How to plan a hens party, step by step.
Been asked to organise the hens? Congratulations, and don’t panic. Most of the work is a handful of decisions made early, then a few reminders. This guide takes you from the first chat with the bride to the morning after, with a timeline and a checklist you can copy.
Updated 2 October 2026 · By Hens Party HQ
Start with the bride
Before you book anything, have a quick, honest chat with her. A hens is for the bride, so her answers shape every other decision.
- Does she want a big night out, a relaxed weekend away, or something at home?
- Who does she want there, and is anyone a must-not?
- Is there anything she really doesn’t want (strippers, L-plates, being the centre of attention all night)?
- Should it be a surprise, or does she want to help plan?
- Rough timing: most hens are held between two and eight weeks before the wedding.
The timeline
- 3 months before: agree the date, the guest list and a per-person budget with the bride.
- 2–3 months before: book the venue or accommodation and any big activities, then send invites with the cost per person and a payment date.
- 6 weeks before: collect payments, plan the running order, and choose your games and activities.
- 4 weeks before: collect what the games need, like her partner’s answers for Mr & Mrs and the Shoe Game, and guests’ photos or clues for Red Flag Roulette and Whose Undies.
- 2 weeks before: confirm numbers and dietary needs, buy supplies and decorations, and test the TV you’ll use for games.
- The week of: share the itinerary with everyone, hand out jobs (food, drinks, photos, transport) and send a reminder about what to bring.
- On the day: set up early, keep to a loose running order, and get one group photo before anyone is tired.
- After the hens: send the bride her messages and photos, and settle up any money owed.
Budget and who pays
- Set a per-person budget early and put it on the invite, so nobody gets a surprise later.
- The usual approach is that guests split the cost of the bride’s share, so she doesn’t pay for her own hens.
- Ask for payment by a set date, through one bank transfer or payment link, before you book anything non-refundable.
- Big savings: hosting at home or in a holiday house, a grazing table instead of a restaurant, and DIY activities instead of paid classes.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet of who has paid and what you’ve spent.
Choosing activities and games
A good mix is one hands-on activity, a meal, and three or four games. Pick things that suit the whole group, and save the cheeky games for later in the night.
Planning checklist
- Chat with the bride about what she does and doesn’t want
- Agree the date, guest list and budget
- Book the venue or accommodation
- Send invites with the cost and payment date
- Collect payments
- Plan the running order
- Choose games and activities, and collect answers and photos
- Confirm numbers and dietary needs
- Buy supplies, decorations and drinks
- Test the TV or speaker setup
- Share the itinerary and hand out jobs
- Collect messages and photos for the bride’s keepsake
Questions
When should the hens party be?
Usually two to eight weeks before the wedding. Avoid the final week, when the bride is busiest.
Who organises the hens?
Traditionally the maid of honour or bridesmaids, often with help from a sister or close friend. The bride can be as involved as she likes.
Does the bride pay for her hens?
Usually not. Guests split the bride’s share between them, which is worth mentioning on the invite.
How far ahead should I send invites?
Two to three months is ideal, especially if people need to travel or take leave.