The idea of a hen party might be conventionally billed as the “last night of freedom”, but there’s a more modern take to the idea that it might be worth considering.
Rather than seeing a hen night as one last night of debauchery and rowdiness before settling into wedded bliss, the 21st century version could be very different indeed. Instead, it’s a period of reflection prior to marriage. There’s no doubt that planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things that many of us will go through. As the big day approaches and those worries and fears reach a crescendo, it makes sense to consider taking a little time out with your closest friends and family.
You can do this at home, of course. A couple of evenings out, catching up with old friends – but it won’t have the same feeling as being liberated as time spent on vacation will. Going away from a hen weekend with a difference can really separate you from the madness that’s happening in preparation for the wedding. It separates your closest group of confidantes off from the real world, leaving the stresses and strains behind, bonding you together as you explore a new place.
In fact, it’s pretty much the perfect way to enter into married life. You will be more relaxed, and with the confidence behind you of having affirmed your closest friendships. There’s no doubt that married life can puts a strain on friendships, so it’s good to have a chance to affirm your love of your friends and vice versa. Doing it in a separate location from the tedium of ‘real’ life and wedding planning is just the icing on the cake.
How Do You Deal With Cost?
Of course, the immediate concern with a getaway with your hen party is the cost. Weddings are an expensive business, so it’s unlikely that in the run-up to yours, you’ve got much spare cash floating around for a ladies get together.
However, is it perhaps worth looking at your budget in terms of priority? This is your chance to confirm and indulge friendships that might otherwise slip by the wayside in the midst of newlywed bliss. Maybe you could cut your guest list for the wedding itself or find some other savings, which could pave the way for being able to afford a hen weekend.
It helps to try and talk with your friends and family about the cost, too. They probably won’t expect you to be able to afford an all-expenses paid trip abroad for a large group of people. Many will be more than happy to cover their own costs, as they’re keen to indulge in the female bonding the opportunity offers.
If you can’t afford to cover the price of everyone, always make it clear that you won’t be at all offended if someone can’t attend at their own expense. If several people fall into this category, go for a night out with them separately, so they don’t feel they have missed out on the pre-wedding shenanigans.
Where Do You Go?
Obviously, the defining choice in where you go for such an expedition is the money that you have to spend. So the actual location is to be determined on a personal level.
However, the same concerns apply no matter where in the world you are choosing to go. The most important thing to remember is that you need to have something to do. It’s unwise to just expect everyone to organize themselves and come up with their own ideas once you get there. This leaves room for a lot of awkwardness, too – some people might not know one another quite so well, which can make it uncomfortable trying to find something that suits everyone.
That’s why your time away should include – if not be outright centered around – at least one planned activity or at the very least a focal point. If you’re looking for ideas for bachelorettes away from home, then you could consider the following:
- Tour an ancient site of local historical interest.
- Go horseback riding along the beach. It’s a cliché, but it’s a lot of fun and can give you the chance to see your resort in a different light!
- A weekend on the wine trail, sampling the local wines and touring the vineyards.
- Visit an observatory for views of the night sky you would otherwise only be able to dream of
- If you fancy something more high-octane, then going paintballing is a great option – though be wary if you have older members of your party.
This won’t solve all the problems, of course. There might be one of your party who doesn’t fancy paintballing or is unsure about how to act at a wine tasting, but these are relatively easily solved by ensuring you choose an activity that everyone agrees with prior to leaving.
It’s also a good idea to solve the question of food and scheduling. Organizing a group holiday can quickly feel like a bind if you are constantly trying to get everyone to do things at certain times. Instead, operate a liberal policy of discussing where you’re going and what you’re doing on the day, so people can choose what they’re in the mood for rather than a set regime.
The one thing you should insist upon is an assembly time. Make it generous – 10am is a good bet for a morning meet up, as it gives a chance for a lie-in without wasting the entire day. Insist that everyone be at your scheduled assembly point for a brief chat about what they want to do for the day, then let everyone make their own decisions based on their preferences.
What Can Go Wrong?
Frankly, there is very little that can go wrong on a hen weekend away from home that can’t also happen on your standard last-night-of-freedom affair. People can argue; accidents can happen; feelings can be hurt; and some of the group can be made to feel left out. However, these are general concerns that happen home and abroad. They might even be easier to deal with if you’re away from home and have that excited vacation feel that comes with it!
