Hi from Hen Party Haven!
I have mentioned in other blogs about when organising a Hen Party the importance of having a plan and a budget. In this post I thought I would illustrate how successful a weekend away can be for everyone when it is done really well!
One of the sister’s of the bride was in charge of organising the 16 ladies! Mum, mother-in-law, Aunt and various friends and siblings – they were all there.
The organiser, Hannah, and a friend arrived Friday afternoon about 4.30pm and the guests were due to arrive from about 6pm onwards.
Clearly some great car organising / packing made things much easier to unload and then utilise. Decorations, things for the first night and food had already been prepared and thought through. It took little time to transform the house into a –
90’s theme!
There was 90’s themed food – pizza (of course – and easy to do on arrival), crisps and sweets from then. Coke and icecream to make Coke floaters. There were labels or ideas for each thing, including gluten-free options – something else to consider at a gathering.
Then there was the hairdressing “salon” in the lounge fitted out with crimpers, curlers etc. ready for some expert hair handling!
No party is complete without games – and specific 90’s board games from the the bride’s childhood were in evidence as well as kiss the bridegroom (a photo of course – won by a very keen Auntie!).
One of the highlights Hannah says was the lovely hot tub outside which they enjoyed looking up at the stars and trying to find constellations.
Top Tip #1
So the theme had developed from the initial thought of a pyjama and pizza party into something much more personal and unique, and that everyone could join in with easily.
Top Tip #2
The guests were decided by the Bride – mainly cousins, aunties, Mum’s and some friends as you would expect. Some couldn’t make the Party which was expected but there were 16 in total coming from all over the country! Gayle gives useful advice about travel to get here.
Line Dancing
One of the reasons for choosing Chichester Self Catering was that they wanted to do some organised line dancing – and Hannah could only find the Viking Music Club (in the whole country!!) which provided lessons and then the set evening vs a dance in a village hall. Viking is at Bunn Leisure in Selsey who do not allow one-sex groups to stay at their caravans – BUT at Chichester Self Catering we do! “It is a little more expensive but easily offset by the private facilities; hot tub and sauna and nicer surroundings.” she said, “I would definately come back here.”
Hannah and the “girls” had a really lovely weekend and it just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune if it is carefully planned and people are willing to add to the atmosphere. The Hen weekend cost about £150 all in per lady – so £75 a day. This included food (incl supper out one night), entertainment for the 2 days and drinks with the accommodation including the spa too.
Top Tip #3
Hannah says that by planning well in advance and asking for money in 3 stages over the months prior to the Hen Party Haven weekend meant that it was easily affordable for everyone. I think this is a great tip.
Thanks to Hannah for taking the time to speak with me and giving you some valuable time and money-saving tips.
I think that is really good value, don’t you? Leave a comment below with your thoughts please.
© Gayle Palmer. Chichester Self Catering
