The bride has set her date and now it's time to send her off into married life in style. But, What is the best way to do that?
Planning a hen party for your favourite bride to be can be a daunting task, but if you have the right tools in your pocket, the planning will be a breeze.
1.Speak to the Bride!
This is probably the most important aspect to make sure you are not planning her worst nightmare! Dedicate some time to discuss all the options with her and make sure you ask all the important questions.
-What would you love to do?
-What would you hate to do?
-Who would you want to invite?
-What dates do you have in mind?
2. Get the guestlist
Get the bride to create a WhatsApp group with everyone she wants to invite added to it. Make sure that she sets you as the administrator and let her leave the group. This is now all in your hands.
I would suggest you introduce yourself at this point as you probably wont know everyone on that list and then make it known that you have been assigned the job of organising this event. If you are working alongside another one of the brides best people, then make sure to explain that here too.
You will also need to assert your authority at this point, as there is normally one person within the group that will try and take the reins from you. But unless the bride has told you that they want them to head up the planning process, you will need to make sure you have a firm grip.
I would also suggest at this point that each of the hens provide a small deposit at this time. This ensures that they are serious about coming and also it gives you a bit of a buffer when it comes to securing a booking down the road. The last thing you want is to have to pay out for the whole group and then try and chase the money.
3. Find out the Budget
Not everyone will agree on how much they want to spend on the hen party and this is a topic that can become a bit awkward, but it is necessary. At this point, try to be mindful of the different perspectives people may have around how they want to spend their money. The idea of this conversation early on in the planning process is so that you can provide the group with different options and therefore can find the best activity that suits everyone as much as possible.
Also, at this point, you should be asking what everyone's ideas are. Do they want to go abroad, or stay local? Do they want to do an overnighter or just a daytime. These are really important things to figure out as soon as possible so you don't waste your time planning something that is unlikely to happen.
4. Split off and form a planning committee
We all know the phrase 'Too many cooks spoil the broth' and that's exactly what will happen if you have a whole heap of people trying to plan one event. Instead, find the people within the group who you think will provide valuable ideas and have the capacity to assist in the planning process. This then allows those who can not prioritise planning to take a step back, and those who want to be involved can be at the forefront.
You need to discuss all the possible options and whittle it down to just a few, preferably which each having two budget options. This will then allow the rest of the group to make a genuine decision rather than just based on budget.
5. Present the options
As mentioned above, try and present the ideas that you have with budget-friendly and blowing the bank.
It may sound a bit extra, but maybe making a little presentation could help here. This would allow everyone to have a copy of the itinerary planned for each option and a breakdown of costings, alongside pictures and weblinks to the places you are suggesting. Then give all the hens a week to get back to you on what their preferred option will be.
Obviously, at this stage, you will not be able to please everyone, and if you don't have an overall majority, it maybe time to start rethinking. But, if you know that one idea really is what the bride would love, try using your persuasion skills to encourage the others to go along with the plan. If at this stage, you feel that there are too many differing opinions, you could suggest a split Hen party. Have two events, whereby people can chose to attend one or both.
6. Organise the Extras
This is often an afterthought. Which is valid. You've spent all your time planning the perfect party, and now you need to think about the bride. Tradition states that the bride should not have to spend a penny on her hen party (and rightly so, this is a day to celebrate her) so you need to figure out how you are going to incorporate her costs into the budget.
Also, you may want to provide the hen with accessories to wear on the day; a veil, sash, photo props, a bikini, a hat. These are all things that you will need to figure out, and who is going to buy them.
The other thing to consider is a dress code. Some brides really want to stand out on their hen party, so you could suggest that all the hens wear the same colour whilst the Bride wears white?
7. Finalise the plan
Now it's time to confirm everything. Contact all the venues that you are attending and confirm the booking. Write the itinerary and send to all the hens. Make adjustments for any last minute changes or drop outs (it happens)
8. Do Tell the Bride!
Please, tell the bride something! If you have planned a total surprise day for her, that's amazing and I'm not telling you to divulge all the plans. But it would be a good idea to let her know the basics.
Will she need an overnight bag? Passport? Swimwear?
What time does she need to ready by and how is she travelling?
What is the dress code. Does she need to wear heels or flats?
These are all basic questions that really need to be answered to avoid any embarrassing situations.
9. Enjoy the Party!!
Now, it's just time to enjoy the day. Make sure the bride has the best possible time and marvel at how fantastic you are at planning the most incredible Hen Party EVER!!
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