Hen Party Planning Guide
A hen do runs best with a loose plan rather than a locked-down schedule. Sort the running order, the kit and one or two games, and the day looks after itself. Here is how to plan it end to end, whether it is an afternoon at home, a spa day or a full weekend away.
Build a running order
You do not need to fill every minute, just anchor the day around a few fixed points so nobody is left wondering what happens next. A classic afternoon-to-evening shape:
- Arrival and welcome: drinks, sashes on, a group photo against a backdrop.
- Main activity: the booked thing (cocktails, spa, afternoon tea, a class).
- Games hour: two or three quick games while everyone is together.
- Grazing and gifts: food out, cards and any gifts for the bride.
- Evening: dinner or out, with a meeting point agreed in advance.
Send the plan to the group a week before with timings, the dress code and who is paying for what, so there are no awkward surprises on the day.
The kit list
Get these in and the rest is detail:
- Sashes and accessories: a bride sash plus a hen sash each. Sashes come in packs, so a pack of 20 covers most groups with spares.
- Photo props and a backdrop: the props and prints everyone actually keeps.
- Games and grazing: two or three games, plus grazing supplies to soak up the drinks.
- Balloons and banners: a bride-to-be balloon or two to mark the guest of honour.
Frequently asked questions
How many sashes should I order?
One for the bride and one per guest. Sashes usually come in packs of 20, which suits most hen groups and leaves a couple spare for anyone who joins late.
What games work without being cringe?
Keep them quick and inclusive: a how-well-do-you-know-the-bride quiz, prosecco pong and a group scavenger challenge all land well and take five minutes each rather than dragging on.
How far ahead should I plan a hen weekend?
Send a save-the-date around three months out so people can book time off, then confirm numbers and pay deposits about six weeks before. Order the sashes, props and balloons two to three weeks ahead.
Start with hen party supplies, then add games & grazing and sashes & accessories. Need more to play? Browse party games.
More in the Occasions & life events guide