You’ve been given the title of ‘maid of honour’. Congratulations! You’re so excited and proud to stand by your friend and plan her hen do. However let’s not deny, this can be a stressful event to plan with lots of pressure. Trying to keep everyone entertained on a budget everyone can afford can be challenging, however we have ideas which should make your planning so much more enjoyable.
First things first, make sure you talk to the bride. Find out what kind of hen do she really wants. Does she want to go abroad? Have a relaxing weekend? A party weekend? Just one wild night out or a relaxing retreat? What ever you decide to book, let it represent the brides personality. What is the one thing she loves? Double check if there are any no no’s! Whether there’s going to be a few best pals or a large group of friends, finding something to suit everyone can be a task.
More brides now want unique hen do’s that will never be forgotten. Willy straws and strip clubs aren’t at all for everyone or necessary if the bride doesn’t want it! Make sure everyone knows who’s night it is by dressing the bride-to-be up in a stunning standout outfit. Here are our favourite ideas for a night or weekend to remember…
Step-by-step points to planning –
♥ Talk to the bride to see what she wants, and who she wants coming
♥ Come up with a selection of dates which works well for the bride
♥ Create a group chat with everyone involved
♥ Break the ice
♥ Discuss budgets and deadlines for money
♥ Plan activities to suit everyone
♥ Think about transport and where everyone will meet
♥ Party bags add a lovely personal touch
Knowing your group is an important part of your hen do. An ice breaker could be for everyone to bring along the oldest photo of them and the bride, or the most embarrassing photo they own of the bride in question!
Party bags are a brilliant way of making everyone feel included and will help get everyone into the spirit. Hangover kits, games, questions for the bride, to do activities, the list is endless! Sure these will take time and cost a little, however if everyone attending contributes a few quid it can be really enjoyable thing to do and makes all the difference.
If you’re stuck on ideas where to go or what to do, here are our go-to tips for an amazing hen night/weekend…
A Night Out
A local night out clubbing or in the nearest city can be spiced up by beginning the night off in a swanky bar leaning how to make cocktails. Learn how to mix your favourite drinks from a professional in a cocktail making master class.
Dance
There are many dancing options for you and your hens. Have fun and work a sweat with sexy burlesque, pole dancing, belly dancing or even a theatre workout! Learn some moves and have a laugh to remember, you may even find a love for it.
Getaway
If you and your closest hens are up for it, why not have a holiday of a lifetime? The question is, UK or abroad? If you want an extraordinary hen do, choose Las Vegas, the never ending strip of clubs and casinos are sure to make your hen do one to remember. If you want a sun destination Ibiza is a fabulous destination for partying and relaxing. If you’d rather keep it cosmopolitan pick Barcelona, with many bars and clubs this vibrant city will have you relaxing in style. Majoraca and Marbella are both great destinations in Spain, perfect for unwinding yet still has a fantastic night life. The Canary Islands are perfect for heat, with sunshine all year round what more could you ask for?
If a hen do abroad is going to break the bank, fear not as there are many places in the UK you can have an amazing time away. There are plenty of cities ideal to party in, if you are more of a cosmopolitan girl head to Dublin, Manchester or London. If you want to get closer to nature head to Newquay or Brighton and chill out by the sea after your wild nights out.
Spa Days & Weekends
If all you want to do is relax and get pampered then a spa weekend will be up your street. A one or two night spa break with a minimum of 10 guests may be perfect for you. Forget about wedding planning and share quality time with your favourite people in this girlie getaway.
Party At Home
If the bride is more of an indoor girl, a cheap and fabulous way to have an all night party is to simply host it in your home. Decorating the place can be a fun activity for you and the hens to complete. A theme or fancy dress pink champagne cocktail party always goes down well. You could even get down to some DIY making for the big day whilst making lush cocktails. Pamper yourselves and thank your girls with personalised wine glasses and keep sakes, they will love it.
Cheeky Surprises
Let’s not forget about the cheeky surprises to really make the bride blush! If you don’t want to get a stripper there are many alternative ways to make you and the hens giggle. Butlers in the buff will serenade you, what more could you ask for? Life drawing is becoming increasingly popular with modern hen do’s, why not draw a hunk and see what skills you and your girls have.
Remember
As maid of honour, you’ve had the huge responsibility of organising the hen do so must let your hair down! Have the best time away whoever you end up doing. Take a look at our hen do must-haves and enjoy planning the party of the year!
