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A good hen do doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because someone (probably you, if you’re reading this) started planning it early enough that nothing had to be rushed. This timeline breaks the whole thing into stages so you’re never scrambling the week before. Pair it with our guide to who pays for what if that conversation hasn’t happened yet.
2–3 Months Before
- Confirm the bride’s availability and non-negotiables (dates she can’t do, activities she’d hate)
- Get the guest list from the bride, with contact details
- Pick a format: single night out, weekend away, or a themed activity day
- Set a per-person budget range before booking anything
- Create a group chat and send a save-the-date
Budget first, venue second. Agreeing a per-person budget before you start booking avoids the awkward conversation later where half the group can’t afford what’s been planned.
4–6 Weeks Before
- Book the main venue, activity, or accommodation
- Collect deposits from the group
- Sort transport if it’s a weekend away
- Order any decorations or accessories — sashes, banners, games [PLACEHOLDER AFFILIATE LINK: hen do decoration kit]
- Plan food and drink for the group, including any dietary requirements
1–2 Weeks Before
- Confirm final headcount with the venue
- Collect remaining balances
- Buy any games, props, or a bride-to-be sash and veil [PLACEHOLDER AFFILIATE LINK: bride-to-be accessories set]
- Share a rough itinerary with the group so everyone knows what to expect and what to wear
Final Week
- Pack decorations, games, and any surprises
- Reconfirm bookings directly with venues
- Charge cameras and set up a shared photo album or group chat for photos
- Brief anyone doing a speech, game, or surprise element
Simple Budget Template
| Category | Typical Share of Budget |
|---|---|
| Accommodation / venue | 35–40% |
| Activities | 20–25% |
| Food & drink | 20–25% |
| Decorations & accessories | 5–10% |
| Bride’s contribution (if group is covering her) | Varies |
Keep a running spreadsheet of who’s paid what, even for a simple single-night do. It heads off awkward chasing texts later.
Want more ideas beyond the standard night out? Browse our Hen & Stag guides for more planning help.