By Tia Smith.How to Plan the Ultimate Hen Do: For Brides to Be, Maid of Honour or Bride Squad
Planning a hen do? Don’t panic. With creativity, solid organisation, and a touch of Prosecco-fuelled fun, you can plan a hen do that everyone will be talking about just as much as the wedding! Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Know your Bride
Is she all about the wild nights out, or does she dream of a chill spa weekend? Start by having a chat (or subtle interrogation) with the bride-to-be. Ask about:
- Guest list
- Budget
- Preferred vibe (e.g, glam, relaxed, adventurous, wild)
- Non-negotiables and hard no’s (no strippers? Noted)
Or if you’re planning your own, make note of the above!
Image reference – WVSA Suppliers – Nicola Gotts Photography
Set the budget early
Money talk might not be comfortable, but it’s essential. Talk to the Bride Squad and agree on a realistic budget early. Be transparent and try to include everything—accommodation, activities, transport, food, drinks, extras.
💡 Use a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses, payments due to who and when, and most importantly who out of the group has paid what.
💡 Make sure to split the overall cost into 2 / 3 payments to make it manageable
Choose the destination
Whether it’s a city break, countryside retreat, beach weekend, or staying local, the destination sets the tone.
Hot hen do destinations:
- City Vibes: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Barcelona, Amsterdam
- Chill Escapes: Lake District, Bath, the Cotswolds
- Beach Babes: Ibiza, Marbella, Cornwall
Don’t forget to factor in travel time, cost, and accessibility for guests.
Plan the activities
Try to include a mix of chill and thrill:
- Daytime Ideas
- Life Drawing
- Spa Day
- Pottery Painting
- Wine Tasting
- Sports Day
- Bottomless brunch
- Outdoor adventures (hiking, paddleboarding, goat yoga?)
- Night Vibes:
- Fancy dinner and bars
- Pub crawl
- At-home games night
- Hire a private chef
- Festival with live music
- Tarot Readings
- Karaoke
If you’re really extra, you can put together a cute itinerary on Canva to share with everyone.
💡 Add a fun dress code or theme night—glitter, pinks, cowgirl, wig night, pyjama party, 1920’s Gatsby, 90’s throwback
💡Delegate; have one bridesmaid looking into paddleboarding, another finding a private chef, another ordering the props for the games night – team work makes the dream work.
Image reference – WVSA Suppliers – Patterns & Sync
Think of the little extras
The best hen do’s feel personal and thoughtful. Try:
- Decor; balloons, bunting, photos, straws 👀 (make sure you include decor in your expenses)
- Hen party survival kits (painkillers, face masks, snacks)
- A playlist of bride-approved bangers
- Video messages from people who can’t attend
Keeping it flowing – but flexible
Have a plan but don’t over schedule. Leave breathing room for downtime, spontaneous fun, and recovery. Hangovers don’t care about your Google Calendar.
Capture the memories
Designate one or two “content creators” in the group.
Be the calm in the chaos
Things might go sideways. People might be late, taxis might cancel, someone might cry. As the planner, you need to steady the ship, pour the prosecco, and remember: it’s all about celebrating love and friendship and giving your bride a weekend she’ll never forget (or only half remember, depending on the cocktails).
Have fun and enjoy planning!
Tia xx
🩷👰🏼🥂