Ultimate Hen Party Planning Checklist: 10 Steps to Planning the Perfect Hen Party

Hen Party Planning Checklist:

Hen Party Planning Checklist. Planning a hen party is one of the most exciting (and let’s be honest, slightly stressful!) parts of being part of the bride’s inner circle. It’s your chance to give the bride-to-be an unforgettable send-off and create memories that will last a lifetime. But with so many decisions to make — from where to go to what to do and how to keep it budget-friendly — it can feel like a lot. No worries, though, Henfree got you covered! Here’s your ultimate hen party planning checklist, with everything you need to pull off the perfect bash with style, sass, and a whole lot of fun.

1. Pick the Perfect Date 

First things first, you need to choose a date that works for the bride and all her VIPs. The earlier you can settle on a date, the better. Send out a group message and get everyone to weigh in on their availability. Make sure you pick a date that’s not too close to the wedding day so the bride has time to recover before the big event!

Top Tip: Avoid holiday weekends or busy seasons if possible, as prices tend to skyrocket!

2. Choose the Dreamy Destination 

Next, you’ll want to figure out where this fabulous celebration is going down. Is the bride dreaming of a chic city break, a beachy weekend, or a countryside retreat? Whether you’re staying local or heading somewhere exotic, choose a place that suits her personality and style. Oh, and don’t forget to factor in travel times and costs for everyone.

Popular Hen Party Destinations:

• Dublin: For city vibes, cocktails, and tons of shopping.
• Carrick-on-Shannon: Ideal for river cruises, cocktail classes, and lively nightlife.
• Albufeira: If your bride loves sun, sand, and non-stop partying.

Top Tip: Check out HenFree’s deals or package offers that include activities!

3. Sort Out the Guest List 

This is crucial! You need to make sure all the important ladies in the bride’s life are included. Work with the bride to confirm who she absolutely wants there. Keep in mind group dynamics—too many different personalities could clash, so aim for a fun, close-knit group.

Top Tip: Create a group chat to keep everyone in the loop!

4. Set the Budget 

Talking about money can be tricky, but setting a clear budget from the start will save any awkwardness later. Get a sense of what everyone’s comfortable spending and make sure your plans fit within those limits. Break the budget into categories, like:

• Accommodation
• Travel
• Activities
• Meals & Drinks

Top Tip: Be upfront about the costs, so no one is surprised by the total later on.

5. Plan Some Fab Activities 

Now for the fun part! Tailor the activities to the bride’s tastes. Whether she’s the adventurous type, the glam queen, or the chilled-out vibe, there’s something for everyone. From spa days to cocktail-making, and from adrenaline-packed adventures to bottomless brunches, the possibilities are endless.

Activity Ideas:

• For the Glam Bride: Spa day, afternoon tea, wine tasting.
• For the Adventurous Bride: Quad biking, a treasure hunt, zip-lining.
• For the Party Bride: A pub crawl, VIP club night with shots, or karaoke.

Top Tip: Mix in some downtime so everyone can relax and recharge!

6. Book Your Fabulous Accommodation 

Whether it’s a chic hotel, a cute Airbnb, or a glamping retreat, book your accommodation early to snag the best deals. Make sure the place is big enough for everyone to be comfortable, and consider proximity to activities and nightlife.

Top Tip: Renting a house or villa could give you more privacy and flexibility!

7. Plan Transportation 

Don’t forget to organise how everyone is getting there! Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, make sure transportation is sorted out well in advance. For local trips, hiring a mini-bus or pre-booking taxis can be a lifesaver—especially after a few drinks!

Top Tip: If alcohol is involved, always plan safe and reliable transport back to the accommodation.

8. Create a Fab Itinerary 

You don’t have to plan out every single second, but having a rough itinerary will help keep things running smoothly. Spread out the activities and make sure you leave enough room for breaks and spontaneous fun.

Top Tip: Leave some “free time” for chilling, shopping, or exploring!

9. Get Your Hen Party Gear 

Time to get the party started! Stock up on cute decorations, sashes, tiaras, and other hen party essentials. Whether you’re going for glam, retro, or a totally themed party, make sure the bride feels like a star. Don’t forget to prep a little emergency kit with makeup touch-ups, water, and snacks.

Top Tip: Personalise the decorations and party favors to make the event extra special.

10. Capture the Moments 

Last but definitely not least, make sure you document the entire event! Whether you hire a photographer or just make sure someone’s snapping pics on their phone, capturing those moments will give the bride beautiful memories to look back on forever.

Top Tip: Set up a shared photo album where everyone can upload their pics post-party!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your ultimate hen party planning checklist! By following these 10 steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fabulous, stress-free, and unforgettable hen party for the bride-to-be. From the destination to the guest list, activities, and budget, every detail will come together to create the perfect send-off into married life.

Get ready to laugh, celebrate, and make some amazing memories! You’ve got this, girl! If you know the stag planner why not send them StagFree’s Ultimate Stag Party Planning Checklist at StagFree where the can plan stress free also!