I am being bridesmaid to one of my friends in a couple of weeks time. It was really awkward when she asked me as I genuinely don't think we are close enough friends, I am however very close to brides sister as we were childhood friends growing up.
I asked her if she had any thoughts on a hen party and who she would like us to invite. She was then very specific about what she wanted (and didn't want) and was almost rude about the 3 bridesmaids hens as she said she explicitly didn't want anything like ours. For mine we stayed away from home for a weekend in an air b&b and went out to a club (appreciate its not to everyone's taste) but she said she wanted something more classy. The other bridesmaid said 'oh do you remember mine, we made beauty products' to which the bride said 'Oh yes, I remember putting porridge on my face'
So she has made it clear what she doesn't want, nothing too expensive, nothing tacky, no crafting type activities, no penises of any kind, no strippers, and very minimal alcohol.
She has stated she wants it to be low key, but classy. She would like us to have prosecco, but not a great deal as she doesn't want it to be about alcohol, and a pizza and to watch a film (bridesmaids being the obvious choice)
I am at a loss as to how to make this fun. No one wants to pay out any money, so we are having it at the brides mother in laws house. There are 10 people that have said they are going including the bride, 3 bridesmaids, both mother of bride and mother of groom and sister of groom.
The 3 bridesmaids including me have been messaging to see how we can make it fun or at least feel a bit special. Its starting at 4pm and at this rate will likely be finished by about 8. 4 people have mentioned that they won't be drinking as they are driving. I was going to stay in a hotel locally, but now think I might as well drive back the 2 hours and save some money. We have thought of having a popcorn type stand, sweets for the film and ordering in pizzas.
I just dont know how to make it fun without going massively away from brides wishes. I am now half thinking of feigning illness and not going. Not really an AIBU, but more of a what do you suggest wonderful people.