It can easily be argued that, apart from the actual wedding day, the bachelorette party is one of the most anticipated events of the entire nuptial experience, not only for the bride but for her group of best girls, as well.

With so much riding on a great shindig and proper single-life sendoff for the bride-to-be, it’s important to get it right. From the planning to the location to the guest list and the entertainment, details matter! Here are a few guidelines to help you cover all your bases when planning and executing a great sendoff for the guest of honor.

Decide who’s hosting, how decisions will be made, and how costs will be divided.

The bride should be kept in the loop as you plan, but don’t saddle her with the details of arranging a soiree in her honor, especially when she’s immersed in working out the details of her wedding. Let her decide when and where she wants to hold the event, especially if it’s going to be an overnight or weekend getaway. And, of course, she determines the guest list. Also, find out what she definitely doesn’t want or if she has something very particular in mind. However, when it comes to scheduling activities or booking dinner reservations and hotels, don’t bother her. This is where delegated tasks among the planners come in.

Start planning early.

It may take some time before you can firm up all of the details, but we encourage you to start developing ideas and doing your research well in advance. As soon as the bride and groom determine their wedding date and location, you can start figuring out when the bachelorette party will take place. Assume that most of the attendees have busy schedules, and give yourself time to find a date that everyone can agree on.

Don’t ask for or expect gifts.

In fact, it’s a good idea to let it be known that no guests or hostesses are to buy a present for the bride. It should go without saying, but best to err on the side of caution and let everyone know the deal upfront.

You can forgo formal invitations.

Because the bachelorette party is an intimate affair between close friends, email invites will do. After all, the cost would only add to the final tally and eat into a budget better spent on fun activities—like a group spa session!

Get your swag ready, but don’t forget the essentials.

If you’re planning a hotel party, a pub crawl, or even a long weekend at a cabin, it’s fun to have party cups, banners, balloons, and even bachelorette-themed novelties for the bride and her squad to wear and take photos with. If you’re thinking of matching shirts, agree on the design, gather everyone’s sizes, and put in your order well ahead of the party. Also, remember to designate one or two ladies to stock up on groceries and alcohol for your rental, making sure to allow for any special dietary needs. It’s a good idea to have food for a few meals as well as snacks. Best to have headache medication, one or two board games, and hygiene items on hand, too.

Plan activities, including scheduled downtime.

Though the bachelorette party or weekend is supposed to be a fun and casual affair, things can become stalled if there is no rhyme or reason for the festivities. Know ahead of time where you’ll be going and how you’re going to get there. If eating is involved, make sure you have reservations made or ingredients to prepare something yourself. If you’re heading out of town and don’t want to dine out or cook every meal, be familiar with nearby restaurants that can deliver. If you’d like someone to make a toast, be sure to give them plenty of advanced notice.

A bachelorette party is one of the bride-to-be’s last flings as a singleton, so no pressure with the planning right? Just kidding! A great hen night is all about friends, fun, and making memories. A bit of creativity, organization, and smart planning allows those things to happen organically while leaving some room for the unplanned shenanigans that are sure to pop up!