Who Do You Invite to a Hen Do

Hen Party Guestlist by Life Drawing Hen Parties

Deciding who to invite to your hen do can be a tricky task, but we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re keeping it small and intimate or planning a hen party thats larger than life, your guestlist sets the tone for the whole event. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out who should be there to make sure everyone has a great time. From close friends to extended family, let’s make sure you’ve got the right mix for an amazing time with the girls!

How Many People should you Invite to your Hen Party?

Choosing the number of people for your hen do doesn’t have to be stressful, but it’s important to keep the bride-to-be’s personality and preferences in mind.

If she’s the life of the party and loves being surrounded by a crowd, then a larger group might be the way to go. On the other hand, if she’s more of an introvert, a smaller, more intimate gathering with her closest friends and family could be perfect.

Remember, it’s not about the size of the guestlist—it’s about creating the right atmosphere. Whether you’ve got a big group or a small one, you can still play hen party games that work for any size. It’s all about enjoying each other’s company and celebrating this special time with the bride-to-be. Quality over quantity, every time!

Hen Party Invite Checklist

When it comes to choosing specific people to invite to the hen party, there are a number of different groups of people associated with the bride-to-be that need to be considered. Remember, this is a “typical” list, so after checking in with the bride to figure out who not to invite, this hen party guestlist should be a great place to start planning:

Immediate Family: This includes the bride's mother, sisters and, if appropriate, her daughter(s).

Future In-Laws: The groom's mother and sisters can also be invited.

Extended Family: Close cousins, aunts, and nieces of the bride might be included.

Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids: These are typically the bride's closest friends or family members and are almost always included.

Close Friends: The bride's best friends, school friends, university friends, childhood friends, etc., should be on the list.

Colleagues: If the bride has a strong bond with her workmates, they can be considered.

Sports/Club Friends: If the bride is part of any club or sports team, her close pals from there might be included.

Neighbours: Particularly if they have a close relationship with the bride.

Old Friends: People the bride may not see regularly but have a deep connection with.

Friends of the Groom: If the bride is close to any of the groom's female friends, they could be invited.

Tips for Creating a Hen Party Guestlist

Creating the perfect hen party guest list can feel like a challenge, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are some practical tips to help you put together a guestlist that sets the right tone for a fun and memorable hen do!

1. Know the Bride's Preferences: Start by thinking about what kind of hen do the bride would enjoy. Does she prefer a big celebration with all her friends, or a smaller, more intimate gathering with her nearest and dearest? Also, consider if she’d love to go all out with a hen party theme, whether it’s a fun, quirky idea or a more elegant theme, this can help shape the atmosphere and guide who should be on the guestlist.

2. Budget Considerations: The size of your guestlist will directly impact the cost, so keep the budget in mind when deciding how many to invite. It’s all about balancing numbers and what fits your budget. 

Curious about who covers the costs of the hen do?

3. Diversity of Guests: A blend of family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours can bring a variety of energy to the party. But don’t forget to check with the bride if you’re unsure, make sure there’s enough common ground to keep things fun.

4. Avoid Drama: A hen do should be about celebrating the bride, not handling conflict. If there are any guests who don’t get along, it’s best to leave them off the list and keep the atmosphere positive.

5. Have a Backup List: Sometimes, people can’t make it at the last minute, so it’s a good idea to have a backup list ready to fill those spots. This way, you’re guaranteed a lively party!

6. Keep it a Surprise: If the hen party is a surprise, make sure all the guests know they need to keep it under wraps! The last thing you want is the bride finding out early.

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