A bride's hen do is meant to be one of the most memorable and special days of her life, obviously aside from the wedding. But there are many things that can go wrong. So hen and stag specialists, Red7, (www.red7.co.uk) have put together a list for Female First of top 10 dos and don'ts to remind everyone involved how to create a magical time for not only the bride but the entire hen party.
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Do make sure everything is planned well in advance
The bride might already have her dream hen destination chosen, but if things aren't planned well in advance then there's a chance that you'll miss out and be disappointed, especially when booking accommodation. Flights can also increase in price in a matter of minutes so it's best to book these as soon as possible and this also means there's more chance the whole group can all get on the same flight. If it's partying that you're after, make sure your entire group is on the guest list and check that they let in hen parties. It's also a good idea to check the dress codes to avoid any awkward moments upon entry. When booking food reservations, make sure the venue can cater for the size of the party; restaurants often have stipulations for large groups so make sure you know what these are in advance to avoid any disappointing surprises.
Do keep each guest at the party in mind
Whilst it's best to put one person in charge of organising your weekend away and booking activities which avoids the 'too many cooks' issue, you need to consider who is in the group. The mother-in-law probably doesn't want to go and see the Dreamboys, in the same sense that the bride most likely isn't going to want to go knitting. Keep it varied and take into consideration everyone in the group, that way everyone enjoys the day or weekend, and usually if the guests are happy, so is the bride. If your group is staying overnight in a hotel, it's best to plan who is sharing with who before you arrive and let people know in advance as this avoids any confusion and awkward conversations when you check-in.
Do consider everyone's budgets
There is nothing worse than a guest feeling awkward or left behind because they can't afford an activity. It's much more fun to enjoy the day together as a whole group and in the future you can all reminisce together. And it's another reason to book early, leaving things to the last minute often means less choice and higher prices. By giving people plenty of notice so they can start budgeting their finances, and explaining what the trip involves from the start, will mean all guests are fully aware of what they need to pay for and can allocate funds accordingly.
Do prepare yourselves for the morning after the night before
There will probably be a few guests suffering from a headache so pack plenty of painkillers and energy boosting vitamins. For those who can't hold their alcohol, then stomach settlers are also a key essential. It's worth remembering that a lot activities are best enjoyed without a sore head so if you can, try and plan adventurous activities for later in the day to allow people time to recover, or simply warn guests the day before what's in store for them so they can limit their alcohol intake.
Do remember why you're there
Ultimately, it's about giving the bride what she wants and keeping her happy. No one want's bridezilla on their hands so try and remember to take on board her requests when it comes to destinations and activities. You may think it's funny to book a stripper if she has distinctly said no to one, but having an upset bride and awkward atmosphere is no fun for anyone and remember the group will be spending the entire trip together so it's best to create a fun and friendly environment.
Don't invite someone that might make the bride feel awkward
The groom's ex, for example. This is definitely a no-no. When it comes to the mother-in-law, it's probably a good idea to check with the bride before you send out any invitations. After all, not everyone gets on with the in-laws. Bad invite choices will create a negative atmosphere for the entire party and ultimately have everyone wishing they weren't there. Similarly, you may not know all of the party so try to mingle and don't stick with your best friends the whole day.
Don't book the hen party too close to the wedding
Everyone will need recovery time from the hen party shenanigans, especially the bride. Organising the hen party for the weekend before the wedding is a no-no, especially as the bride will want a weekend to relax before the madness begins. Make sure you select a date well in advance and invite guests as early as possible so there are no diary clashes.
Don't forget the little things
Think hen survival kits, outfits or themes, all of which sites like Pinterest will be happy to help you with inspiration for the finishing touches. It doesn't all have to be phallic symbols so try and think outside the box. Maybe the bride wants a colour theme, or perhaps she's not the sort of person who enjoys dressing up so it's best to discuss with her first. Keep in mind the personality of the group which should help to avoid any themed disasters.
Don't post anything incriminating on social networks
It might be funny at the time, after you've had a few cocktails but nobody will thank you for posting half naked selfies taken at 4am as you're falling drunkenly through a door way. Snap shots throughout the day are a lovely momentum but choose the pictures wisely that you intend on sharing via social media.
Don't hit hens with hidden costs
If you're up front from the beginning about costs and book things early, people can set aside money each month for the event. If you tell them on arrival that the hotel still hasn't been paid in full, guests are likely to get frustrated and if living nearby, may even decide to go home and sleep. Be honest from the start in order to keep costs becoming an issue and you can all enjoy a hassle free-hen.
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