7 simple rules for hen or stag planning

Whether it’s a hen or a stag event you’re planning, following some basic rules will help ensure a memorable time is had and tempers aren’t frayed. By Sarah Richardson.

1. Consult the main man or woman

First and foremost, remember that the bride or groom should have the main say in the style of event they want. Any little surprises can be worked into the plan later. Do also consider all the guests’ maximum budget before making a final decision, remembering that the most costly events are not necessarily the best. Also bear in mind that the more notice people have, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to make it.

2. Take care with the guest list

The guest list will depend partly on the type of event you’re planning. A very low-key affair might involve just two or three very close friends, but if you’re planning something more elaborate it’ll be all the more obvious if you’ve left someone out. Remember to check with the bride or groom whether it’s appropriate to invite any of their family, or if there’s someone they definitely don’t want invited.

3. Be firm

By all means seek feedback from the guests before making a final plan, but you are unlikely to be able to please everyone in every way, so be prepared to make a decision as quickly as possible and don’t feel offended if a minority don’t agree. As regards anyone who can’t make the proposed date, it’s up to the bride or groom to decide whether that particular guest is worth changing the date for.

Another area in which you need to be firm is finances. Make sure you collect payments from the other hens or stags at least a few days before you need to pay any third parties such as the limo-hire company or hotel. That way the cheques will have had time to clear and you won’t be out of pocket.

4. Book early

Meticulous organisation and persistence are the keys to avoiding disappointment and getting the best value for every aspect of the event you’re planning. For example, if you’re travelling to another city for a weekend, you’ll get significantly better deals on train fares by booking early and travelling at an off-peak time. Or you could consider hiring a van to transport everyone to the destination.

Booking your accommodation early is also likely to pay dividends. If you’re hoping to keep things as cheap as possible, consider hotel chains such as Travelodge, where you pay per room rather than per person, with each room accommodating 3-4 people.

5. Stay contactable

You should, of course, get contact details for all members of your party and, just as importantly, make sure they have your details. Ask them to put your number on their mobile so they can contact you on the day itself if they get lost or need clarification on anything.

Email is the stag or hen organiser’s best friend, so use it to the full. It’s worth considering setting up 2 email groups – one that includes the bride/groom, and one that does not. The first list can be used to relay practical details or anything else you’re happy to let the main man or woman in on. The second is, of course, for any little surprises you might be planning.

6. Check terms and conditions

Make sure you are totally clear on the conditions laid down by any service providers you intend to book with. Will you lose your deposit if one or more of your party has to cancel at the last minute? And will there be some kind of compensation if a company lets you down on the day?

7. Keep smiling

The best gift you can give a bride or groom at their hen or stag party is the right attitude. If you and the other guests are in the mood to have fun, it’ll rub off and there’s a much better chance of a good time being had by all!

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Comments - Latest by: Bev06:
im with you sparki..... sneaky sneaky   at

You're the one that I want!

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Wedding facts

Bet you never knew this...

Glynn Scotty Wolfe married 28 times and divorced 27.

According to Greek culture, a sugar cube into your glove will sweeten your union.

The longest wedding dress train is for a bride in China, it measured over 200 metres long.

Brittney Spear's marriage to Jason Alexander lasted 56 hours.

Sit Temulji Nairman was married to Lady Nariman, when they were five years old. The marriage lasted for 86 years.

According to English tradition, Wednesday is considered the "best day" to marry. Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.

James Burgess and his wife Sarah Ann currently hold the record for the longest married British couple, their marriage lasted 82 years.

In 1840 Queen Victoria started the Western world's love of white wedding dresses. Before then, brides simply wore their best dress.

30,000 people attended a Jewish wedding in Jerusalem in 1993.

The most expensive wedding took place in Dubai for a Sheik's son. The wedding cost over £22 million and included a purpose-built stadium.

In 2000, the average bride was 24 years old and the average groom was 28.

The ancient tradition of bridesmaids dressing the same as each other and in similar style to the bride is because it was believed that evil spirits have a more difficult time distinguishing which one is the bride and putting a hex on her.

Stan Laurel was married seven times…but Zsa Zsa Gabor has been married nine times.

Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits.

Octavio Guillen and Adriana Martinez were engaged for 67 years.

Minnie Munro from Australia was 102 years of age when she married a man of the age of 82 years.

Multimillionaire Peter Shalson and wife Pauline paid £2 million pounds to get Elton John to sing a song at their wedding.

Have you got a fact to share that will amaze everyone else. If so e-mail me at kiran@weddingpath.com and I will include it on this article.

Posted in category: Wedding Talk

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