If you are the chief bridesmaid, then as soon as this "esteemed" position is made known to you, it is not too soon to be directing your thoughts and energies to the key areas outlined below.

1. Consult with Bride
Your first move should be to approach the VIP and ascertain what they want from this party. Hen parties have gone ahead with the bride kept completely in the dark as to the hen night ideas and events and have gone screamingly well. However, in most cases, this is not the most appropriate course of action.

The two of you should decide what form the celebrations are to take and come up with some fun hen night ideas, e.g. horse riding, wine tasting, meal, B&B etc. Think about: timescale, activities, food, accommodation and alcohol.

2. Date
Traditionally, this has always been the weekend prior to the wedding. With hen parties, this is often the most preferred idea particularly if the activities include some form of pampering it's the perfect prelude to the big day.

Get the key personnel committed to one date as soon as possible.

3. Guest List
Only the bride can help you with this one. However, to aid you in your task you need to know key factors such as:
how many
where they live
who knows who
special requirements, i.e. vegetarian, teetotaller

4. Cost
It's important to bear in mind that there will be a variety of budgets to cater for. It is all too easy to get over-enthusiastic only to find that the bride's closest friend cannot afford to join you. Perhaps set up a meeting beforehand so you can get everyone to contribute some good hen party ideas

5. Location
A hasty word of warning, this area may very well cause you the biggest headache. Allow yourself extra time when deliberating location. Also bear in mind that very often the bride wishes to be away from home territory making your task harder due to unfamiliarity. The internet is a great way of getting hen night ideas and finding out what places are like and how much things cost.

6. Activities
The cries of "BUNGEE" ring out loud and clear but the volunteers are not forthcoming.
The options are now so extensive from pot-holing to pot-making. You have to do the research. You have determined the location, now find out what is available - remember the budget.

7. Communicate with Guests
Now starts the paper chase. Access to a computer could prove to be a must. You need to write to all those included, extending an invitation. Outline the proposed itinerary, date, cost and location. Provide a tear-off slip with a "return by date" - this ensures that you have a firm idea of numbers.

8. Deposits
Whatever plans you have made, deposits will be required from the guests. This also helps to cut down the knock-on effect of the inevitable "non-attendees". We all know the girl - she's keen, wants to join in everything, all ready to party ... then the night before her in-growing toenail causes her too much pain.

9. Make the Bookings
Confirm all bookings, i.e. for accommodation, activities, transport, evening entertainment, food and send required deposits.

10. Confirmation with Guests
Write back to all guests confirming arrangements. Outline where they need to be, at what time, what to pack, an idea of what to wear, and how much they still owe.

Remember any maps and any special little requirements, i.e. those "naughty" little gifts for the bride.

Ten steps to guide you through organising the perfect hen party.
A very daunting prospect but there is help at hand in the guise of a company called freedom whose key word is "effortless" - music to your ears. One telephone call to a freedom representative and they will be able to give you some great hen night ideas and can take over the organisation, the research, the paper chase - in essence they take off the stress.

Freedom has a database of venues, activities, entertainment and can fit together a party to suit your needs. However bizarre.

It gets better, not only is the stress removed, you get more for your money. freedom receives discount packages that you alone organising a hen party would never be offered.
So ...

10 steps to organising the perfect hen party, or one telephone call to freedom (0870) 787 5959.