Planning a hen party can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and timeline, you'll create an unforgettable celebration. Here's your complete guide to organising the perfect hen do in 2026.
Start Early - 6 Months Before
Begin planning at least six months before the wedding date. Check with the bride about dates to avoid, including wedding planning milestones and family commitments. Create a WhatsApp group with potential guests to gauge interest and availability before committing to dates.
Early planning is crucial for popular destinations like Brighton or Edinburgh, especially during summer months when accommodation and activity providers get fully booked.
Set the Budget
Discuss budget openly from the start. Survey the group anonymously if needed to understand what everyone can afford. Consider that not everyone has the same financial situation, especially if the group includes students or those with young families.
A typical UK hen party budget ranges from £150-300 per person for a day trip, or £400-800 for a weekend including accommodation. London and Edinburgh tend to be at the higher end, while cities like Liverpool or Newcastle offer excellent value.
Remember that the bride traditionally doesn't pay for her own activities or accommodation, so factor this into the per-person cost. A group of 10 means each guest pays an extra 10% to cover the bride.
Choose Your Destination
The destination should match the bride's personality and the group's budget. Consider travel times for guests coming from different areas. Direct train connections can make all the difference for groups travelling from various locations.
For Nightlife Lovers: Liverpool, Newcastle, or Manchester deliver legendary nights out with excellent value.
**For Spa and Relaxation:** [Bath](/locations/bath) is the ultimate choice with its natural thermal springs, while luxury hotel spas in the Cotswolds or city centre retreats also provide excellent spa day packages.
**For Beach Vibes:** [Brighton](/locations/brighton) remains the classic choice, combining seafront fun with city nightlife. It's easily accessible from London and most southern cities.
**For Cultural Experiences:** [Edinburgh](/locations/edinburgh) and [Bath](/locations/bath) provide atmospheric venues, historic charm, and unique activities like whisky tastings or Regency tours that make every hen party memorable.
Book the Activities
Choose activities that suit the bride's interests, not just what's trendy on Instagram. Cocktail making classes work brilliantly for groups who love a drink and want hands-on fun. Life drawing breaks the ice and creates hilarious memories, while afternoon tea suits mixed age groups and more elegant celebrations.
Book activities for earlier in the trip rather than Sunday morning when everyone's tired. Many organisers find that Saturday afternoon works perfectly, leaving Friday evening free for arrival drinks and Sunday for recovery.
Accommodation Matters
For larger groups, consider Airbnb houses or apartments where you can spend time together cooking breakfast and getting ready. Hotels work better for smaller groups or when people want their own space. Book accommodation that's within walking distance or a short taxi from your main activity area.
Always have a backup plan for guests who need to drop out. Choose refundable rates where possible, or ensure everyone understands the cancellation policy before booking.
Plan the Food and Drinks
Don't just wing it - pre-book restaurants for group dinners to avoid disappointment or long waits. Many restaurants offer set menus for hen parties that keep costs predictable and service smooth. Bottomless brunch has become hugely popular and works brilliantly before afternoon activities like escape rooms or dance classes.
Create an Itinerary
Share a detailed itinerary at least two weeks before the trip including exact timings, addresses with postcodes, and booking confirmation numbers. Include backup phone numbers for venues and accommodation. Nothing kills the vibe like a group of 15 standing around while someone frantically Google Maps the next venue.
Managing the Group
Assign tasks to different members rather than shouldering everything yourself. Appoint someone to manage the budget spreadsheet, another to coordinate transport, and someone else to handle decorations or games. Delegate but stay across the key details.
Create a shared Spotify playlist for the journey and accommodation. Small touches like matching t-shirts, personalised hangover kits, or a photo prop box add special moments without breaking the budget.
The Day Before Checklist
Confirm all bookings 48 hours before arrival. Check that restaurants haven't double-booked or changed their menu. Verify activity timings and arrival procedures. Share transport details and create a group location-sharing thread for the weekend. Pack any decorations, games, or props you're bringing.
Weather-proof your plans with indoor backup options. British weather is unpredictable, so knowing where to pivot if it pours keeps stress low and spirits high.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't pack the schedule too tightly - rushing between activities creates stress. Allow buffer time for delays, toilet stops, and photo opportunities. One well-executed activity beats three rushed ones.
Avoid surprise guests. The bride should know who's attending. Surprise hen parties themselves are risky - most brides prefer to know it's happening so they can prepare time off work and mentally gear up for the celebration.
Don't assume everyone drinks alcohol. Ensure activities like spa days or afternoon tea work for non-drinkers, pregnant guests, or designated drivers.
Related Activities
Related Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning a hen party?
Start planning at least 6 months before the wedding date, especially for popular destinations or summer dates. This gives you time to check everyone's availability, secure good accommodation rates, and book activities before they sell out.
How much should each person pay for a hen party?
Budget £150-300 per person for a day trip including activities and meals, or £400-800 for a weekend with accommodation. Remember guests typically cover the bride's costs too, so factor in an extra 10-15% per person.
Should the bride help plan her own hen party?
The maid of honour usually leads planning, but it's perfectly fine to check key decisions with the bride like dates, destination, and guest list. Some brides prefer to be surprised by the details while others want input on major choices.
What if some guests can't afford the hen party cost?
Offer flexible options like joining just for the day rather than overnight, or arrange cheaper accommodation alternatives. Never pressure anyone beyond their budget. Consider local celebrations or shorter trips if budget is a major concern.
How many activities should we book for a hen party weekend?
One main activity per day is plenty. A typical weekend might include Friday evening arrival drinks, Saturday afternoon activity and evening meal, and Sunday brunch. Overpacking the schedule creates stress rather than fun.
