Planning your Hen or Stag Do

If Hen or a Stag do planning is a new to you, then it can seem like an impossible task to do alone but with the help of this planning guide it has never been easier.

There is nothing is worse than being stressed when trying to get everything sorted for the celebrations. I have compiled all the basics you need to know and exactly what you need to do for the planning of a Hen or Stag Do.

The person historically who does the planning it is the Maid of Honour or Chief Bridesmaid and the Best man & Groomsmen! The Maid of honour or Best Man normally takes care of managing and is helped by the of the bridesmaids or Groomsmen and maybe some of the party guests. But times are changing as we know.

Some ask for advice when these should take place, although there is no fast and hard line rule it is best enjoyed from six to eight weeks before the wedding day. This way, there will be plenty of time to recover from whatever you get up to. If you have an activity filled event, you may have some bruises or scrapes that may need to heal. Also important is having at least one payday between the event and the wedding day, this ensures everyone can enjoy and make not only the event but also the wedding day without worrying about affording both celebrations.

Setting A Budget

This is a very important piece of planning a hen do. By planning a budget, this will then give you a much better picture of the size and type of celebration you will be able to enjoy.

From here you can discuss how much each person is willing to put in the pot and the you set a clear budget that covers everything.

This should include if needs be, if you are going away, where to stay, how you are getting there, what you are going to do, and any gifts.

If you don’t do this, planning it can quickly get out of hand, and you will probably spend a larger amount more than you wanted too.

Try to stick to how much you agreed to spend an after Having set an agreed budget that realistically will help avoid any stress and ensure everyone enjoys the event.

Where to Go?

As when organising any event, you need to make a decision when to go that is best for most guests (you’ll not please everyone), you have to consider things like how when the event is going to be in relation to the wedding day.

Also, you need to think about clashing with other events like holidays, birthdays, bank holidays and any other special occasions.

Depending on what you have already decided, you need to consider the time of year you want to get together, you don’t want to go to a beach in the UK in the winter etc.

If you plan to stay over at least for one night, you may need to ensure the event falls on a weekend for the people that can’t take leave?

Who to invite?

Once you’ve have got a few dates and times of the year, you can start to see what sort of numbers that can attend.

It would be ideal if you could discuss this with the bride or groom-to-be when planning this step.

If it is a surprise for the bride or groom-to-be, try out whether she/he wants a small or big celebration and who she/he wants at the event. This after all, it is for her/him, so it is vitally important it is what she/he would like.

With the knowledge of what the bride or groom-to-be would prefer, you can start to work out how many and whom is to be invited.

Where should we Go?

This entirely up to you of course, but here are some pros and cons.

UK or abroad?

This all comes down to the type of event you are planning. If you are looking sunshine, a Spanish destination would probably be a good idea! If you are looking for something that is cheaper, a UK city can be just as exciting!

Click here for the pros and cons

What should I do Next?

Now you have made the decision and picked the location of your event, when it is and with who you are going with, it’s time to decide what activities you’re going to partake in!

This is the fun part; there will be plenty of activities and ideas that will be available for your chosen place.

You now need to decide if you want activities in the daytime, evening, or both!

Now if you are not having meals at a hotel, you need to decide where you will be eating and then booking somewhere depending on the number in your party!

As long as you have some activities sorted, you have got the basics of hen party planning organised!

Tips for Planning

Some tips to help you plan the event to remember

Make sure you give everyone who you have invited plenty of notice so that there is more chance that everyone invited can arrange to come.
It is hard enough organising an event, so you need to be strict and firm with your decisions and don’t refuse people's help, but remember when it comes to the final conclusion, it’s your call!
It is very important when deciding where to go and what to do. If the person getting married wants her mum and nan etc. at the event, you may want to opt for something they can join in and enjoy to!
It may be a good idea to put together a to-do list, because there are so many thing to organised, it will help you with your planning.
Think of setting up a group What's App chat, so you can share important planning with the rest of the parties involved.

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Now the fun Bit

Now you have planned the main part of the event, the fun part can begin.

What you want to do is make the event that everyone will remember, but more especially the bride or groom-to-be.

Games

There are many games that will add a great addition to any hen or stag do.

Make sure to include them whilst planning your event games (even though they maybe don't know what the game is), but it is an absolute must!

Simply take a look online or ask your friends what they did and pick out your favourite ones to play on the day!

If you’re looking for more drink-orientated ideas, then be sure to check out our list of drinking games, too!

Accessories

You’ll maybe want to look the part in the event, and hen and stag party accessories are the perfect way to do just that!

Whatever you choose, sashes, badges, veils or something completely out-of-the-ordinary, this is an opportunity for you and your guests to dress up and have some real fun

Decorations

If your having the event in a certain venue, a great way is to decorate your event room, some balloons, banners, maybe some streamers etc. or some other creation you might have in mind.

This is a great way to transform your home or venue into a party to be remembered!

Presents

Remember to buy the bride or groom-to-be a present, this is a must-do.

If you want to buy something yourself or start a collection to buy one big gift, it’s traditional for the hens or Stags to give the group a favour on the last weekend of freedom!

Hearts and Souls Celebrant