Hen Party Accessories Checklist: What You Actually Need
Hen party accessories are optional. The useful ones help guests identify the group, understand the plan or play an activity; everything else should earn its place in the budget and luggage. Start with practical essentials, ask the hen what she is comfortable wearing, then add only the extras the group will genuinely use.
Hen party accessories at a glance
| Priority | Examples | Decision test |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Phone, booking details, payment method, travel information and any personal medication | Would the day be disrupted without it? |
| Useful | Name labels, printed itinerary, game cards, pens, small bag and portable charger | Will it solve a real group problem? |
| Optional | Sashes, badges, matching tops, temporary tattoos or themed glasses | Has the hen approved it, and will people use it? |
| Usually skip | Single-use clutter, uncomfortable costumes and items that embarrass the hen | Is it being bought only because it is expected? |
The organiser's essential kit
- Digital and offline copies of the itinerary, addresses and booking references
- Supplier and accommodation telephone numbers
- A clear record of payments and any remaining balances
- Portable phone charger and the group's agreed emergency contact
- Pens, tape and a small envelope or pouch for game pieces
- Weather-appropriate backup items such as umbrellas or sun protection
- A basic first-aid kit supplied and used according to its instructions
- Any tickets, identification or travel documents required by the booked activities
Keep private medical, dietary or contact information with the organiser rather than printing it on the shared itinerary.
What each guest should bring
Send one short packing list about a week before the event. Include:
- Clothing and footwear needed for confirmed activities
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Identification if the venue or activity requires it
- A reusable water bottle where permitted
- One small bag rather than several loose items
- Any pre-agreed contribution, such as a photograph or written memory
State what the organiser is already providing so six guests do not all buy the same decorations or games.
Sashes, badges and matching clothing
Ask the hen privately before ordering anything that draws public attention. Some people love a visible “bride” sash; others would rather use a subtle badge, shared colour or no matching item at all. Guests should be allowed to opt out without explanation.
Before buying clothing, collect sizes privately, show the exact design and explain the cost. Do not guess sizes or make somebody announce theirs in the group chat. A colour suggestion is usually more flexible than a compulsory printed top.
Accessories for games and activities
Choose the games first, then make one supply list. Common items include:
- Printed cards or a ready-to-play game pack
- One working pen per player plus two spares
- A timer and simple score sheet
- A bowl or envelope for question cards
- One small prize, if the group wants prizes
- Reusable clips or table tokens for background games
Forever Lily's hen party games collection includes ready-to-play packs and scratch-card options. Compare these with the complete rules in our hen-party games guide before ordering.
Accessories by party format
| Format | Most useful additions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| At home | Game cards, pens, cups, serving labels and a clear recycling bag | Decorations that damage walls or leave confetti |
| Restaurant | Small table games, name cards and one compact bag | Large props, loud whistles or anything that obstructs service |
| Activity venue | Correct clothing, tickets and secure storage for phones or bags | Loose accessories that conflict with safety instructions |
| Night out | Small cross-body bag, charger, address list and agreed meeting-point card | Valuable or fragile items |
| Weekend away | Shared packing list, luggage labels and a single decoration box | Duplicated supplies and items prohibited by the accommodation |
A sensible buying order
- Confirm the date, format, venue and guest count.
- Ask the hen what she will and will not wear or carry.
- Check venue rules covering decorations, confetti, candles, glass and noise.
- Choose games and list their actual supplies.
- Set an optional-accessories budget and gain agreement before collecting money.
- Order only after sizes, spellings and quantities are confirmed.
- Assign one person to bring each shared item.
- Check everything three days before the event and remove unnecessary extras.
Low-waste accessory ideas
- Use a shared colour palette with clothing guests already own.
- Print one rules sign rather than a copy for every person.
- Choose paper game cards that can be recycled after use.
- Use reusable glasses, fabric ribbons or clips instead of disposable plastic props.
- Borrow cake stands, photo frames or serving pieces locally.
- Give one useful prize rather than several novelty items.
- Avoid glitter and plastic confetti that venues may prohibit.
Check comfort and accessibility
Accessories should not obstruct hearing, vision, movement or communication. Avoid flashing items around guests with light sensitivity, offer larger-print game sheets, and do not rely on colour alone to identify teams. Check materials against known allergies and keep small parts away from children.
What not to put on accessories
Do not print a person's surname, home address, telephone number, travel dates or other private details on items likely to appear in public photographs. Get permission before using childhood pictures or jokes that reveal personal information. Keep the humour kind enough that the hen would be happy to see the item again later.
Final accessories checklist
- The hen has approved anything she is expected to wear.
- Every paid item has an owner and purpose.
- Sizes, names and quantities are confirmed.
- The venue permits the decorations and props.
- Game supplies match the final guest count.
- Guests know what is supplied and what to bring.
- Travel bags remain manageable.
- There is a plan to reuse, recycle or dispose of items responsibly.
Accessories should support the plan, not become the plan. Build the celebration first with our hen-party planning guide, then add the eight-game hen party bundle or hen party scratch cards only if they suit the group.