Planning a 1950s Hen Party

So you have been given the task of putting together a hen party 1950s style, so where to begin?

Decide on Your Theme:

So you have decided that you want to have a 1950s hen party now that can mean so many things to different people, you can go for a Grease style high school theme, 50s housewife look, Diner Style or a 50s Sirens party the choice is huge.  
Once you have chosen your theme why not take time and take a look at other 50's styled events set around your ideas you will be inspired by colour schemes, decorations, table styling, entertainment in fact its the easiest way to gain a quick insight into how to capitalise on your chosen theme so go on line and take a look at what other people have done you maybe surprised how much information is already out there.  Here are a couple of links for you to look at at fifties wedding and Hitched they both have some great ideas and pics to look at.So now you know what you can do you need to set about personalising it for your own event we have highlighted some key areas for you to consider.

Invitations: 

This maybe the first time that the hens get to see the theme and gain an insight the plans of the day.  So make it fun  Etsy  have a fantastic range of vintage styled invites or you can try Paperless Post this company offers on line cards and stationery  both can cost some money but once you visit their sites, you'll understand why. Also why not open a Face book page just for the event this will allow you to involve the hens and build the excitement of the day but also keep them up to date with details especially if some are not known well.

Location: 

The venue is key especially if you want to create the atmosphere of the chosen theme so this needs to be taken into consideration although decoration and styling can make any venue look wow, but you need to also build in time for set up and clear down especially if you are doing this yourself and trust me it always takes longer than you think!

Entertainment:  

Decide whether you going to add some jive dancing, a pin up shoot element, craft  or makeovers to the proceedings they are all great touches and will add an element of fun, it goes without saying that you need to consider budgets but more importantly the flow of the party as if hair and makeup is completed before dancing this could mean that if the hens were looking to go out on the town after the day the hair might be a bit tousled!

Styling Inspiration:  

This is the best bit once you have your theme you can really go to town with the special touches.  For example using a theme of the 50s housewife you could add some recipe cards from the 50s with images of adverts from that era on the reverse the following links will help as they have pictures of vintage advertisements and inspiration quotes  Anne Taintor products.  

Think colours and accessories if you are going for a Diner theme use red & black, add coke glasses, sundae dishes filled with retro sweets etc.   Vinyl records for cake stands or place mats are a great idea if you are trying to recreate a 50s diner.  Or for a 50s Siren theme try and give each hen a 50's icon table setting.

Sirens table setting from Hope & Glorious Vintage

You can also add some stylish hen party goodies, in the form of gift bags and a vintage 50's styled sash.

Food:  

All parties need great food this can either be an afternoon tea affair with cupcakes and meringues or why not try a sophisticated cocktails and canapes ensemble.   You can tailor make the food for example a diner affair why not add an ice cream van for those ultimate sundaes.  Again colour can be combined to create the 50s feel red polka dot tablecloths for the diner feel or gorgeous vintage embroidered ones for the Siren's.


Games:  

Games will help build fun if you have no entertainment booked  try some of these You can create a Good Housewife Quiz printout by utilising info from The Good Housewife's Guide,  Mad Libs Bachelorette Bash although American it still works and Is Your Man a Catch? or you can go on line and check out  eHow Bachelorette Party Games Video Series.

Music: 

Make a couple of play lists of 50's music to take with you if you haven't planned entertainment or you could use YouTube and create a play list of 50s commercials and music.  

We hope this has given you a bit of an insight into how to plan a 50's hen party and we would love to hear from you and gain your views and if you want to share your pictures with us then we would love to see them.