Wow. No pressure right? Wrong!

You need to make this a night to remember if one of your best friends is getting hitched. Believe me, it will "make or break" the friendship...

Effort. Lots of effort is required. Careful planning and some flexibility is also key. Always, always, make sure the bride to be, is at the centre of it all. It's her send off dont forget.

Traditionally tacky? Or high class celebrations? Tweak your plans to suit the number one girl. Is she introverted or extroverted? Do you invite a high number of people or a select few? Do you need to send out an agenda to keep everyone in the loop? Do your homework.

Put on the top of your to do list "Bride must not have to organise anything"

- Venues
- Cabs
- Drinks
- Games
- Invites
- Suprises...

These are all YOUR responsibility. Delegate to other friends if you need to lighten the load. Attack it as if it is a military operation with a strategy. Right, thinking caps on, lets get the creative juices flowing and generate some ideas..

Pampering time! starting at breakfast, or, brunch if the hen fancies a lie in. Paint, pluck, polish and chill. Stock up on freshly squeezed juices and smoothies and indulge with chick flicks, chocolate and amazing flavoured coffee. Make the bride feel special. Pop in a DVD that you made earlier of her younger years... soppy? No THOUGHTFUL. But be prepared for tears of the happy kind!

Now stage 2: If you have decided to travel for the privelege, call ahead to confirm your booking. Compile a music playlist of all her favourite songs, Reminise in the best possible way.

Get everyone to bring something that reminds them of the bride. Postcards from past holidays, colourful jewellry to match her personality, a pampering item from her favourite brand, a poem about her, a photo, perfume, bottle of wine... the list is endless. At the end of the present giving, unveil a personalised photo album that she can add to. Top tip is to give everyone a disposable camera and collect them all at the end. Go the extra step and get the pictures developed too, Its a sweet touch.

Dinner? Champagne and canapes? Picnic? Takeaway pizza? Whatever floats her boat (Remeber the tip about doing your research) Dancing? cinema? Live Show? Concert? Comedy? Stripper? Spa? Limo? Cab? Fire engine? Rickshaw?! Air Balloon?! Helicopter?!

Bear in mind the aim is to keep it smooth so that the bride is under no stress and enjoys herself.

The opportunities are endless and all it takes is using that part of your brain called... imagination.

Enjoy the evening ladies, and send my love to the hen!

Learn more about this author, Rachel Skinner.
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