A hen do with their nearest and dearest is one of the most exciting parts of the bride’s wedding countdown. It’s their last hurrah and the weekend where lifelong memories are made.

So, let the prosecco flow, break out your most questionable dance moves, and get ready to celebrate in style. After all, this is her time to shine—and your time to make it unforgettable.

Hometown hen party dos and don’ts

Throwing a hometown or local hen party? Check out our recommendations for the dos and don’ts of stress-free planning.

Do: Make a weekend of it

Although hen parties were traditionally a ‘final night of freedom’, most hen events now involve some sort of overnight stay. Hey, there’s no point in sending everyone home before the party has really started, right?

Turn it into a mini staycation with a boutique hotel, cosy Airbnb, or even a glammed-up camping trip so you can keep the celebrations going well into the next day.

Don’t: Break the bank

Although hen parties tend to be a little longer now, there’s still no need to break the bank. Be sure to set a realistic budget early and stick to it, making choices that keep the fun high and the costs reasonable. Handmade decorations and thoughtful touches can mean just as much as extravagant displays.

Do: Make a group chat

It’s the quickest and easiest way to keep in touch, especially if you’re geographically dispersed or have never met in person. Ask the bride for everyone’s phone numbers and pull everyone together into a WhatsApp chat. Share updates, vote on activities, and hype up the excitement in the run-up to the big day. Plus, it’s the perfect place for sharing photos and outfit inspo closer to the time!

Don’t: Leave anyone out

Some people are naturally going to be shyer than others, especially in a group setting. Not everyone is comfortable with centre-stage games or high-energy activities, so make sure there’s a good mix of things for everyone to enjoy, including quieter moments.

Equally, if you realise someone isn’t speaking up much, invite them to share their opinion, or take the time to chat with them one-on-one. A little kindness goes a long way, and it can be the difference between someone feeling like a tag-along or a valued part of the celebration.

**Do: Pick something you actually want to do**

Try not to be swept up by whatever’s trending or what you think a hen party “should” look like—this is about celebrating in a way that feels authentic to the bride and the group.

Don’t force yourself to have a wild night out if that’s not your style. It’s fine to have a spa day, plan a yoga retreat, or book a cosy cottage weekend with board games and wine if that’s what you enjoy!

Don’t: Forget dietary needs

Be sure to ask the group whether anyone has any dietary restrictions or considerations when planning the weekend. Anyone with a severe allergy will likely make it clear anyway, but this extra level of consideration shows you’ve thought about everyone’s comfort and enjoyment. It also avoids any last-minute scrambles for suitable food options or awkward moments at mealtimes.

Do: Keep a slush fund

Things always end up being more expensive than you budgeted for. Keeping an extra bit of money aside means you’re covered for unexpected costs like a last-minute taxi, an unplanned round of drinks, or emergency supplies like blister plasters.

Don’t: Ignore the bride’s boundaries

Not everyone wants a stripper or a wild dare list, and if the bride’s made that clear, you should respect that. The hen do is about celebrating her in a way that makes her feel happy and comfortable, not awkward or pressured.

Keep the fun within her comfort zone, and you’ll guarantee she looks back on the weekend with nothing but great memories.

Do: Capture the memories

Even if you think you’ve taken enough photos, take more. Video whatever you can with your phones, and don’t be afraid to get a little silly with it. Film the in-jokes, the dance-offs, and the quiet morning-after coffee chats. Future-you (and the bride) will love having those moments to look back on.

Pro tip: Remember to check with everyone before posting anything public. Some might work high-profile jobs or prefer to keep their digital footprint low-key.

Don’t: Get too drunk…

A little drink and a little table dancing can be fun, but what isn’t fun is the raging hangover the next day or a night that ends way earlier than planned. Pace yourself so you can actually enjoy all the activities you’ve organised and make it to the end of the evening.

Overseas hen party dos and don’ts

Planning an overseas hen party? A lot of the above advice will still apply, but there are a few subtle nuances to keep in mind when you’re swapping the local high street for foreign cities.

Do: Put the bride first

If the bride says she wants to go to France, make that happen. If the bride says she wants three days of spa treatments and wine, don’t book her on a sunrise hike followed by a 12-hour bar crawl. Her wishes are the blueprint for the whole trip, and while you can throw in a few surprises, activities should be rooted in what she wants to do.

Don’t: Overcomplicate the itinerary

Try to strike a balance between fun excursions and relaxation. It is a holiday, after all, and no one wants to return from the weekend trip more exhausted than when they left. Build in downtime for lazy mornings, spontaneous beach stops, or just time to hang out by the pool. Sometimes, the best memories come from the unplanned moments!

Do: Give plenty of notice

Not everyone has the means to drop everything and escape to Italy for the weekend on just one month’s notice. People have financial obligations that mean they need months to plan (and save!) for a trip. Giving at least six to twelve months’ notice makes it far more likely that everyone can say yes

Don’t: Forget accessibility

How accessible is where you’re going and the trips you’re planning? Are there toilets at regular intervals? Is there a steep incline going up to your hotel, or are you booking activities that involve lots of stairs or long walks in the heat? If anyone has mobility issues or is expecting a baby, you may want to rethink these plans.

Did you know? Barcelona is the most wheelchair-friendly city in the world, with smooth pavements and very few inclines that aren’t also accessible by public transport.

Do: Watch out for pickpockets

Certain popular hen destinations and tourist cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris are, unfortunately, notorious for pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close—crossbody bags with zips are your best friend—and remind the group not to flash expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.

Stay alert and watch each other’s backs, especially around tourist hot spots.

Don’t: Spoil the surprise

As much as you might want to share all the fun and exciting details with the bride, resist the urge to spill everything. Part of the magic is the anticipation, and keeping a few special moments under wraps will make them even more memorable when they happen.

Do: Make a packing checklist

How helpful are you? A packing checklist can be a lifesaver, especially for an overseas hen. Share it with the group a week before you travel so everyone has time to double-check their essentials.

Pro tip: Make sure someone else in the wedding party packs for the bride so as not to give away any surprises you’ve got planned.

Don’t: Disregard local customs

Visiting a foreign country means respecting its traditions, dress codes, and etiquette. What flies at home might not be acceptable abroad, especially at religious sites or in more conservative areas.

For example, some sites, like cathedrals, may require you to cover your shoulders, while other attractions might have rules about photography or noise levels. Equally, tipping can be seen as rude in some cultures, while it’s expected in others. Spending just a little bit of time on Google before you travel can help you avoid these faux pas.

Do: Delegate tasks

Don’t feel you need to do everything yourself. Planning a hen party can be stressful, and trying to juggle every detail solo is a fast track to burnout. But, remember—you have a whole team of people around you who want you to enjoy this just as much as the bride will. Hand out jobs like booking activities, organising decorations, or making little treats. It’ll keep the planning fun, rather than stressful or overwhelming.

Don’t: Leave it to the last minute

Similar to giving plenty of notice, make sure you leave yourself enough time to book flights, secure accommodation, and lock in those must-do activities before they sell out. Last-minute planning often means higher prices, fewer choices, and more stress for everyone involved. Aim to get everything locked down at least 6 months in advance to prevent unnecessary stress.

Plan the perfect hen party with Bridebook

We’ve given you all the tips, tricks, and insider advice to make planning as smooth as the first sip of bubbly. But, these are tips, not commands, and your bestie’s hen party can (and should!) be whatever fits her personality, budget, and dreams.

Whether it’s a wild weekend in Ibiza, a cosy cottage getaway, or a glam night out in your hometown, the goal is simple—celebrate her in a way she’ll never forget.

Top Hen Party Dos and Don’ts