Top Tips For Planning The Best Hen Party EVER
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TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING A FANTASTIC HEN PARTY
Organising the Hen Party is a daunting task for even seasoned bridesmaids. The greatest duty facing the bridesmaid is to give the Hen a send-off to single life that will be a talking point for some time to come. So instead of trawling the Internet for hours on end, let TheFunFactory.ie take the stress and hassle out of planning the big event! We’ve compiled a list of practical points to help guide you in the run-up to “the big day”. Essentially, try to be organised and to personalise the event for the Hen as much as possible.
- Very early on, talk to the bride-to-be and choose a suitable date for the hen night/ weekend. Usually set a date for 4-6 weeks out from the wedding day
- Get the bride-to-be to provide you with a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of those she wishes to invite to her hen party
- Set up a “Hen Party Group” contacts in your phone address book so you can easily send group texts. It’s even easier and cheaper if you do this on your phone provider’s website!
- Text a “save the date” reminder to all the invitees and seek confirmation of attendance
- Check out TheFunFactory.ie for ideas on destinations and package options for your hen party. Is she an action chick/ outdoorsy hen/ sophisticated hen/ pampered hen/ looking for a unique activity? TheFunFactory.ie has a wide range of packages on offer to suit everyone, which include great accommodation, fun activities, and top nightclubs
- Present options to the bride-to-be and get her approval
- Contact the team in TheFunFactory.ie to get a quote or make a booking for your hen party. Do this ASAP so that you can secure your first choice in accommodation and activities
- Inevitably, a couple of people may have to cancel at the last minute; so factor this worst case scenario into the equation when working out the costs. For example, if 18 girls promise to come, there's a high chance that only 15 will actually go. So always share the costs across a smaller number than that expected. Then if one or two drop out, you will have a cushion, meaning you don’t have to ask the rest of the group for more money or lose out yourself. If everyone comes, then the extra cash can be used as a kitty for dinner/ drinks/ decorations/ taxis etc
- Email an invitation to all the invitees detailing where the Hen Party is being held and when, the dress code, the amount needed from each individual, what their money covers, your bank account details and a deadline to have deposited the amount in your bank account
- Keep a record of who has deposited money and if necessary, don’t be afraid of texting gentle reminders
- In these recession times, tell everyone to bring a bottle and some nibbles with them
- You could also suggest in the invite that everyone brings a little gift for the hen – funny or sentimental or naughty!
- If you are having a themed event (consult with the Hen first!), give everyone plenty of notice so that they can organise their costume. Check out our “Hen Party Themes” section for some inspiration. Even if you decide not to do fancy dress, you should wear an item or colour that unites you as a group. An easy idea is for everyone to wear a Hen Party t-shirt. Check out T-SHIRT EXPRESS for some hilarious options or ask them to personalise ones for you with a photo of the Hen. Visit: http://www.tshirt-express.ie/hens-tshirts-c-229.html
- A nice idea is to burn a CD or create a playlist on your iPod of cheesy party classics, hen party anthems and the Hen's favourite songs. Just don't forget some speakers or a CD player!
- If you are planning to do a "This is Your Life" scrapbook for the Hen, give everyone (including her Mum) lots of time to go through their photo collections or Facebook photos and send them on to you. Be sure to scan/ copy and return any pics ASAP that are precious to someone. Ask each contributor to write a caption and share the funny story or poignant memory behind the inclusion of each photo. It will prove to be a wonderful keepsake for the Hen.
- Check out our “Hen Party Games and Hen Party Checklist” sections on our site for some fun games to play on the Hen Party and to break the ice. Make sure to have some forfeits ready to dish out! If you decide to do the “Mr & Mrs Quiz”, you’ll need to enlist the help of the Groom-to-Be well in advance!
- The element of surprise on a Hen Party is crucial! Think of some fun ways to delight (or to embarass) the Hen and amuse the other girls. It's expected and you don't want to disappoint!! To add the personal touch to your event, check out the incredible range of items from PHOTO EXPRESS, such as handbags and badges, which can all be customised with a funny photo of your Hen. Visit http://photoexpress.ie/print_products.shtml
- Just before the big event, email AND text directions to the accommodation. This means that everyone will a) have your number to contact you at any stage and b) have the address of the accommodation to give to taxi drivers or if they get lost!
- As chief organiser, bring a contact sheet with you detailing the names and numbers of everyone going, and other bits and pieces like local restaurants and taxi numbers
- Don’t forget to pack a Hen Survival Kit (for the bride-to-be?) consisting of headache tablets and plenty of rehydration drinks!
- You’re the one that everyone will turn to and ask what the plan is; so be prepared! Never underestimate how long it takes people to get ready and factor this in when making arrangements. Have a couple of bars in mind that you want to visit and if you sense the energy is flagging in one place, move on!
- Have a trusted friend as your right hand woman to help you set up things or to move the group along. Trust us that this will take the pressure off you and in turn, help you to enjoy the event as well!
- On your return, set up a Facebook or Flickr Account for the Hen Party, so that the group can upload pictures and share their memories of the event. Then text everyone with the account details. You can even share photos on TheFunFactory.ie Facebook page!
