The Top 5 Things You Need to Organise for the Best Hen Party Ever (and 3 You Should Avoid)
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Planning a hen party is exciting — but it can also feel like you’re juggling a hundred flaming cocktails at once. Between keeping the bride happy, managing the guest list, and making sure the activities are unforgettable, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The good news? With the right planning, your hen do can go from “nice night out” to legendary weekend. At Prebride.com, we’ve helped bridesmaids, friends, and family organise all kinds of pre-wedding celebrations, and we know exactly what makes them unforgettable (and what turns them into disasters).
Here’s our ultimate guide to the 5 things you absolutely must get right for the perfect hen party — and 3 common mistakes to avoid.
✅ Top 5 Things You Need to Organise for the Best Hen Party Ever
1. The Perfect Guest List
The foundation of any great hen party is the people. Start by making sure you’ve got the bride’s most important friends and family on the list — and ask her who she wants there.
Top tips:
- Create a shared spreadsheet or use Prebride’s built-in guest management tool to track RSVPs and contact details.
- Be clear if it’s an all-ages event or adults-only — it sets the tone for the activities.
- Don’t assume you know the bride’s “must-invite” people — check with her directly.
2. A Date That Works for Everyone (Especially the Bride)
Picking a date sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest planning headaches. The key is to start early — ideally 3–6 months in advance.
- Use a poll to find dates that suit most people.
- Prioritise the bride’s availability above all else — she’s the reason you’re celebrating!
- If people are travelling from different cities, consider a weekend to make it worth the trip.
3. An Amazing Venue or Destination
Your choice of location can make or break the party. Think about the bride’s personality:
- For party-loving brides: A vibrant city with nightlife (think Brighton, Manchester, or even a European city break like Barcelona).
- For relaxed brides: A cosy countryside retreat, spa weekend, or beach house.
- For adventurous brides: Somewhere with activities like paddleboarding, hiking, or a themed escape room.
Pro tip: Always check accessibility, travel costs, and whether the venue can handle your group size.
4. Fun, Thoughtful Activities
Activities are the heartbeat of the hen do. A good mix of planned events and free time keeps everyone happy.
Ideas include:
- Cocktail-making classes
- Dance workshops
- Spa treatments
- Scavenger hunts
- Private dining or afternoon tea
Avoid cramming too much into the schedule — leave room for spontaneous fun.
5. Memorable Extras
It’s the little touches that make a hen party truly special. Consider:
- Personalised sashes, T-shirts, or tote bags
- A memory scrapbook for guests to fill in during the event
- A themed playlist that matches the bride’s taste
- Fun photo props for those Instagram-worthy shots
These extras don’t have to be expensive — it’s about thoughtfulness, not cost.
❌ 3 Things to Avoid for a Smooth Hen Party
1. Ignoring the Bride’s Preferences
It’s tempting to plan something you think would be amazing, but remember: this is the bride’s celebration. If she’s shy, avoid forcing her into centre-stage karaoke or public dares. If she loves quiet weekends, don’t book an all-night club crawl.
Golden rule: Ask the bride what she doesn’t want, and respect that.
2. Overcomplicating the Budget
Money can quickly cause tension, especially with a big group. Avoid:
- Asking for multiple payments at different times
- Adding surprise costs on the day
- Expecting everyone to contribute equally if some activities are optional
Instead, set a clear per-person budget early and stick to it. Use a shared payment tool (Prebride has a built-in budget tracker) so everyone knows where their money is going.
3. Planning Every Minute
Over-scheduling is a common mistake. Guests get tired, transport takes longer than expected, and people need time to chat, snack, and relax.
Instead:
- Plan 2–3 key activities a day, max
- Build in flexible downtime
- Keep travel between venues short to avoid spending hours on the move
Final Thoughts
The best hen parties are about more than fancy decorations or expensive venues — they’re about making the bride feel loved and celebrated. Get the guest list right, choose a great location, plan activities she’ll love, and add thoughtful extras, and you’re already halfway to a perfect celebration.
At Prebride.com, we make organising your hen do simple — from tracking RSVPs to splitting costs and collecting memories. So you can spend less time stressing, and more time sipping cocktails with the bride-to-be.
Written by Prebride.com – Your ultimate hen party planning companion.
