Hen Party Planning Checklist 2027: Month-by-Month Guide to the Perfect Weekend
Follow our month-by-month hen party planning checklist for 2027. From choosing dates to booking activities, packing lists to post-party tips, everything you need in one place.
Planning a hen party can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling 15 guests, multiple activities, accommodation, and the bride's expectations. This month-by-month checklist breaks everything down into manageable steps so nothing falls through the cracks.
6+ Months Before: The Foundation
Choose Your Dates
Check with the bride first about wedding conflicts, work commitments, and family events. Then survey potential guests with a simple poll. Avoid major holidays, school holidays, and popular wedding dates if possible. Summer weekends book out fastest.
Establish the Guest List
The bride should have final say on who's invited. Consider whether to include family members, work friends, and guests from different life stages. A group of 8-12 is the sweet spot for 2027 — large enough for a lively celebration, small enough for meaningful time together.
Set the Budget
Discuss budget openly from the start. Send an anonymous survey if needed. A typical 2027 weekend hen party costs £200-400 per person including accommodation and activities. The bride traditionally doesn't pay for her own costs.
Choose a Destination
Consider travel times for guests coming from different locations. Popular destinations for 2027 include Brighton for beach vibes, Bath for spa luxury, Liverpool for value, and the Cotswolds for countryside retreats.
5 Months Before: The Big Decisions
Book Accommodation
This is the most important booking. For groups of 10+, a private house is almost always better value than hotels. Browse hen party houses on Group Escape Houses for exclusive-use properties with hot tubs, games rooms, and communal spaces.
Book Main Activities
Popular activities like cocktail making, spa days, and private chefs book up 3-4 months in advance for weekend dates. Book one main activity per day.
Arrange Transport
Check train times, coach options, or organise car sharing. For groups travelling from the same area, a shared minibus or coach hire often works out cheaper than individual train tickets.
4 Months Before: The Details
Send Save-the-Dates
Formal invitations with dates, location, and estimated costs. Request RSVPs within 2-3 weeks. Create a WhatsApp group without the bride for planning.
Research Activities
Browse our best hen party activities guide for inspiration. Consider life drawing, afternoon tea, dance classes, or bottomless brunch as daytime options.
Compare Prices
Get quotes from multiple providers. The Hen Fairy offers free personalised quotes that compare options across your chosen destination.
3 Months Before: Confirm Everything
Collect Payments
Set a deadline for final payments. Use a payment tracking spreadsheet or app like Splitwise. Be transparent about all costs including the bride's share.
Book Restaurants
For group dinners, book restaurants with set menus or hen party packages. This controls costs and speeds up service. Bottomless brunch venues book up fastest.
Plan the Itinerary
Create a detailed schedule with timings, addresses, and booking references. Share it with the group at least two weeks before departure.
2 Months Before: The Fun Stuff
Plan Decorations and Themes
Order decorations, matching t-shirts, or themed accessories. Check out our hen party themes guide for inspiration.
Arrange Surprises
Plan surprises for the bride — a memory book, personalised gifts, or unexpected entertainment. Create a separate group chat for surprise planning.
Book Mobile Activities
If staying at a private house, book mobile cocktail making, spa treatments, or a private chef to come to your accommodation.
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
Confirm All Bookings
Call each venue and activity provider to confirm dates, times, and numbers. Double-check cancellation policies and have emergency contact numbers saved.
Create a Packing List
Share a packing list with the group including outfits for each day, swimwear, comfortable shoes, hangover essentials, phone charger, and costume accessories.
Prepare Survival Kits
Assemble hen party survival kits with hydration sachets, pain relief, lip balm, and personalised notes.
2 Weeks Before: The Countdown
Send Final Itinerary
Share the complete itinerary with addresses, postcodes, and contact numbers. Include backup plans for bad weather.
Set Up Group Location Sharing
Enable location sharing on WhatsApp or Google Maps so the group can find each other easily.
Pre-order Groceries
Arrange a supermarket delivery to arrive at your accommodation on Friday. Include breakfast items, snacks, and drinks.
The Weekend: Enjoy!
- Friday: Arrive, settle in, welcome drinks, hen party games
- Saturday: Group brunch, main activity (e.g. cocktail making), free time, evening dinner or private chef, night out
- Sunday: Late breakfast, pack up, head home
After the Party
Share Photos
Create a shared album for everyone to upload their photos. The bride will treasure these.
Settle Up
Send a final cost breakdown and settle any outstanding payments.
Thank the Organiser
The maid of honour or chief bridesmaid deserves recognition. A small gift or heartfelt message goes a long way.
Ready to start planning? Get your free quote from The Hen Fairy today.
Mentioned Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning a hen party?
Start planning at least 6 months before the wedding date. For popular summer weekends, book accommodation 10-12 months ahead. Activities need 3-4 months lead time.
What is the first thing to book for a hen party?
Book accommodation first — it's the most constrained resource and determines your destination. Then book your main activity. Everything else fits around these two key bookings.
How much should each person pay for a hen party?
Budget £200-400 per person for a weekend including accommodation, activities, and meals. Remember to add 10-15% to cover the bride's costs. Budget day trips cost £75-150 per person.
What should I include in a hen party packing list?
Outfits for each day/night, swimwear for hot tub/spa, comfortable shoes, hangover kit, phone charger, portable battery, costume accessories, and decorations.
How do I keep the hen party a surprise from the bride?
Create a separate WhatsApp group without the bride for all planning. Use code words for sensitive discussions. Save major surprises for the weekend itself.
What if guests need to cancel?
Set a clear cancellation policy when collecting payments. Choose refundable bookings where possible. Have a backup plan for covering costs if someone drops out late.
