We recently brought you the ultimate list of hen party games, and, in the process, realised that it would be really helpful to give detailed instructions on exactly how to play some of the most popular hen party games. Here, we're guiding you through how to play one of the simplest, and yet one of the most fun hen party games around, Don't Say..., known hereafter as Don't Say Bride. Let's start with a brief explanation of how the game works, and what you'll need. Then we'll tell you exactly how to play Don't Say Bride! Don't Say Bride is a really simple game that revolves around banned words. A word is selected and identified by the host as the banned word (the most popular one is "bride" but we've put a list of suggestions below), and a forfeit is set for anyone who speaks that word aloud. It sounds easy, but as drinks and conversations begin to flow, it becomes unexpectedly difficult! Nothing! You don't need anything to play Don't Say Bride but, depending on the rules of your specific game, you might need to source some props. You can have signage made up reminding people what the banned word is, and you might decide to award the winner of the game a prize, but those are totally optional! Here's a step-by-step guide to organising and playing the Don't Say Bride game; 1. Establish what the banned word will be. We've put a list of suggestions below, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own. Just remember that it should be a word your guests are likely to say frequently over the course of the hen party! 2. Establish whether the game will be forfeit-based or points-based. 3. Establish a timeline for the game. Don't Say Bride is best played for a couple of hours, but don't let it run on all night, as your guests will lose interest. It's a good idea to have the timeline sync up with one of the hen party activities, so, for example, it could be played during the meal, with the winner announced just before you leave the restaurant. 4. Establish a way to communicate the game to your guests. This could be as simple as a quick announcement explaining the game, but of course, you could create or commission pretty signage, too. 5. Establish whether a winner will be chosen and a prize awarded. Don't Say Bride is a fun hen party game to play, even if you don't keep track of the scores, but, if you'd like to crown a winner, you could give them a specially-selected gift, buy them the fanciest co*cktail on the menu, or, quite literally crown them with a hen party headpiece similar to the bride's! Just make sure to have a second prize on hand in case the competition is tied! 6. Organise a prize for the game, or any other props you'll need to play your version of the game. 7. Play and enjoy! Planning a hen party? Check out our comprehensive list of (uncringey!) hen party games!How Does Don't Say Bride work?
What you Need to Play Don't Say Bride
How to Play Don't Say Bride
Our Favourite Banned Words to Use in Don't Say...
See Also
Throw the Best Virtual Wedding Shower with these TipsThe Pantyhose Game - GoBananasForbidden Words