It may only be February but if you’ve a pal tying the knot this spring or summer, and you’re a bridesmaid, chances are planning a hen party is on your agenda! If you’ve been given this fun task, there’s lots to think about. Not sure where to start? Check out these handy pointers…
Location
One of the first things to think about is where you want to head for the hen. There’s a few things to keep in mind before deciding on the ideal spot. You need to factor in where everyone is travelling from, how accessible it is (are there trains or buses if people aren’t driving), accommodation options and activities close by. The girls will probably be travelling from various parts of Ireland so choosing somewhere central or with a good bus or rail system is ideal – places like Galway, Kilkenny, Belfast, Dublin, Dingle, Cork and Carrick-on-Shannon are some of the most popular destinations for this reason.
Price
Weddings are expensive and while everyone is usually only too happy to party it up at the hen, they don’t want to bankrupt themselves in the process. Work out some costings in advance so everyone has an idea of what’s involved budget wise as well as when it needs to be paid.
Activity
Photo via TheFancyHen.ie
Activities are such an important part of the hen – chances are, there’ll be a group of girls who may not all know each other so an activity is a great way to break the ice and get everyone mingling. There are so many fun options to consider from making a ring to a gin tea party, a chick flick movie sesh or hut tub cocktail party! Take a peek at 13 Fun Hen Party Activities Your Girls Will LOVE for more great ideas.
Games
Another thing to think about is games. Again, it’s a great way to get everyone chatting and is a bit of craic to boot. There’s all sorts of fun options out there from making a wedding dress out of toilet paper to ‘How Well Do You Know the Bride?’. Check out some hen party faves here!
Accessories
Hen Parties and accessories go hand in hand! Whether you decide to go full on with some cossies or pick up some staples like tiaras, badges, sashes or hen party tatts, it can be fun to have some cute pieces for everyone to wear. If you’re not an L Pate or willy fun, worry not, hen party accessories have gotten a stylish update with all sorts of pretty pieces available the girls will be only too happy to don. You’ll find a great range in the likes of HenWorld.ie, Jokeshop.ie, The Lovely Little Label and The Wedding Genie.
The Decor
Like accessories, it can be nice to spruce up your space with some decor whether it’s a hotel room or your living room! You don’t have to spend a fortune – a cute banner, chair sign, some balloons or confetti will add to the festivities. And if you’re looking to serve up some drinks and nibbles in style, you can pick up some fun ‘I Do’ crew napkins and hentastic glasses and straws too! Check out some fab finds here.
The Gift
If you’re planning to get the bride a gift, make sure to let everyone know the plan in advance so they can chip in! A photo memory book is a popular idea that’s perfect for the lady of the moment – everyone gets to include a pic of them with the bride-to-be as well as some funny stories or sweet sentiments. Plus it’s a gorgeous keepsake she’ll pore over again and again! If you’re after something she can use, a cute Mrs or Bride robe, hanger or clutch will be a gorgeous addition to the wedding day.
The Morning After…
If you’re planning on having a few drinks at the hen and want to make sure everyone is prepared for the morning after, some hen party survival kits are a great idea! You can include practical things like coffee sachets, a bag of crisps (soakage), some painkillers, sunnies or hair bobbins. You can also add in some fun pieces for the night itself like some props for snaps and disposable cameras.
Top tip: Make sure the phone is well charged to capture all the antics or invest in some disposable cameras for some surprise pics!
Main photo: Bride Tribe Tattoos available from Henworld.ie
