How to have the Best Hen's Party Ever!

Whether you’re a first-time bridesmaid or a seasoned pro, pulling off the not-so-small task of giving your bestie the perfect send-off before she becomes a missus can be nerve-racking.

After all, it’s a huge responsibility to make sure that not only your bride-to-be has a night to remember, but that the other guests enjoy themselves too! Penny from Crafty Party has hosted dozens of hens parties, and shares her tips for a top hens night (hint: it’s all in the activities!).

Whether it’s a big boozy bash complete with pink hummer and willy straws, a day at the spa, or a demure and classy high tea, your number one responsibility as head hen is to make sure the bride-to-be has the night of her life! 

 And while the location and the theme are crucial elements, the really fantastic one-for-the-ages hens nights are always the ones where you make special memories you can talk about for years to come. And that’s where carefully thought out activities and games come in – not only are they a great way to break up the day and keep everyone engaged and entertained, it will really help the group bond – especially those that don’t know each other. And the less the bride has to worry about, the more fun she’ll have! 

The Golden Rule

When planning activities, ask yourself, ‘Would this be the kind of thing the bride would plan for herself?’ Ask her exactly what is on her must-have and off-limits list. The list of games and activities is endless, so have a brainstorm with the other bridesmaids – her hobbies and interests are a great place to start. 

If she loves the Great Gatsby, a cocktail making class in a speakeasy bar would be a great option. Or, if she’s a whiz in the kitchen, you could do a tasting tour of a cheese factory followed by a degustation. Flower crowns or fabric flower corsages are a great option for a boho-themed hens. 

The Guest List

When it comes to planning the activities, really take into consideration whether the whole group will want to be involved and who’ll be attending what parts of the day. Don’t take for granted that granny will appreciate the nude male model you’ve booked for life drawing classes, or that Aunty Karen will want to do a pole dancing lesson, or your vegan friend will be up for a Brazilian BBQ masterclass! It doesn’t mean that can’t be part of your day; if you do have older family members that will be attending or a more conservative group, split up the day.

Avoid Boredom 

The last thing you want is to be at a loose end because your activity finishes at 3 pm and dinner isn’t booked until 7 pm. You might like to plan a variety of different activities and games to keep everyone engaged, and it’s useful to have a backup game in your back pocket, just in case you find yourself at a loose end for any reason. 

There’s a fine balance between carefully planning activities so people aren’t twiddling their thumbs and trying to cram so much in that you become a manic mess trying to get everyone organised! While it’s important to have plans in place, don’t forget that most people won’t like to be ordered around every minute of the day with back-to-back activities. Leave a little room for catching up and enjoying the day.

Sentimental Touches

Adding some meaningful touches will really make it a special day, not just another night out. Put in the time and effort to create a beautiful space with some clever decorations, gifts and props that serve as photo backgrounds, as well as personal touches that really speak to the bride’s personality. 

Budget Smart 

Make sure you set a realistic budget as money can be a real deal breaker for some people. You still want the day to feel like a special effort for the bride, but it’s so easy to let the budget get out of control. The best way to go about this is reach out to the group with a cost estimate, and suggest that people contact you individually with any concerns. 

Also, a word from the wise, always ask guests to pay up front – hotel, meals, transportation, activities, any fun decorations. This avoids the awkward emails after the day, or you being out of pocket!