Organising the hen or stag do for your couple? Recently having organised a hen do for my sister, where I’m normally in charge of the wedding planning side of things. Here are some hen/stag dos and don’ts i learnt. To help you on your way and for things to run more smoothly.
Know your Audience
You should hopefully know their likes and dislikes. With ideas what they would love for their day/weekend/week of fun, but make sure you do know or have a chat beforehand, what they are comfortable with and have in mind.
If they are expecting a relaxed, chilled and quiet weekend away with their friends and they end up with bootcamp activities and willy straws, they may not enjoy it as much! Or they are ready to party all night long and you’ve booked a spa.
Don’t do it all yourself
Get guests involved, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Delegate games, decorations and brainstorm ideas together.
Dietary Requirements
Most will include meals, so make sure you have all the participants’ dietary requirements beforehand.
Caterers nowadays have a varied menu including vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, Lactose free and dairy free options.
Other Requirements
Do you have any disabled, pregnant or older/younger guests? You will need to think about access to properties, bedrooms, toilets and that the activities are accessible to all. If flying somewhere you will need to make sure all are ok to fly.
Payments
When it comes to payments if you are dividing it between everyone, make sure you get the money beforehand. Things change, people may drop out and you will be the one stung at the end of it. Make sure you are also very clear on what is included in their payments and what isn’t, so there is no confusion.
Don’t feel you have to stick to tradition
Do you have more of an alternative couple, don’t feel you have to stick to traditional hen and stag dos, if it’s not their thing! Mix it up, call it a wedding send off or whatever you want. Get creative! Have the day with everyone all together. If I could do mine again I would have had the day with my hubby and our friends go kart racing, which was much more me, than having a night out on the town!
You could have games against each other or mix everyone up, so everyone gets to know each other before the big day.
Photographs
Something I always forget to do, as I’m normally busy planning or co ordinating is taking photos, make sure you have someone in charge of getting those snaps for those all important memories.
Have a rough idea of how the day will go
You don’t need to plan the day to the minute, but at least have a rough idea of how its going to go. So it runs smoothly for you and you get all the enjoyment out of it too.
Hope these hen/stag dos and don’ts were helpful, have fun planning!
Thanks for reading
x Jodie x
Next read my blog on What is an Alternative Wedding?