Planning a Hens night can be stressful, but we're here to help.
There are loads of ideas that can be found online, but here's a little overview to get you started.
3 Months prior
- The hens night planning
should begin at least 3 months prior to the
wedding, the last thing you want is for the night to be a flop and the bride to
feel disappointed because you left it to the last minute.
Ask the bride what type of
hens night she is hoping for: a night on the town, a weekend getaway, a day of
pampering or a fun night at home. Aim to understand her comfort level remember
what you may consider as a fun night out she may consider as a nightmare and
there is nothing worse than a humiliated bride. Determine the demographics of
your guest list and plan accordingly, your aim as the organiser is to ensure
all your lovely guests have a safe, fun and memorable night.
- Next you should establish
a date, we suggest for this to be between 2-3 weeks before the wedding, NEVER
EVER EVER do it the night before! The only exception to this golden rule is if
the bride or bridal party are flying in for the wedding – and if so keep it low
key. If there is any inclining that the bride is still under the influence of
alcohol on the wedding day, the priest/celebrant won’t allow the ceremony to go
ahead not to mention a sick, hung over bride and an angry groom, are the last things
you want on your conscience.
- Write your guest list,
again correspond with the bride, she may want only her close friends or her
entire family, in some cases she may even be inviting people from
interstate or overseas– either way you must respect her decision and invite
accordingly.
2 Months prior
- Send out a ‘save the date’
email 2 months prior to determine the number of
available attendees whilst ensuring you have given the best opportunity for
everyone to attend.
- Brainstorm ideas including
the location of the event, possible activities / games / tours etc. If it is
necessary to make reservations then make sure you make your enquiries and book
nice and early to avoid disappointment of missing out.
- Remember at this point
that you don’t want to overschedule the night by cramming in too many
activities, the last thing you want is to make your guests feel rushed or
scattered by jumping from one location to another.
- Think responsible, the
inevitable part of a hens night is alcohol so organise appropriate transport
and accommodation to ensure your guests have a fun and safe night.
1 Month prior
- Send out your invitations
approximately 1 month prior to ensure all of the brides
busy friends have time to clear their schedules. This should not only include
the basic information such as time/date/location/theme but also a polite
request for payment if necessary and an itinerary if your planning a pub crawl
or something similar.
- If you are planning a
night on the town consider starting at a restaurant - a meal before the big
night is a good way to soak up that alcohol later on. Set out your itinerary
organising appropriate transport between each location if they are not within
walking distance of one another. Inform the pub/clubs of your attendance and in
doing so hinting for hens night discount or freebie.
- If you are planning your party
at home organise for nibbles, refreshments, alcohol, games, music and
decorations, (stayed tuned for our top fun games and decoration ideas posted up
each month).
1 Week to go
- So, its 1 week before
and now the fun begins, the best part about the hens night is the shopping hunt
for the male genital paraphernalia and other naughty props. Of course if this
is not what the bride is ‘in to’ as such other accessories such as tiaras,
veils and sashes are also a fun and a valuable part of the night.
- Make sure you have all of
the equipment you require for the games, and most importantly a great knowledge
and understanding of how they are run, nothing ruins a good party like a
clueless host.
- Lastly confirm your guest
list as they are your most important asset, there is nothing that reads ‘bad
host’ or ‘failed hens-night’ like no guests and a disappointed bride.
It’s Party time!
- Given you have carefully
followed this checklist, have done your research and are fully prepared there
is nothing you should be worried about On the day so
most importantly let loose and HAVE FUN!
Good Luck & Happy Planning
