The Maid of Honour’s Handbook: Planning the Perfect Hen Do
Easy with our guide
The pressure is on! You’ve been chosen as a member of the "Bride Tribe," and your bestie has given you the responsibility of organizing the perfect hen do. If you get it right, you’ll be a legend in the eyes of the group; if you get it wrong, it can be a rough ride.
This guide is the definitive manual for the modern MOH. We have taken years of expert advice on the logistics of planning to ensure you—and the bride—have the time of your lives.
Phase 1: The Initial Groundwork
Step 1: The "Bride Brief" & Research
This is your friend—you know her best—but it is vital to check what sort of activities she actually wants. Invite her for dinner or drinks to discuss her "No-Go" zones. Does she want a thrill, a spa retreat, or an exotic trip abroad?. Establishing if she wants a small intimate group or a big crowd is the first step toward a successful guest list.
Step 2: The Guest List & Timing
Liaise with the bride to get a definitive list of names. The sooner you have this, the better, as early booking secures the best deals on accommodation and activity timeslots. We recommend booking at least 6 months to a year in advance to stay ahead of the game.
Step 3: Getting Connected
Communication is vital. Set up a WhatsApp or Facebook group to relay information and make group decisions. Pro Tip: If the bride wants to be surprised, get her to start the group, add you as an Administrator, and then remove herself so the planning remains a secret.
Phase 2: Money, Budgets & Honesty
The "Budget Talk":
Setting a budget and keeping to it is essential to prevent drop-outs. Use your group chat to find out what everyone considers affordable before you book anything. Once a plan is set, a small £40 deposit usually secures the package, with individual deposits due shortly after to lock in everyone's place.
The Golden Rule of Payments:
Never pay for the whole thing yourself and "hope" people pay you back. Using a professional organizing service allows guests to pay their individual balances directly. This ensures the full balance is paid 8 weeks before travel without you having to act as a debt collector.
Phase 3: Destinations, Accommodation & Activities
Choosing Your Style:
Decide if you want the central buzz of a hotel or the privacy of a cottage or serviced apartment. Private houses give you more scope for "night in" activities like Cheeky Butlers or Private Chefs. Remember that location affects price: Brighton in summer or Marbella in July will always be at a premium compared to other times or locations.
Activity Selection:
Match the energy to the bride's personality. Options range from high-octane Quad Biking and Go Karting to active favorites like Inflatable Games or Old School Sports Days. For those who want to be inclusive of Mums, Nanas, or those who can't travel far, consider daytime options like Pottery Painting or Chocolate Making.
Phase 4: The Personal Touch & Ice-Breakers
Breaking the Ice with Games:
Party games bring the group together, especially if participants don't all know each other.
- "Whose is This?": Ask everyone to bring an item that relates to them and the bride (e.g., a school tie or gig ticket). The bride draws them from a bag and guesses who they belong to—a great way to reminisce.
- Tailor the Tone: Be careful with games like ‘Never Have I Ever’ if the Mother-in-law is present!.
Bespoke Details:
Small touches make the weekend memorable. If she's a Harry Potter fan, use House-themed badges. If she loves music, make a playlist for the journey or pre-drinks. Consider "Hen Survival Bags" with her favorite sweets, miniature cocktail bottles, or matching eye masks for a spa theme.
Phase 5: Final MOH Pointers for Success
1. Give Yourself Time: Last-minute planning is deceptively difficult. Start right away, even if the event is months away.
2. Delegate!: Don’t do it all yourself. Ask the group for help with lifts, bringing paper cups, or organizing snacks.
3. Stay Organised: Keep all confirmation emails and contact numbers for venues and vendors in one safe place.
4. It's About the Hen: Other people will have great ideas, but don't let one person dictate the event if it doesn't align with what the bride wants.
Ready to Start Planning?
Organising a hen do is a marathon of logistics, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be relaxed and ready to have a great time.