly. Talk to the bride-to-be about your choices, as she will have a betterunderstanding of what the guests will enjoy. Search online for amusing activities, there are so many ideas, your only challenge will be in the choosing!
Think About the Menu
The food is always an important element of any event. While you may have chosen the best theme, decorated the room amazingly and organised great activities, all your good planning will come undone if the food lets you down! Your event may be low key, with guestseach contributing a plate – nothing wrong with that, it keeps costs down and you know the food will be good because everyone wants to out-do the other! Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to attend a venue or have the event catered for, do the research, be very specific about what you want, and make sure to inform caterers of any dietary requirements beforehand.
Traditionally, your role as the hen’s night organiser is to give the bride-to-be her last hurrah, before she moves on to anticipated marital bliss!Be imaginative, plan well and make it an unforgettable occasionyou bothcan look back onand laugh overfor years to come.
