Where is the hen party?

This is business end of being the "chosen one". The bride will have a good idea of where she would like to go and this is the starting point for the planner.

So, does the bride want to:

• Stay at home and have a great girls night in? (popular option for pregnant brides)
• Go out locally but not too locally (the boozer on the corner is out!). This might be a large neighbouring town or city that you don’t usually visit.
• Go to another county or state?
• Go to another country?

Remember to plan well in advance if travel and accommodation is a consideration. Keep in mind that it will increase costs considerably and make it difficult for some guests to make it to the hen party (particularly those with young children or other dependants).

Also remember, it’s not enough to just go boozing in Dublin or Amsterdam (or wherever). Make the trip memorable by actually doing something different while you are there (more on this). Look for activities offered in the destination area that are fun and a little different and book them.

When are you going and returning?

This depends on the destination really. If you are flying guests will have to know at what time they’ll need to show up at what airport. The same goes for the return trip. Return flights will have to accommodate those people who live a long distance from the airport. They may need to get the last train home but if you book a return flight that lands half an hour after their train has departed you won’t be thanked for it.

Get copies of flight, bus and train timetables for both the party destination and home transport options. Make sure they are up to date and get a couple of copies to hand out if required.