The hen party has to be unique, affordable, suit a dozen different tastes, and of course, make the bride feel like a star. Even tho, let’s be honest, it’s not like she’s the first bride on earth. That being said, dear bridesmaid, you can be the girl that takes the cake and throws the best hen party of all time. Here are 10 hen party tips that every bad ass bridesmaid needs to know.

1. Pick a damn date, and pick it fast.

2. Know your audience.

3. Food, food and more food.

4. Call for reinforcements.

5. Break up your day with an activity.

6. To theme or not to theme?

7. Dance the night away.

8. Create a signature cocktail

9. Recreate a popular game

10. Treat yo’ self!

1. Pick a damn date, and pick it fast

You’d be surprised how many women DON’T think the hen party is the main priority when it comes to the wedding. Weddings are boring; bad speeches, dry cake, creepy uncles and a terrible playlist? No thanks. Female only, good drinks, and minimal clothing? That’s a good hen party. Give guests the opportunity to plan ahead by sending out invites 4 weeks before the party!

2.   Know your audience

Unfortunately, not every hen party can be filled with bad choices. Get together with the bride and do a quick run over on who is being invited. Are the majority of guests born-again Christians? Recovering alcoholics? Worse yet, Pregnant? If that’s the case, be prepared that you’ll need to offer activities that can involve everyone.

3. Food, food and more food.

Let’s be real. Women like food. Women love food. Nothing is worse than a hangry woman, and when multiplied by 10, that is a recipe for disaster. Make sure that throughout the party there are snacks readily available between meals and that you have a clear schedule of when guests can expect to eat.

4. Call for reinforcements

This is a big task, no one said it would be easy. That’s what it’s definitely okay to call on the other bridesmaids for help! Create a group chat to make communication easy and to make sure no one feels left out. Designate roles so that everyone feels responsible and can be held accountable. Plus if everything goes to hell the bride can’t place the blame solely on you. We kid, we kid.

5. Break up your day with an activity

Remember when we said to know your audience? Life drawing is a unique activity that can get everyone involved. It’s spicy and hot, but more importantly, it breaks up the day and slows down the pace. It gives a chance to sit back, laugh, and bond with the other women all while getting your creative side on.

Check out our Brighton, London and Bristol life drawing classes.

6. To theme or not to theme?

Decide early on if your bride is a theme kinda gal. Does she appreciate a perfectly matched table setting? A lover of the pink and black dress combo? Themes can be great at creating a unified weekend BUT they can also be limiting and sometimes cringeworthy. Best to consult the bride on this one. 

7. Dance the night away

Nothing is worse than an awkward silence. Have music readily available at all times with a Hen Party Playlist! Ask guests to RSVP with their fav song and include it on the playlist so that all tastes are covered!

8. Create a signature cocktail

This is a fun way to make the bride feel special and set the mood early. Greet guests with the special drink as soon as they walk in the door. “Can I have a Jessica please?” The bride will feel extra special hearing her name all night long, and if the drink is tasty she may recreate it for years to come.

9. Recreate a popular game

Rather than play some boring, guess who bought these panties game, spice up the party by firing up your guest’s competitive side. Hen Party Jeopardy? Boozy Twister? Night Out Scavenger Hunt? Or the ever so dirty, Cards against Matrimony, are great ways to break the ice!

10. Treat yo’ self

We made it! While everyone was happy to celebrate the Bride to Be, they probably don’t want to leave empty handed. Especially if the hen party was a bit pricey. Make your guests feel appreciated by offering a small goody bag or token. From hangover kits to personalised coffee mugs, something small will go a long way! Check out this post on

This blog post was written by Liz Stephenson author of Tongue in Chic and contributor to The Huffington Post – check her out for some great travel and lifestyle posts!