Seven days to go! Follow this practical day-by-day hen party checklist to organise payments, confirm bookings, prep welcome bags and get everything ready without the last-minute panic.
You’re officially seven days out! Your living room or office probably looks like a party supply warehouse right now, and the group chat is likely buzzing nonstop.
Taking a hen do from the planning stage to execution week can get a little overwhelming. The goal for these next seven days is simple: clear the logistics early so you can actually relax and enjoy the weekend too.
✨ A little planning shortcut
If your guest list, payments, bookings and weekend plans are currently scattered across different notes and group chat messages, bring everything together before the final countdown begins.
Our Ultimate Hen Party Planning Spreadsheet gives you one organised place to check what has been booked, who has paid and what still needs to be done. It also includes a final-week checklist, so it pairs perfectly with the countdown below.
Here is your complete, step-by-step playbook for the week of the party.
Day 7: The Mass Print & Digital Download
Try not to leave printing until Friday morning. Printers always seem to know when you are stressed and decide to run out of ink at the worst possible moment!
Print your stationery: Get your hen party games and printable advice cards printed today. Using heavy cardstock instantly elevates simple printables and stops the paper from blowing around if you are celebrating outdoors.
Finalise the digital schedule: Customise your editable itinerary template and save it as an image on your mobile phone so it is ready to share.
Day 6: The Group Chat Reality Check & Money Sweep
Seven days out is the sweet spot to send a short, helpful update to the group.
Send the “Need to Know” information: Re-share the arrival address and dress codes for specific nights. Make sure to include payment details for any remaining balances.
Settle outstanding balances: Check your tracking sheet or payment app. Politely remind anyone who has not paid their share of the accommodation or activity deposits so you are not stuck covering costs upfront.
📱 The Lock Screen Itinerary Hack
Convert the final single-page itinerary into a mobile wallpaper graphic and send it to everyone today. Ask guests to set it as their lock screen for the weekend so nobody has to keep asking where they need to go next.
Day 5: Confirm Vendors & Set the Vibe
Venues deal with dozens of bookings every weekend. A quick check-in now can prevent unexpected surprises on Saturday.
Call your vendors: Confirm your final headcount with the restaurant, transport company and any activity hosts.
Confirm dietary needs: Send restaurants a quick summary of allergies and dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free or vegan requirements.
🎵 The Pre-Event Spotify Blend Trick
Generate a Spotify Blend link and drop it into the group chat today. Everyone can contribute their favourite tracks, giving you a group playlist that starts building excitement before the weekend even begins.
Day 4: Assemble the Swag & Welcome Bags
Instead of dragging loose items to the venue, get everything assembled in one easy sitting.
Build the bags: Set up a mini assembly line on your dining table. Add hangover kit essentials, scrunchies and chic hen party favours alongside a sweet welcome note.
Pack by location: Keep items for the house or flat in one tote bag and restaurant decorations in another. This saves you from digging through every bag on the day.
📸 Create a Shared Album QR Code
Create a shared Google Photos album, generate a QR code for it and print a simple tabletop sign. Set it on the welcome table so guests can upload their photos to one shared place throughout the weekend.
Day 3: The Grocery & Bar Run
Pre-party snacks are an absolute must, whether you are staying in a rented house or getting ready at home.
Grab the party essentials: Stock up on ice, prosecco, mixers and easy finger foods. Pick up plenty of extra water bottles for the morning after too.
Do not forget the practical items: Add kitchen roll, a corkscrew, pain relief and extra rubbish bags to your shopping list. You will almost certainly need them!
Day 2: Prep the Bride’s Emergency Kit
As the coordinator, you are the keeper of the great vibes and the emergency supplies.
Pack a small emergency pouch: Fill it with safety pins, fashion tape, blister plasters, stain-removal wipes and extra hair ties.
Confirm her arrival details: Double-check that the bride knows her exact pickup or arrival time. Remind her to pack her favourite bridal outfit or getting-ready look.
Keep her away from any last-minute logistics wherever possible. At this point, she should only need to show up and feel pampered.
Day 1: The Set-Up & Deep Breath
It is the day before the celebration or the morning of the event. Your main job today is to create a fantastic atmosphere!
Arrive early: Try to reach the venue around 45 minutes before the rest of the group. Put on a fun playlist, pop the prosecco in the fridge and arrange the welcome table.
Set up a quiet-room plan: Designate one bedroom or quiet corner as a zero-social space. Let guests know they can use it for 10 minutes whenever they need to recharge, answer a message or take a breather without feeling antisocial.
Delegate: Give arriving guests small, easy tasks such as chopping limes or setting out game cards. It takes some pressure off you and helps everyone start chatting.
Once that first drink has been poured, put your coordinator hat away. You did the hard work. Now it is time to celebrate!
The Ultimate Week-Of Emergency Pack List
Keep these items together in one tote bag so you are not searching through suitcases during the weekend:
- Printed itineraries and game sheets
- Fashion tape and safety pins
- Blister plasters and stain-removal wipes
- Portable phone charger and cable
- Bluetooth speaker
- Extra wine opener or corkscrew
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I send the final hen party itinerary?
It is best to send the finalised itinerary around 7 to 10 days before the event. This gives guests time to arrange transport, double-check dress codes and budget for any remaining payments without sending the information so early that it gets lost.
What should be covered financially by the host team versus the guests?
It is common for the bride’s share of the accommodation, main meal and activities to be divided between the attending guests. However, there is no single rule that works for every group.
Agree on what will be covered before collecting payments. Give guests a clear breakdown of the costs so there are no surprises later.
How do I collect money from hen party guests without being awkward?
Set a clear payment deadline two to three weeks before the event. Send a friendly reminder seven days out with direct payment details and a simple explanation of what the money covers.
Keeping the message clear and factual usually makes the process feel much less uncomfortable.
What happens if a hen party guest cancels at the last minute?
If a guest cancels during the final week, avoid recalculating the entire group’s bill unless absolutely necessary. Accommodation and other fixed venue costs may already be non-refundable.
You can refund flexible individual expenses, such as an unpaid meal or activity ticket, when the supplier allows it. Make sure your approach follows any refund expectations that were explained to the group beforehand.
How do I keep the hen party group chat active without spamming people?
Focus on milestone updates rather than sending daily messages. Share one clear, easy-to-scan message around Day 6 with the itinerary, arrival details and outstanding payment information. You can then pause until the day before the event unless something important changes.
What should I do if the bride gets overwhelmed during the weekend?
Ask a trusted guest to handle small practical tasks so you can focus on supporting the bride. Guide her to a quiet space for a short breather and offer her some water.
It is perfectly fine to shorten an activity, leave somewhere early or adjust the schedule. The bride’s comfort matters more than following the itinerary perfectly.
You’ve got this! 🥂
The final week might feel busy, but every small job you complete now gives you more time to enjoy the celebration later. Keep the essentials organised, ask for help when you need it and remember that the weekend does not have to be flawless to be unforgettable.
