We’ve all been there. Sitting awkwardly on a chair of questionable hygienic standards, sipping on cheap champagne out of a penis shaped straw, watching your friend (bride-to-be) attempting to pole dance. It’s funny at first. But when the alcoholic haze lifts and ‘Don’t Cha’ by The Pussy Cat Dolls has been replayed for a third time, you cannot help but wonder why this is becoming uncomfortably familiar...
Why do you always seem to be doing the same thing for every Hens Party you attend? You're not sure if you should even be there, after-all you don't know the majority of the guests. And what’s more, why do you always seem to have these moments of deep reflection at very unsuitable times…? Well, I have two things to tell you. One; this is a classic case of cookie cutter style Hen’s Party planning with little thought into creating something unique and personalised for the Bride to Be. Two; It doesn't have to be this way.
Follow our 4 step guide and learn how to plan a Hen’s Party that everyone will be raving about for years to come.
Don’t be Predictable (think outside the box)
It’s a Hen’s Party so the standard formula is: get your make up done, get messily drunk on cheap sparkling wine and go and see a strip show right? Wrong. When planning a Hen’s Party it can be easy to mimic the same Hen’s Party ideas you've encountered in the past. But there are no rules here, you can plan this party however you like, and the crucial first step in Hens party planning is to put the Bride to Be and her personal style and taste at the heart of the planning process.
Give her something to remember and celebrate her last unmarried days in style. Start with the basics, e.g. a suitable venue, convenient yet fun transport and engaging Hens activities then pull the ideas together from there. Be quirky and adventurous and remember this is about being creative and having fun. Of course if you want to guarantee the night will run seamlessly consider engaging a professional Hens party planning company who can coordinate all of your Hens party ideas, often and reduced cost, and ensure the night runs seamlessly.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Think about every Hen’s Party you have been to and make two lists. One for the things you thought worked well and another for the things that weren't so successful. Use these lists. It sounds simple but it’s so easy to fall into the ‘but every Hen’s party I’ve been to had at least 3 mediocre and boring male strippers’ trap. Don’t repeat the mistakes of past Hen’s parties.
An area that can often be disastrous is in selecting Hens Entertainment. If you want to include male strippers or topless waiters which are a popular Hen's add-on be sure to choose wisely, you don't want just a dollop of eye candy with no personality. Ensure you engage a company that has experience in selecting hunks who are both super hot but also conversational and engaging.
If you have any conservative guests (perhaps the mother of the bride) in the party and want to avoid any embarrassment, consider opting for Hens topless waiters rather than strippers or talk to an experienced Hens party planner to determine how potentially embarrassing moments can be avoided.
Do Your Research
Use a search engine such as google as a tool to explore potential Hens party options in your planned Hens party location/s. Remember many venues, although fabulous for a romantic dinner for 2, aren't best equipped to handle Hen's parties. For example you don't want to be raising a sentimental toast to the Bride to Be whilst an 8 year old Birthday Party is in full swing on the adjacent table.
Also use review websites such as Tripadvisor or Urbanspoon to assess patron ratings and reviews of many venues/operators. There are also a number of Hens party planners in Sydney and Melbourne who can guide you through creating an unforgettable Hens Party for you and the girls. This way you're safe in the knowledge you're working with an experienced Hens party planning company who can take the stress out of creating an amazing Hens party for you and the Bride to Be.
Make it Personal
Consider choosing a Hens party theme for the night to add an element of fun and create unity amongst the Hen's. It doesn’t have to be something typical like ‘70s’ or ‘Nautical’, try to think of a theme that compliments the Bride to Be. Maybe you've known her since she was a young girl and she was always an avid Disney fan? That’s great! It’s personal and it’s quirky. Maybe she’s a musical theatre nut and you could adopt a theatrical theme? Even better! The main thing to remember here is to make the entire experience well thought through and personal.
Also consider the timing of the event, perhaps she’s not a night owl, so a day party may be more suitable - consider a gourmet private dining experience for lunch, a premium high tea or a river booze cruise? Perhaps she likes to keep things intimate, so avoid inviting all and sundry to the event. Or maybe you could take her back to her favourite bar or start the night at her favourite restaurant. Find a club that plays her favourite sort of music or organise an impersonator of her favourite celeb. Be creative and remember to keep it personal.
Don’t lose your head when you are planning a Hen’s Party. Remember our tips and the rest will come easily! !
Explore OzParty Hens Party Packages Here >>
Blog Prepared by April Lipson, www.aprillipson.tumblr.com