HOW TO THROW ONE HELL OF A HENS…
- LOOK TO THEIR LIKES
It’s important to organise something that your friend will enjoy. If your girlfriend practices yoga daily and consumes green juices for breakfast, it’s unlikely she’s going to be down for a weekend of tequila shots, strippers and penis cakes. Likewise, if her favourite thing to do on the weekend is head out for cocktails at a trendy new bar, maybe don’t take her on a 6-hour hike. If she loves the high life, book into a fancy hotel for the night, organise a seafood lunch and schedule in massages at the spa. If she’s more low-key, hire out a beach house for her and her closest friends, whip out the board games and cook up a delicious meal. Sit down with the other bridesmaids, brainstorm what you think the bride-to-be would like best and make it happen!
- LIMIT THE COST
Weddings, and the lead-up to the wedding if you’re part of the bridal party, can be painfully expensive. Once you add up the cost of an engagement gift, wedding gift, bridesmaid’s dress, hair, make-up, shoes, accessories and the cost of the hen’s night or weekend itself, you’re a one-way ticket to broke city. Make sure you take into account everyone’s budgets and be realistic. If everyone can’t afford a 5-star hotel, don’t book one! It will only cause tension and make others feel awkward if they aren’t on your level. If one of your friends has a family beach house you can make use of, head there and save on accommodation costs. Airbnb is another budget-friendly way to enjoy a trip away with your girlfriends. Look to save money where you can and it will be a more fun and stress-free experience for everyone.
- CELEBRATE THE BRIDE TO BE
Whilst it may be tempting to leave your friend embarrassed AF after surprising her with a D-Grade stripper (because that’s all you could afford…), don’t forget that a hen’s is all about celebrating your girlfriend. Everyone wants to feel special in the lead-up to their wedding, so arrange some games you can play that will remind her of the fun you’ve all had together, pull out old photo albums and arrange an epic speech for the hen’s night itself. Your friend is probably nervous, jittery and excited all at once, so support her, pamper her and let her know that you’ll be there for her through all the ups and downs of her wedding and marriage.
- GET SOCIAL
Take lots of pictures, as you’ll want to remember this night for years to come, but not so many that it detracts from all the fun you’re having. Whatever you do, don’t post any pictures of your friend sloshed with her head in the toilet – it’s about celebrating, not embarrassing her, remember! Creating an Instagram hashtag is another great way to remember the night, preferably something inappropriate and pun-ny.This will be the last trip you get to take with your friend as a single lady, so make the most of it! Have fun, eat, drink, be merry and relish the opportunity to celebrate your friend and her future. Now you have the wedding to look forward to…
