Before you type another word or aubergine emoji in that WhatsApp group, find out what is possibly annoying your wedding crew.
It’s hard to please everyone. And when planning a wedding, it’s nigh on impossible. No wonder so many couples elope these days! The guest list, the location, the food, the child-free policy etc etc. There will be things that you want on your big day that’ll really rub your loved ones up the wrong way. And one of them will probably be the hen party.
Whoever is planning the hen party needs to know that they should be prepared for some scrutiny. And that’s not to say that the typical gripes hen’s have, are not wholly justified, ’cause they are. It’s not their fault if they can’t afford a 5* long weekend in Ibiza. Or just don’t like sleazy strip clubs, or getting drunk ’till 5 in the morning.
Whether you’re the one planning the hen party, or you’re the person the hen is being planned for. We thought we’d share a few things that hen’s often have a problem with, and how you can change parts to make the group happier. With every hen party issue, we have a pain-free fix that’ll ensure your up-coming hen party celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons.
6 Things Bridesmaids Don’t Like About Hen-do’s
Spending Money
This one is a big one. There comes a point in our lives when everyone seems to be getting married. And each weekend is either occupied with a wedding or a hen party. The cost of these constant celebrations can really add up. Not to mention the fact that each marrying individual wants to outdo the last. Meaning each hen party, and wedding gradually gets more and more expensive.
Your loved ones may also not be in the same financial situation as you, and actually, that weekend away with the girls is causing quite a bit of stress for them.
Your hen’s and bridesmaids are the best people in your life. The ones you love the most. So don’t force them into debt, or suggest things they feel obliged to agree to. Sit down with all members, as a group, or individually, and find out how much each of them can honestly spend. If you feel that people won’t be able to be honest, then maybe create an anonymous few questions for them to fill in, in private.
The Tough Schedule
We’ve all got busy lives these days, especially for those with kids. And so, it can cause a fair amount of stress if you’re being told to do extra tasks on top of your already busy schedule. The same goes for wedding planning too.
Try to put yourself in everyone else’s shoes, and consider how much structure you’d like/need as a hen party guest. Keeping in mind that these people have paid to be here. Schedule in the main activities and hen party games, leaving spare time for the group to entertain themselves, or chill.
That WhatsApp Group Hell
Need we say more? We’ve all experienced some kind of crazy WhatsApp group where the comments and opinions are flying in from this way and that. One person’s not replying to stuff that needs to be booked. And someone’s always asking the questions that have already been answered further down the feed… But, it’s fun, right?! Keeps your other half amused at least.
If you are finding the group chat a bit of an issue, why not create a separate group for the less fun stuff. The logistics, money gathering and proper planning. And leave the other one for fun stuff, and getting to know each other banter.
The One’s Who Say They’ll Pay
Obviously, we’ve already said that hen parties can be expensive, possibly leading to financial stress for some people. But, if that’s not the case for your group, and you’ve all agreed on a thing you’re going to pay for. It can be so frustrating when one or two members don’t meet the payment deadline. If you’ve been that person, just have a think about the person who’s needed to put the whole cost of the hen do on their credit card. And is now sweating bullets because their charges are going up and up. Not nice.
If you are the type to miss a deadline at work, or in your personal life. Try to change things before the hen party, and stop from upsetting your group of friends. Create payment reminders, be open if money is an issue, and find a way to stop being in debt to your friends.
If you’re the one footing the bill for the hen party, try not to. Plan ahead of time, and get the money from everyone before you book. Putting large amounts on credit is a risky business. Therefore, if it can be avoided, find a way.
The Booze
It’s 2022, and these days, not everyone likes a drink. Many gave up during the pandemic, while others are just choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. And all power to them. However, unless your hen party is made up of yoga masters, Zen gurus and Ella Woodward – it’s unlikely that all of you are going to bemoan the demon drink. But on a hen party, when is too much?
There can certainly be a pressure to get drunk when on a hen party (or stag), with most activities usually involving or centring around alcohol. If you honestly feel that’s what the group wants, and not what you think they need, then plan your boozy brunch and Soho bar crawl. But if you feel certain members are not so keen on getting wasted, don’t push. Let everyone enjoy themselves at their own pace. Do that, and you’ll find the group is more harmonious, and less likely to leave before you’ve even made your drunken speech.
Sex, Sex & Penis Straws
Not everyone thinks a penis straw is funny. Nor penis balloons, or penis confetti or bloody great dildos. No, cartoonish symbols of sex are not for everyone. So, read the room. You’ll be the one embarrassed if you turn up to the party, laden down with novelty L-plates, naughty games and an assortment of phallic accessories. Only to be greeted by a bemused set of faces looking back at you, wondering why you thought all of this tack was appropriate.
However, the gang could love all that! Especially the bride. And if they’ve hinted at you that they’re up for all those sorts of shenanigans, then go for it. Go full phallic. But if not, don’t force anything in their faces, literally. Be empathetic and plan a hen party that suits the whole crowd.
