Hens Night / Bachelorette Party Planning Guide & Checklist

Written by Tarnia Riggs
Founder, All Eyes on Me
Published October 2026

Start with the person you are celebrating

A hens night in Australia, or bachelorette party in the US, can be a night out, a relaxed meal, a weekend away or a gathering at home. Start by asking the guest of honour/honor what they enjoy and what they would rather avoid.

Discuss surprises, alcohol, travel, activities and photographs. A good celebration reflects the person’s preferences and gives friends a comfortable way to participate.

Who organises it?

A maid or matron of honour (honor), wedding-party member, sibling or trusted friend might take the lead. Choose one organiser/organizer to coordinate information and give other helpers named tasks.

Confirm the guest list with the person being celebrated. Keep invitations thoughtful and avoid assuming everyone will want, or be able, to join every activity.

3–6 months ahead: agree a workable plan

This is a suggested planning window, not a booking rule. Begin earlier for travel, a popular date or a larger group; a simple local gathering can need less time.

Agree a date that gives the couple room to rest before the wedding.
Ask about availability before committing to non-refundable bookings.
Set an affordable per-person budget and explain exactly what it includes.
Discuss whether the group will contribute to the guest of honour’s costs.
Check venue, activity, accommodation and transport availability.
Read deposit, payment, cancellation and minimum-number terms.

6–12 weeks ahead: book and order the details

Confirm the essential arrangements and send guests the information they need to decide. Include costs, timings, travel, dress guidance and a reply deadline.

Make a separate accessories list. An optional kit might contain a veil or crown, wrist garters, a garter, forget-me-nots and game supplies. Ask the person being celebrated what they would enjoy wearing. Check sizes, quantities, availability and production plus delivery time before ordering.

A small coordinated detail can be enough; guests do not need a full costume or matching outfit. If you are also organising accessories for the wedding ceremony, explore our ring cushions. Browse available wrist garters, garters and the shop to assemble individual pieces.

2–4 weeks ahead: check people and parcels

Confirm numbers, meal requirements and accessibility arrangements.
Check every delivery and make a simple alternative plan for missing items.
Confirm balances and explain any changes before asking for extra money.
Send a clear itinerary, meeting point and organiser contact.
Choose games that suit the group and allow people to opt out.

A few enjoyable activities usually work better than a packed schedule with no time to talk or travel.

The day: enjoy it and respect boundaries

Keep transport arrangements clear, provide food and non-alcoholic options, and make it easy for guests to leave when they need to. Check permission before posting photographs. Avoid pressure around drinking, spending, costumes or personal questions.

If someone feels uncomfortable, change course kindly. The purpose is to celebrate a person you care about, not to test how much embarrassment they can tolerate.

Your quick checklist

Preferences and boundaries agreed.
Date, guest list and budget confirmed.
Bookings, costs and transport explained.
Accessories ordered and received.
Dietary and accessibility needs checked.
Games, itinerary and photo permissions considered.

Find ideas in our FREE Party Games collection and use the Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist to keep the party alongside the wider wedding plan.

Planning windows and suggestions are from All Eyes on Me. Confirm each provider’s actual deadlines and the group’s preferences.