Dear Jenni,
As we are having a very small wedding, many friends are not being invited. I want to ask them to the hen, so they can still be part of the wedding. I was told that you should only invite wedding guests to the hen. Is this true? 
Sarah Tyrell, Cork

Dear Sarah,
This used to be the case, but those days are long gone and people understand about financial constraints with weddings now. Once you are honest with your hen party guests and tell them the situation, they should understand. If someone does cause a fuss, it’s probably best that she doesn’t come to the hen anyway!

Dear Jenni,
My friends are really keen on going abroad for my hen, but I’m sceptical about it. Do you think it’s a good idea?
Sheila Wilton, Clare

Dear Sheila,
Hens abroad are great fun, but do remember to budget in all the additional costs such as transport to the airport, flights, transfers to your hotel and exchange rates. Try to keep travelling distance to a minimum, especially for two night breaks.

Dear Jenni,
I’m a first time bridesmaid and I have never organised a hen weekend before. It’s very scary and I just don’t know where to start! Please help!
Avril, Waterford

Dear Avril,
It can be daunting so I have put together some guidelines, to help with your hen party planning.

1. Ask the bride for a hen guest list with contact details
2. Provide the hens with the date, details and price as early as possible and give them an RSVP date.
3. Build the party around an activity. Research where in the country this activity can be done and then source accommodation, restaurants and nightclubs around the area.
4. Opt for a restaurant with a set menu, as it is easier to split the bill
5. Reserve a table in the nightclub, so that you are all kept together

Dear Jenni,
My and my two best friends are all getting married in the next 12 months. We were thinking about a joint hen, any suggestions?
Nora Co. Cork

Dear Nora,
A joint hen is a great idea, especially if you have the same group of friends! Their pockets will appreciate it! However, make sure that all three of you are happy with the idea of a joint hen party … every bride-to-be is entitled to her own chance in the limelight. It may be difficult to

choose a date, especially if your weddings are spread out. The first hen may be happy with having it a month before her wedding, but the third hen may not want hers so far in advance.

If you do opt for it, any hen theme or activity can work with more than one Bride to Be. Posh Fizz organises Murder Mystery games, which could be arranged around the three of you. Or you could go for a Superstars activity, where you record an album and the three of you could be the “lead singers”!

Dear Jenni,
I’m in charge of my best friend’s hen party and need a few ideas to make it a sophisticated and fun hen weekend without resorting to L-plates.
Anna  Co. Kerry

Dear Anne,
A pampering weekend is ideal for a sophisticated hen. Organise afternoon tea and cakes on arrival to the hotel, followed by an hour or two in the spa. Afterwards, a champagne reception will get everyone in the mood for a glamorous night out. Many hotels offer hair and make-up artists to come to your room, which is a lovely added touch for the Bridal party. A limo transfer to your restaurant will really top off the day and a private room in the restaurant is a lovely extra. After dinner, head off to the theatre for a west-end musical or a comedy play.

Dear Jenni,
I want to get my hands on some cheap dress up gear flashing tiaras novelty bits but don’t want to spend a fortune on things that will only get lost on our night out.
Siobhan Co. Cork 

Dear Siobhan,
Some of the high street shops charge extortionate prices for hen bits and pieces. It’s well worth shopping around! I recently spotted some great priced “Hen Gear” in my local pound shop! And there are lots of online shops, which charge lower prices too. Or you could be really crafty and make your own! Cardboard, self-laminating pouches, safety pins and a printer will make great badges! Material shops sell lengths of feather boas for a lot cheaper than buying them cut to length in the shops. Penneys often have great “Moulin Rouge” type outfits for very cheap too

Dear Jenni,
I am organising a sex and the city style hen party having trouble thinking of way to capture everyone’s imagination and get everyone involved.
Mary Co. Limerick

Dear Mary,
To start, I suggest that you post hen party invitations to the girls with the SATC logo and refer to the bride as “our very own Carrie”. Each girl should dress up as their favourite character for the night. On the day, either arrange a stylist to bring you around some of the boutique shops or visit a large shopping centre. That night, visit a stylish cocktail bar - cosmo’s all around! Put a list of funny statements from the series into a hat (or handbag) and challenge everyone to use their chosen statement as a chat-up line!