Introduction: Hen Do

Hamish Shephard
Last updated: 26th Jan 2023
Bridebook.co.uk- hen do album
By Chris Giles Photography

Hello Chief Bridesmaid. This is something we’ve written just for YOU. You have the honour of supporting your closest friend in the run up to her wedding day. Aside from time spent chin-wagging over colour palettes and wedding gowns you get to organise one very important thing…. THE HEN PARTY. Oh yes. Hen Parties have evolved in the last couple of decades, with loads of different shenanigans taking place.  At Bridebook, we think it is essential to give you a helping hand with the planning.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaids silhouetted against the sun holding up their bouquets
By Luis Holden

Always Listen to the Bride

What does the bride want? A night of dancing and boozing surrounded by her mates? Or something small and quiet? See what she thinks and then get planning – you know her better than anyone! Note to self: make sure she gets home on the night, AT ALL COSTS.

Bridebook.co.uk- wooden sign pointing to the bachelorette party
By Etsy

Guests

The bride will chose the list of people to invite. Who and how many people are coming will set the tone a lot so highlight this to her. If mums are coming, something more relaxed may be on the cards. If she wants 20 people to come, get yourself ready for a lot of admin and herding!

Bridebook.co.uk- hen do lipstick kisses keepsake
By Henbox.co.uk

Budget

Let’s just breeze over the boring but essential bit… budget. Choose a budget, make sure your guests are happy with it and then stick to it. People like to know if there will be extras – will they pay an amount to include all or will they pay for their own drinks on the night. People like to know what they are in for so just be open from the start. Remember not everyone will be earning the same amounts; so consider this before you book an extravagant weekend abroad.

Bridebook.co.uk- champagne glasses with paper engagement rings
By Etsy

Emails

Don’t bombard the girls with emails – three emails can be enough and always BCC the invited guests so that people don’t start sending hundreds back and forth.

– The first email should give some date options.

– The next one should confirm people are happy with the amount owed – and for you to set up when these instalments need to be paid by.

– Finally there should be an email closer to the time to finalise what people need to bring and where they need to be.

Stick to three and people won’t hate you by the time the party starts!

Bridebook.co.uk- plastic engagement ring favours
By Dollar Store Crafts

Activities

This is the fun bit. You know the bride best, so work out a plan that is very her – don’t take her shopping if she hates clothes and prefers to be in the countryside. You get the gist. So work out a game plan that involves an activity she will love and the food and drink around that.

A few little tips from us:

-Keep it simple, running around multiple locations will guarantee someone gets lost. A big group of girls also needs some downtime so avoid over planning.

-Do not book venues/events late, as availability may be limited. Be sure to double-check your bookings, to minimise your stress levels.

-If you are having fancy dress, check it’s allowed at the venue you’re partying at!

-Bring some flats! With all the walking and dancing that you will be doing, it’s a great idea to give your feet a rest.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride at hen do life drawing lesson
By Buzzfeed

Fun extras

There are so many things out there to make the hen party even more special. Pull together the Mr and Mrs Smith game (DETAILS HERE), get everyone to bring a pair of underwear and the bride has to guess who gave which, or put together a scrap book and everyone has a page to fill. On top of that there are badges, hats, balloons and tiny details you can go crazy with – there is a world of inspiration so get googling – but remember to keep an eye on your budget.

Bridebook.co.uk- i am with the bachelorette party temporary tattoo
By Etsy

Last tips

Please, please, please make sure you leave time BEFORE the actual wedding to have the Hen Party. Best to avoid re-enacting ‘The Hangover’ – no one wants a hungover bridal party, mum or bride! Obviously your party should be equally mind-blowing, just make sure it’s a while before the big day.

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaids after hen do mug shots
By Shine On

Happy Hen Partying!

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Hamish Shephard
Hamish Shephard is the founder and CEO of Bridebook, the UK’s leading wedding planning app. He is now considered an expert in the wedding industry, having appeared on BBC news multiple times to provide his expertise and having his own Evening Standard column, Groom With a View, where he shares his insights as one of the UK’s most prominent wedding experts.
Last updated: 26th Jan 2023