PLAN LIKE A PRO: PROFESSIONALS SHARE THEIR BEST BRIDAL SHOWER & HEN PARTY PLANNING TIPS!

​​No matter the occasion, celebrations take a great deal of time and thought to orchestrate. Which can be a daunting task (especially if you're a first time bridesmaid). And this is exactly why I want to share these wonderful Kitchen Tea, Bridal Shower and Hen Party Planning tips with you. Straight from the mouths of professional event planners the world over, tips and tricks like these will not only make your planning easier, but will also take it to the next level!
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Related: How to Personalise a Party
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Appearances Matter...

“There’s a reason social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram are so popular – and that’s the fact people LOVE to look at beautiful photos. In fact, you’d probably be hard pressed to find a bride who hadn’t set up a board or two with inspiration for her own big day. With this in mind, take the lesson to heart that appearances matter and put in the time and effort to create a beautiful space with real wow factor.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to do this.

One of our favourite touches is Party Picks, which are small messages attached to toothpicks that you can insert into everything from cupcakes to macarons. They’re exactly the sort of thing you would see in an editorial wedding shoot, and help elevate a sense of style.

Oversized balloons are also on trend right now, as are gorgeous tassles in hues ranging from pastel to metallic.

Brides are also loving handmade celebration flags, which are attached to retro stripe and polka dot straws and have messages such as “hooray” and “kitchen tea”. They look especially appealing sitting in a mini  milk bottle full of Pimms or punch, again enhancing the idea that little touches can have a big impact.

Something else you can also never go wrong with is bunting, especially if it pays tribute to the woman of the hour.

​Other great decorative ideas include massive paper flowers in vases, mason jars filled with biscuits and candy, and of course, as many awesome but slightly embarrassing photos of the hen as you can find.”

- Amy De Groot (easyweddings.com.au)

​Related: Personalised Party Ideas

It's Not About How Much Money the Host Spends...

“The ultimate [celebrations] are not about how much money the host spends... but rather how creative the planner gets. The most memorable events are the ones that make us FEEL deeply!

While it’s wonderful to shower the bride with gifts, the experience is way more important than the amount of things she ultimately takes home.

Consider choosing a theme that has meaning and significance for the bride – a tribute to her childhood or something that celebrates her passions. Anything goes these days so think outside the box and don’t be afraid to try something new. I’ve seen everything from life drawing with a nude model (for the artist bride) to a full on carnival-themed extravaganza complete with flame throwers and elephants!”

- Hayley Devlin (hayleydevlin.com)

Related: Party Hacks to Save You $$$

It's All About the Location...

“It’s all about the location for any event. Make sure the bride loves where you’re going and if outdoors, scope it out beforehand. Make sure it’s at the same time of day your party will be so you can check how busy it is and where the shady spots are!

​Check public transport and the toilet situation as well as parking and any restrictions around what you can and can’t do in the space (those city councils can be strict!).

The more planning you do upfront, the better your day will flow in the end”

- Ebby Carson (littlebirdevents.com.au)

It Should be Personal, Fun, Engaging & Creative...

“Bridal Showers, Kitchen Teas and Hen Parties should be personal, fun, engaging and creative.

My number one tip is to choose a theme that of course relates to the bride.
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For example, if she loves to cook, a Kitchen Bridal Shower is a great theme. Ask your guest list to send the bride-to-be a family recipe along with the RSVP. The recipes can go into a special cookbook which will be presented at the shower.

Centrepieces will include kitchen utensils in the midst of the florals and gifts must be kitchen related.

All guests will be given personalised aprons and games can be created based on the brides and grooms’ cooking skills, best and worst cooking experience, and favourite foods.

The more interactive and themed the more guests can use their imagination and creativity.”

 - Lynne Goldberg (msweddingplanner.com)

Get the Décor Right...

When planning a hens night, it's important to “get the décor right. If your bride is an Instagram Queen and into romantic themes, floral arrangements, candles, and festoon lightings, try to incorporate those things into the décor.

Personalized décor and old photographs are always a hit and a nice way to celebrate special friendships between the bridal party. Try to get an image from each guest to display around the room or on a photo board.
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If you are a bit crafty, you can create amazing decorations on a budget! Check out Pinterest or Kmart hacks for inspiration.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure you go along with what the bride would like”

- Clare (customneon.com.au)

Know the Tone...

“When organising a hen party, know the tone. If Mother-in-law is attending, the blushing bride may not feel totally comfortable dressed up as a giant penis! So asses the situation first.

Likewise, if the bride is insistent on no stripper, don’t have one turn up in the hope she will love it after a few wines. Strippers and willy straws are not prerequisites for a successful hen party!”

- Clare (customneon.com.au)

Tailor Activities to the Hen's Personality...

"When you’re in the midst of hen do planning, make sure that you “tailor or customise the activities to the Hen’s personality.

If she doesn’t like going out, then don’t force it and plan for a movie marathon with bubbles. Or if she’s an outdoorsy type, plan a weekend away camping.

​When you start planning the special day/night, stop to ask yourself – would she plan this for herself?”

- Jamie-Lee Kay (theotherstraw.com)

Related: 90+ Hen Do Activity Ideas

HAVE KITCHEN TEA, BRIDAL SHOWER AND/OR HEN DO PLANNING TIPS TO SHARE?
Whether you’re a professional event planner, bridesmaid or maid of honour who has organised her fair share of celebrations; we’d love to know how you did it! Simply email bec@foreveryhen.com.au for your chance to have your fave planning tip featured in this article and our magazine! 

Related Hens Party Planning Articles

MUST KNOW PLANNING TIPS:

A hens party is a must, it's your last symbolic night as a single woman. Which is why it has to be unforgettable. To help with your hens party planning, here are my top tips for putting together a hens party your bride will never forget!

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PERSONALISED PARTY TIPS:

From accessories to drinks, this article outlines the many ways you can add an unexpected yet much appreciated touch to your best friend's day - making her feel special and loved whilst simultaneously guaranteeing that it's an event she will never forget!

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Final Thoughts on These Bridal Shower & Hen Party Planning Tips

Whilst planning a celebration can feel quite overwhelming at times, I hope the above tips, tricks and ideas have put your mind at ease and provided you with LOTS of inspiration.

At the end of the day, you can tell whether or not someone has put the effort in when organising an event. Your bride-to-be will be able to see the thought and love that went into creating her special day, and she will adore you even more for it!

As mentioned earlier in the article, if you have any bridal shower and/or hens night planning tips and tricks that you would like to share with our readers, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Until then, much love – keep smiling! Bec x
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​P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THESE BRIDAL SHOWER & HEN PARTY PLANNING TIPS - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)