How to Organize a Great Hen Party…

Once a couple announce that they are getting engaged i.e. their engagement, all attention immediately goes to or eventually goes to the Hen and Stag Party\’s for the couple\’s close family, relations and friends. It is true that the Chief Bridesmaid / Bestman do (should) organize the Hen and Stag Parties in close consultation with the Bride and Groom to be, but usually the Bride and Groom tell them where they want go, what they want to do, when they want to go and who should attend? So whether you are a Bride or a Groom, Chief Bridesmaid or Bestman, how do you organize the best Hen Party / Stag Party ever? Let\’s focus on the Hen Party first! Where to go? With easy access to almost any place in the world right now, a Bride can go anywhere for her Hen Party. Hopping on a plane to a different country is always an option, but I guess it carry\’s some risks compared to staying in your own country. Getting your guests to the location and back home again safely has to be your number one priority and \’leaving on a jet plane\’ to a far way land for a short visit for up to 15, 20, 30 people…well…takes a lot of organizing…! Who to invite? There is usually someone left out (deliberately or by accident) when inviting people to any party. Working in conjunction with the Bride or with the Chief Bridesmaid, list on paper the people you would like at the Hen Party. Decide how you want to invite them i.e. formal invitation, letter, e-mail, text message, telephone call, in person, giving them enough notice to plan their busy lives around it…be consistent and follow up, encouraging them all to attend. Where to stay? I guess you need to gauge, understand, give some thought to your guests financial situation.  Are they working, are they unemployed, have they just lost their job, are they a student? Heading off an expensive trip, could put people under pressure and require deep pockets. Choose the location and a place to stay (usually most Hen Party\’s involve at least one night away from their own bed) that meets everyone\’s different requirements. How to get there? As said earlier, it is priority for you to do all you can to make sure that the guests at your Hen Party get to and from the party safe and sound.  Most times this can be outside your control, but the last thing you want before your wedding day is someone \’not being able to make your wedding\’ or coming to your wedding \’in a cast\’ because of events that happened at the Hen Party. Travelling together is always a good option and sets the tone for a great Hen Party. What to do / not to do? As the organizer of your own Hen Party or for your Bride-to-be\’s Hen Party, you need to have some form of itinerary for the time away. Your guests will want to know beforehand, what \’the plan is\’ and they will expect it? What do they have to wear, will there be activities that require special clothing, where will you eat, where will you all socialize? Have you pre-booked these places of activity / socializing. Is there much travel, walking involved. Many town and city \’establishments\’ do not accept Hen Party\’s for many reasons. If you are organizing your own Hen Party or have asked your Chief Bridesmaid to do it, stay involved, know what is being organised and plan it accordingly…you deserve a great party to celebrate your last days of singularity…so, organize it they it should be organized and look forward to it and enjoy it…