Top Tips for Planning a Hen Do

Whether you're a seasoned maid of honour or a first-timer, organising a hen do can be a daunting task. 

Selecting a date that works for the bridal party, researching activities that everyone will enjoy, and collecting money (so you can book said activities) can feel like herding cats. 

But don't worry! Our mission at Collctiv is to make the organiser's life easier. 

So firstly a helpful pre-planning check list:

1. The Bride’s Vision

• Vibe Check: Does she want a wild night out, a relaxing spa retreat, or an adventurous outdoor weekend? Or a combination of all these things!
  The event should reflect her personality, (not the bridesmaids’!)
• The Guest List: Get a definitive list from her early on. Don't forget to ask if she wants family members (mums/mothers-in-law) included for the whole event or just a portion.

2. Budget and Inclusivity

• Transparent Costing: Establish a budget early. Be mindful of different financial situations; if the cost is too high, you risk people dropping out or feeling resentful.
• Hidden Extras: Factor in the "bride’s share" (usually covered by the guests), decorations, goody bags, and transport.

3. Logistics and Timing

• The Date: Use a polling tool (like Doodle) to find a date that works for the most important people. Aim for 4–8 weeks before the wedding.
• Location: Consider travel time. A destination hen do is exciting but adds complexity regarding flights, transfers, and annual leave.
• Booking Lead Times: Popular venues and large Airbnbs book up months in advance, especially for summer weddings.

4. Communication and Group Dynamics

• Central Hub: Create a WhatsApp group or use a planning app, but keep notifications manageable.
• The Itinerary: Build in "buffer time." Over-scheduling leads to stress. Ensure there is time for the group to relax and chat between activities.
• Dietary Needs: Check for allergies or sobriety early to ensure the menu and activities are inclusive.

Next the money side of things! Obviously you’re going to be using Collctiv but there’s some bonus tips we can give you to help it go even smoother for you! 

Add a photo to your Collctiv profile

It seems an obvious point but this not only helps with increasing trust in people unfamiliar to the best money collection tool (*subjective and heavily biased….but true) but also means they know which one of the party of x amount of people you are! Everyone knows the bride (or hopefully they do!) but they may not know you so won’t necessarily know who to speak with on the do or if you have time together beforehand. 

Create separate pots for each hen do activity‍

If you have multiple events occurring across the day or days or the do, then create pots for each element so you can keep track of who’s paid - right in the app! 

This is particularly helpful if you have some people doing some elements and not others (eg if Grandma is all-in on the afternoon tea but is not quite so keen on the pole dancing class!) this will mean you can delete that six-tab spreadsheet and create custom pots for each planned activity. 

You can add event details (including map links) and notes to each pot too, so the hen party knows exactly what they are paying for. 

Share your custom payment link and QR code

This is an excellent way for family, friends, and colleagues who can’t make the hen do contribute to the bride-to-be’s last night out. 

Simply create a pot and share the payment link on your social channels, their work email or comms channels, in your group chats….wherever. 

On the hen do itself you can also pop the QR code on to customisable wristbands, stickers, or t-shirts and have the hen party wear them for the guest of honour’s big night on the town.

 Chances are you’ll be shocked by the generosity of strangers eager to donate a fiver towards a bottle of bubbly. Bride doesn’t drink? Ask for donations to her favourite charity instead.

Buy an e-gift card with any leftover funds for a bonus gift.

Didn’t use all of the money people pooled at the pub? Cash in any leftover funds for an e-gift card and send it to the bride-to-be or newlyweds, straight from the app. Choose from a huge variety of popular retailers, including John Lewis, AirBnb, M&S and Virgin Experience Days (honeymoon anyone?)

Organisers bring people together

‍Collctiv has helped over 2 million people from over 175 countries come together for the moments and experiences that matter by making it easy to collect and spend group money. Download Collctiv and start collecting money today.

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