Hen Do SURVIVAL HACKS Wedding planning expert, Georgie Mitchell, breaks down how to save money, stay sane and celebrate the bride-to-be There’s a good chance that you’ve got a hen do booked for this summer, and like us, you may be wondering how on earth you’re going to survive it. The highly anticipated hen do is a cherished tradition and can be a whirlwind of fun and celebrations. But navigating this party life can be tricky and requires expert advice! To help you navigate the summer of love, Georgie Mitchell, a wedding planner, coordinator and expert at SilkFred (www.silkfred.com); along with hairstylist Megan Watkins (www.instagram.com/style. by.megs), share their ultimate hen do survival guide. THE STAYCATION HEN DO You don’t have to hop on a plane to have a memorable hen do – there are thousands of locations across the UK that boast beautiful scenery with expansive house and gardens. The first step is researching group discounts on trains or coaches and consider carpooling. If driving isn’t an option, make sure you book your travel as soon as possible, as tickets booked in advance are invariably cheaper. Accommodation can be a sensitive topic, not everyone will be able to afford the same style. If you can’t afford to stay in the selected venue, you can have a look at alternative options such as hostels, Airbnbs or even propose glamping as a unique experience for the group. Aside from identifying money saving tips for accommodation and travel, why not consider attending certain parts of the day or weekend. Also, if you receive the invitation in advance, start saving money towards it each month and book certain elements early, therefore avoiding one big expensive hit. KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO It is very easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes to time with the girls, but you need to be realistic about what you can afford and how much you’re willing to sacrifice. There is nothing worse than agreeing to take part, putting money towards it, to then pull out at the last minute and leave everyone high and dry. If you know deep down that this isn’t going to work out for you, then say no early on. If you are no longer able to attend, reach out to the bride personally to explain. You don’t need to go into masses of detail, but an apology and absolute transparency go a long way. Alternatively, if you can’t attend certain aspects of the hen festivities, i.e. expensive spa treatments or a lavish last-minute trip to Paris, then come up with some compromises. Prioritise the key events you want to attend, like a bottomless brunch or a specific activity. 52
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