Planning a hens night for the bride-to-be is an exciting part of the wedding preparations. If you’re ready to throw an unforgettable send-off but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve outlined everything you need to know, from who to invite (and who to avoid) to how many people should make the guest list.
Summary
Planning a hens night is a fun but important responsibility for the Bridesmaid or Maid of Honour. The bride may be involved in the planning, especially in choosing the date, venue, and guest list, though surprises are welcome if she’s into them. The guest list should focus on the bride’s closest friends and avoid inviting people who might not fit the event’s vibe, like distant relatives or colleagues unless they’re important to the bride. While it’s polite to include everyone the bride cares about, even if they can’t attend, it’s also crucial to keep the guest list manageable based on the planned activities.
Should the Bride Be Involved in Planning the Hens Night?
These days, it’s common for the bride to have some say in the hens night planning. While she might not know all the details of the evening, she’s likely to be aware of the date, guest list, and venue. If you can pull off a surprise, that’s even better—the bride can’t complain about something she didn’t see coming!
When deciding whether to involve the bride in the planning, consider her personality. Is she spontaneous, or does she prefer to have everything meticulously planned? If she’s the type who loves surprises, she’ll likely enjoy a party that catches her off guard. However, if she’s more of a planner, she might appreciate being in the loop.
Also, think about the logistics. Do you have the resources to plan a surprise hens night without her knowing? If not, it might be best to involve her in the process.
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Who Should You Invite To A Hens Night?
The Core Group: Only Invite the Most Important People
The tradition of throwing a hens night to honour the bride-to-be has been around for generations. The key question is: who should be invited? While it’s essential to work with the bride on this, especially if you’re planning a surprise, the wedding guest list can be a helpful starting point. Just remember, not all brides want their mums or grandmas at their hens night. If you’re inviting a mix of age groups, you might need to plan different activities for different times of the day.
Consider the Size of the Gathering
When planning the hens night, consider how the size of the group will impact the event. A smaller group might miss out on certain activities that require a minimum number of participants, while a larger group can be harder to manage. If you need to cut the list, a short note explaining the situation can help smooth things over.
Should Mothers Be Invited?
Traditionally, hens nights were female-only affairs, often involving close female relatives. However, as hens nights have become wilder, fewer brides are bringing their mums or mothers-in-law along. Before deciding whether to invite them, consider the bride’s age, the mothers’ personalities, and your relationship with them. If the bride wants them there and they’re up for a good time, invite them. Just remember to plan activities they’ll enjoy, whether it’s a spa day or a relaxed dinner.
If the mums don’t fit the vibe of the hens night, a compromise could be to invite them to a pre-party event, like afternoon tea, and then continue the festivities with just the friends later on.
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Colleagues and Distant Relatives
When it comes to inviting colleagues or distant relatives, think carefully. If the bride isn’t close to them, they might not be the best fit for a fun, carefree weekend. Your goal should be to fill the hens night with people who make the bride feel loved and comfortable.
If the bride has relatives who live far away, it might be a good idea to invite them, especially if they’re also coming to the wedding. Just make sure to consider their availability and whether they can attend both events.
Friends of Friends: Where to Draw the Line
It’s common for people to ask if they can bring a friend along to the hens night. While it’s usually polite to say no, remember that the hens night is about the bride and her closest friends. If a friend of a friend isn’t well-known to the bride, it might be better to keep the group small and intimate.
Tips for Creating the Hens Night Guest List
1. Include the Bride in the Planning
While it’s fun to surprise the bride, it’s important that she has some input on the guest list. Sit down with her before sending out invites to discuss who she wants (and doesn’t want) at her hens night. You could even invite a few people you know she’d be thrilled to see, like long-lost friends or university mates.
2. Only Invite Family Members If the Bride Requests It
Hens nights can get a bit wild, so it’s worth checking if the bride wants her mum, in-laws, or other family members there. Some brides might prefer a night of drinking and debauchery without their relatives in tow. It’s better to ask beforehand to avoid any awkward situations on the night.
3. Invite Everyone on the Bride’s List (Even If They Can’t Make It)
Even if some of the bride’s close friends or family members can’t attend, it’s still important to invite them. They’ll appreciate being included, and it shows that they’re valued, even if they can’t make it. It might seem like a waste of an invitation, but it’s a thoughtful gesture.
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4. Don’t Limit the Guest List to Bridesmaids
The hens night isn’t just for the bridesmaids. If the bride wants to invite other friends (or even a few guys), go for it! The more, the merrier, as long as it’s what the bride wants.
5. Keep the Guest List Manageable
Before finalising the guest list, think about what you want to do for the hens night. Some activities are better suited to smaller groups, while others work well with a larger crowd. For example, a spa day might be more enjoyable with a few close friends, while a night of bar hopping can accommodate a bigger group.
If a friend’s values clash with the vibe of the hens night, it might be best to leave them off the list. It’s important to be considerate and honest with them about why they weren’t invited. After all, the hens night is about celebrating with the bride’s closest friends.
Conclusion
The hens night is one of the most exciting parts of wedding preparations. While the bride usually has a say in who’s invited, the dynamics of different personalities and friendships can make planning a bit tricky. The key is to include only the most important people in the bride’s life, ensuring that the event is fun, memorable, and free from unnecessary drama. By carefully considering the guest list and tailoring the activities to suit everyone, you’ll create a hens night that the bride will treasure forever.
FAQs About Hens Night
Is A Hens Night Just For The Bridal Party?
Hen’s nights tend to involve the bride-to-be gathering all of her bridal party and other close friends for a night out.
Do You Invite Sister In Law To Hen Do?
OP you most definitely do not need to invite her, it’s completely up to you who you invite. Hen dos are for your closest friends, not your husband-to-be’s family who are awful to you anyway!
Who Usually Plans The Hen Do?
The most likely candidate to organise the hen party is the Maid of Honour or Chief Bridesmaid. As the bride’s most trusted confidante and support in the run up to her wedding, the maid of honour is usually the go-to hen do planner.
Who Pays For The Hen On Her Hen Do?
Whilst there’s no hard and fast rule, tradition dictates that the bridesmaids and the other attendees cover the cost of the bride’s place on her hen weekend.
What Is The Purpose Of Hen Night?
A hen party is a pre-wedding celebration where the bride and her closest friends go away for a long weekend to celebrate her upcoming marriage.
About the Editors – Suzie & Eugene
Suzie & Eugene got married at Vogue Ballroom in 2017 and had the best day of their lives! Ever since they have worked closely with Vogue Ballroom & Vines of the Yarra Valley. For queries please contact via [email protected]
