Hen Party Planning: The Chief Bridesmaid’s Ultimate Guide

You were thrilled to be asked to be chief bridesmaid or matron-of-honour at your friend’s wedding. After all, it’s a great excuse to dress up, and how hard can it really be? Well… quite! Especially when you realise that, traditionally, it’s your job to organise the hen party.

Whether you’re excited or a little overwhelmed by the task, here’s a practical guide to help you plan a celebration the bride will love—and that you’ll enjoy organising.

Your top priority is making sure the hen do reflects the bride’s personality and preferences. If she’s more low-key, steer clear of anything too wild. On the other hand, if she’s up for a laugh, go for it—just keep her comfort zone in mind.

Don’t guess who to invite. Ask the bride for a list of “must haves” and “should haves” so you can factor everyone in when choosing dates, venues and activities. Some guests might not know each other, so consider icebreaker ideas too.

Once you know who absolutely has to be there, check their availability before setting the date. Ideally, aim for a hen party 3–4 weeks before the wedding. Any later and the bride will be too busy, and you’ll risk last-minute stresses.

Guests generally pay for themselves and chip in to cover the bride’s costs too. Talk to the bride about whether anyone is on a tight budget—especially students or friends travelling far. Be upfront about costs from the start and stick to your agreed budget. Don’t forget to specify what’s included (like food and drinks).

There’s no shortage of options: spa days, cocktail classes, afternoon teas, escape rooms, countryside retreats, or something totally quirky. Make sure it suits the group and aligns with budget and availability. Also consider mobility and age—what suits a mixed group?

Once plans are confirmed, send out invites (printed or digital) with all the key info: date, time, location, meeting point, dress code, and payment details (if needed). Even for casual get-togethers, formal invites set the tone and help everyone commit.

Especially important for weekend-long events or activity-packed days. Give people an easy-to-follow plan so everyone knows what’s happening and when. Include time for relaxing and chatting—hen parties are a great time to reconnect with friends.

Don’t feel you have to do everything yourself. Other hens will often be glad to help, especially with tasks like booking venues, sorting playlists, or managing transport. Play to everyone’s strengths and keep things fun.

Even with the best plans, something might go awry—train delays, forgotten props, or last-minute cancellations. Keep a cool head and a sense of humour, and the bride will remember the day for all the right reasons.