Planning hen weekends can be stressful, so the Acacia Team decided to put their heads together and create a list of 9 items every successful hen weekend needs.
Item 1: A plan!
A goal without a plan is just a wish, so get planning! Whose invited? Where? What? and even How Much? Obviously, make sure you chat it over with the bride-to-be beforehand, as you don’t want to do something she would hate!
Item 2: A happy hen group!
Communication is key. Make sure everyone knows what to bring and what’s expected. Adding little surprises like party bags and having drinks for when people arrive can really help set the tone for the weekend. Be mindful of sleeping arrangements and who gets to share with the bride-to-be. Most of all, work hard to create an inclusive atmosphere so the girls get to know each other quickly and the party begins with a bang!
Item 3: Food
We love food, so make it a central part of the weekend. Getting everyone sat round a table, chatting, eating, drinking, laughing and even crying makes for a memorable weekend. Don’t just think of the meals though, think snacks, breakfast and chocolate!
Item 4: Alcohol
A glass of bubbly greeting you as you arrive at the cottage, takes away the stress of the journey and gets the party started! Cocktail Workshops add a couple of hours of fun and hilarity. Take supermarket alcohol as it’s cheaper than hotels, restaurants and clubs. Oh … and don’t forget the mixers!
Item 5: Hen party games
Have hen do games for all occasions such as breaking the ice, being creative and making the bride-to-be feel loved. Involve the groom, reflect on the bride-to-be’s life and don’t hold back on the sentimental and funny stories.
Item 6: Time Out
You can’t pack every second of every day and night ‘doing’! Enjoy pj mornings, chilling, chatting and telling stories. Factor in times when everyone just chills.
Item 7: Little Touches
Little touches such as making bride-to-be photo-walls, taking her favourite food, creating games about her life and telling her stories will make her feel loved. Its is all about her, so make it so!
Item 8: A budget
Be sympathetic to what the bride-to-be wants and what people can afford to pay. Think creatively, get special offers, book out of season, make your own personalised decorations and bring food and drink to reduce the costs of the weekend.
Item 9: A happy bride-to-be
Afterall, you wouldn’t be having the party without her! Include personalised touches. Direct conversions to her and keep any issues away from her. You want her to sit back and enjoy being with all her best mates.
We’re experts in making hen parties happen. After all, your weekend is more than just a beautiful cottage with activities. It’s about the experience; from your initial thoughts all the way through to coming home exhausted having had the best hen weekend EVER! With over 10 years of hen party organising know-how, sourcing beautiful cottages & activities, building supplier relations, developing easy to use payment systems and IPP protection to keep your money safe, we aim to give you the best hen weekend possible with the least amount of stress. Contact us and get the conversation started.