Hey guys,
(Disclaimer: I have just typed this out and realised it's really long. Sorry about that! Short version: non-'tacky' ideas for hen party games/additions, please ?)
Not a post about my wedding this time!
One of my best and oldest friends is getting married next month, and the hen do is in a couple of weeks. I'm the only bridesmaid and am planning the day.
I'm looking for ideas for things we could do to make the day a bit more special - the main things are already booked, we are going to a zoo, then for a game of bowling, out for a meal and then having a slumber party.
As you may be able to tell from our activities, the bride definitely does not want a 'typical' hen do - no L plates or penises please!
My problem is this: I am really struggling with the other hens. I'm not personal friends with most of them, they are acquaintances through the bride. They are not happy with what we are doing, they wanted to do something a lot more extravagant. I have checked and double checked with the bride and made sure that she is totally happy with what we are doing (she wanted to choose herself) and that it's exactly what she wants.
However because of this, the other hens are pretty much refusing to help at all with the day now. The bride wanted to have a picnic with M&S platters - they have all said no, they will just get their own food (I and a couple of other friends from school have clubbed together so she can have one platter, but it's still not the same). The bride wanted us all to meet first and travel down to the zoo together to make it more involved - they have all said no, they will make their own way there and meet us at the zoo.
I have asked at least three times in the last week in a group Facebook chat (only way I can get hold of them all) for ideas for additional things to make the day special. I haven't had a single reply.
So far I have decided to do a Mr & Mrs type of thing - the stag is next weekend and I am going to get the groom to answer the questions first so we can compare answers. Ideally record the answers too so she can see her groom answering them during the hen. I have put together the question sheets so that part is all done. However this is something she has mentioned in passing before, so it's not exactly something I came up with that will surprise her.
I have ordered her a Bride to Be sash - a little tacky and against everything else she wants really, but I think she will appreciate the thought. I considered getting a bridesmaid one for myself but I think it would look odd if it was just me wearing one - the others are not willing to buy one for themselves.
The final problem is this, and one I hate that it's an issue: money. I moved house 2 weeks ago and am still struggling with money - as we all know, moving is not cheap. So I can't afford to spend too much money and I certainly can't afford to buy things in the hope the others will pay me back - I know they won't. I also have multiple other jobs in this wedding which are costing me extra money. Of course I don't mind, and I would never tell the bride this, it's not her problem, but it all just adds up and means that money is tight for me, there is no other payday between now and the hen/wedding, but I still want to give her the best day I can - it's just hard to do it all on my own!
I think part of the problem (aside from what is mentioned above) is that they are just not as interested as I am unfortunately. It's like everyone says on here when brides come on wondering why their friends don't care - the wedding is not everyone else's main priority. I am very involved with most aspects of the wedding, so it is obviously more important and more on my mind than it is for the others, and I understand that - but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.
So sorry for rambling so much, but if anyone has any ideas for extra games or things we (I) could do to make this a special day, that are affordable, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks!
