Thinking about... hen parties

It's that time of year again when every weekend seems to be booked up with a hen / stag party. I still have no idea what I’m actually going to do for my own hen party, but I know it won’t be anything that takes up too much time or costs my guests too much money. For one thing, I’m already asking a lot of my guests by getting married abroad. And although not all the girls that will be coming on my hen do, are coming to the wedding, I still don’t want to take up too much of their time or cost them too much money.

This is something that I think all too many b2bs seem to discount. Yes you're getting married and we’re all very happy for you, and all your friends want to celebrate with you, and as a bride myself I want my nearest and dearest to celebrate with me too. But what we need to remember is, just because our lives revolve around our wedding day, doesn’t mean our friends have to as well.

The reason for this ranty post is that my work colleague has just experienced a particularly unreasonable amount of bridezilla demands from a 'friend' who expected, not only a weekend in London, but a spa weekend, and 'mini' hen nights too. And then spent the whole time COMPLAINING about everything and generally treating her hens and BM's really badly! Needless to say, that friendship is now on its last legs. But my point is, all of this was expected because she was getting married. No consideration was made to the fact it would cost said friend over £500 or that it would take up most of her annual leave for the year, leaving her no time to take a proper holiday!

I’ve also heard about brides having hen parties abroad and then another in the UK when they get back, demanding specific activities that cost a fortune then getting narked when someone can’t come to one or both! If it’s so important that your friends celebrate with you, then you have to compromise.

There are so many options out there. You can still have a memorable, fun weekend without breaking the bank! I have to be honest, the idea of getting my very nearest and dearest over for a slumber party including, take away's, pampering and girlie giggles, would really and truly be the perfect celebration for me.

I do realise that most of us do feel the same way and I'm talking about a minority of people, but it's something that really worries me. And something that I feel really strongly about, as my friends mean the world to me and to think that they might feel in anyway that they're having to spend more than they could afford, on top of coming to Greece for some, brings on beads of sweat across my temple. For me, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable, and if that means staying at home then so be it. As long as all my girls are with me that is all that matters to me.
Of course, if money was no object and I could afford to treat my girlies, then there are loads of things that I would absolutely love to do. One of which I’m saving for a whole separate post on my ‘Ultimate Hen Party'.

For now I thought I’d share a couple of links with you, of ideas that I think are rather fab!

Zen brides: If spending a weekend wearing your slippers and a comfy bath robe, check out these luxury spa's. A spa sleepover / Sen Spa

For the foodie: Cup cakes heaven / Jamie Oliver eat your heart out / Satisfy your sweet tooth

Wannabe pop star? Get your vocal cords warmed up ladies and imagine you're in your very own girl-band, with these hen party activities! Karaoke Queens / Make your own pop video (my type of hen party!)

Break out the leg warmers: Make sure you limber up for this one. Dance classes (Polestarts do all sorts. I’ve done a can-can class with them before – thoroughly recommended)

Exhilarating: Not for the faint hearted! Go Ape /  Paintball

The list could go on, but hopefully these will give you some ideas. xx