3 STEPS TO AN AWESOME 'BEFORE AND AFTER' HEN PARTY GAME!

Written By: Bec  |  Last Updated: 07.11.2024

​A mug shot before and after a night out? Don't mind if I do! Create lasting and hilarious memories - where the first image is always stunning, the second a little worse for wear. Learn how to pull off this Before and After Bachelorette Party game below.

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Related: 40+ Hen Party Game Ideas
Related: Dress the Bride Game

THE BEFORE & AFTER GAME (QUICK OVERVIEW)

The photo game that results in picture perfect memories! Prior to your event, source one sign that says 'before' and one that says 'after'. These are your all important props. Now fast forward to event day: as guests arrive, set them up for their initial mug shot (make sure they're holding the 'before' sign). At the end of the night, snap each guest holding the 'after' sign. Once the celebration is done and dusted, print all of your images off, stick them into a scrapbook and gift to the hen. Want to mix things up a little? Why not take actual mug shots featuring funny 'crimes committed' (e.g. 'stealing the groom's heart', 'singing off-key at karaoke'), put together a video montage (of each guest arriving and each guest leaving), or snap some epic group photos (one 'before' the party and one 'after')!
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Check out our favourite 'before and after' ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★

​​Playing the 'Before & After' Game

​YOU WILL NEED:​
A 'Before' sign, an 'After' sign, and a camera.

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PREPARATION:
Either create a 'Before' and an 'After' sign yourself, or grab pre-made digital downloads (such as the ones found here).

If you're designing your own signs, the most important part is the wording. As long as 'Before' and 'After' are featured, you really can't go wrong!

​For some quick inspiration, see the images below (note: click an image to view full description):

↑ Click here to view/download this 'Before and After' printable sign pack! ↑

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​Print your signs off and frame. We like to take the glass out when framing for two main reasons:

• Reason one: no reflection when taking photos (you want to be able to read the signs)
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• Reason two: it's safer for those holding the signs... especially at the end of the night (we don't want any broken glass or accidental injuries!)

Handy Hint:
If you don't want to use frames in this game, either print your signs onto cardstock (meaning they should last the night) and/or mount them onto thick cardboard.

​HOW TO PLAY
As bachelorette party guests arrive, set them up for their initial mug shot. This can be in front of a plain wall, with a natural backdrop (gardens, for example), or at a pre-prepared photo booth area. Hand them the 'Before' sign and get snap happy!

At the end of the night, repeat these steps but with the 'After' sign instead.

Once the celebration is done and dusted, print off the 'before' and 'after' images of each person, stick them into a scrapbook and gift to the hen.

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Important:
You will need to stick the 'before' photo for an individual next to their 'after' photo. For example, the bride-to-be's 'Before' image will be next to her 'After' image. Displaying them like this will give the best overall effect.

​Alternative Ways to Play the Before and After Game

​MERRY MUG SHOTS

★Click here to view pre-made mug shot printables★

Rather than going with the standard 'Before' and 'After' signs, why not mix things up a bit with some mug shots? Featuring crimes committed, these props will take the fun factor up a notch (and will make for awesome photo memories, too!).
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EXAMPLE BACHELORETTE PARTY 'CRIMES COMMITTED'

• Mastermind behind the bridal mischief
• Accessory overload - guilty of glamour
• Shameless selfies offence
• Flaunting killer dance moves without a licence 
• Reckless advice dispensing​

• Unauthorized bridal veil tug-of-war
• Unapologetic party animal behaviour
• Excessive champagne popping
• Stealing the groom's heart
• Singing off-key karaoke

​​Feature a 'Line Up'
Snap these photos in front of a 'line up' wall for realistic 'mug shot' feels. You may also like to have the bride-to-be's picture printed onto an actual mug - a cheeky yet useful post party gift.

VIDEO MONTAGE
Create a memorable video by filming short clips of each guest as they walk through the door. Dance breaks, twirls and struts all welcome here. At the end of the event, film short clips of each guest as they're about to leave.

Edit the videos together and gift to the bride for a fun and sentimental keepsake!

Editing Options:
When editing, you can do one of two things: place ALL 'before' videos at the start, followed by ALL 'after' videos. OR, place individual 'before' and 'after' videos directly next to each other (so you would see the bride arrive, and then the bride leave, for example).
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GROUP PHOTO
Grabbing each and every party-goer individually, before and after the party, can be quite the task! To make things easier, ask for a group photo at the beginning of the party (hen up front and centre, holding the 'Before' sign) and then again after the party (hen holding the 'After' sign this time).
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Related to the Before & After Game
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​HOW TO PLAY 'SNAP THAT':

A simple game that encourages guests to get snap happy! Not only will this be a fun activity at the party, but it will also result in so many photo memories for the bride to enjoy after the party. Win/win!

Click here​ to view the collection.

CREATIVE DISPLAY IDEAS:

Photos are a lovely, easy way to add a personal touch to events. They create unique focal points whilst bringing back beautiful memories. 
​For all of the sweet, unique, and fun ways to share your printed memories, see this article.

​Click here​ to view the collection.

Mug Shots Galore!

These 'Before' and 'After' shots are going to be some to remember!

We hope you have the most amazing time creating memories in the moment (and looking back on them for years to come). As always, we LOVE hearing your ideas and real life experiences. Please feel free to share pictures of your own mug shots in the comments section below (or via our socials)!

Cheers to a wonderful event filled with hilarious images!

​Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
( Click here to find us on Pinterest! )
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P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share these before and after game ideas - you know you want to! :)