Hen Parties - Essential Advice
If you are the chief bridesmaid, then as soon as this "esteemed" position is made known to you, it is not too soon to be directing your thoughts and energies to the key areas outlined below.
1. Consult with Bride Your first move should be to approach the VIP and ascertain what they want from this party. Hen parties have gone ahead with the bride kept completely in the dark as to the scheme of events and gone screamingly well. However, in most cases, this is not the most appropriate course of action. The two of you should decide what form the celebrations are to take, e.g. horse riding, wine tasting, meal, B&B etc. Think about: timescale, activities, food, accommodation and alcohol.
2. Date Traditionally, this has always been the weekend prior to the wedding. With hen parties, this is often the most preferred since if the activities include some form of pampering it is the perfect prelude to the big day. Get the key personnel committed to one date as soon as possible.
3. Guest List Only the bride can help you with this one. However, to aid you in your task you need to know key factors such as: how many where they live who knows who special requirements, i.e. vegetarian, teetotaller.
It is important for prospective brides to consider a variety of options before they make their decision about who will take their wedding photographs. Meet with various wedding photographers and ask to see samples of their work. Request full albums of recent weddings covered by every photographer, as many of them would only show samples of their best shots to prospective clients.
4. Cost It is important to bear in mind that there will be a variety of budgets to cater for. It is all too easy to get over-enthusiastic only to find that the bride's closest friend cannot afford to join you.
5. Location A hasty word of warning, this area may very well cause you the biggest headache. Allow yourself extra time when deliberating location. Also bear in mind that very often the bride wishes to be away from home territory making your task harder due to unfamiliarity.
6. Activities The cries of "BUNGEE" ring out loud and clear but the volunteers are not forthcoming. The options are now so extensive from pot-holing to pot-making. You have to do the research. You have determined the location, now find out what is available - remember the budget.
7. Communicate with Guests Now starts the paper chase. Access to a computer could prove to be a must. You need to write to all those included, extending an invitation. Outline the proposed itinerary, date, cost and location. Provide a tear-off slip with a "return by date" - this ensures that you have a firm idea of numbers.
8. Deposits Whatever plans you have made, deposits will be required from the guests. This also helps to cut down the knock-on effect of the inevitable "non-attendees". We all know the girl - she's keen, wants to join in everything, all ready to party ... then the night before her in-growing toenail causes her too much pain.
9. Make the Bookings Confirm all bookings, i.e. for accommodation, activities, transport, evening entertainment, food and send required deposits.
10. Confirmation with Guests Write back to all guests confirming arrangements. Outline where they need to be, at what time, what to pack, what to wear, and how much they still owe. Remember any maps and any special little requirements, i.e. those "naughty" little gifts for the bride.
Ten steps to guide you through organising the perfect hen party. A very daunting prospect but there is help at hand in the guise of a company called Freedom whose key word is "effortless" - music to your ears. Click here to let Freedom take over the organisation, the research, the paper chase - in essence they take off the stress.
