The world is a happier place when you are a hen.

I made this discovery at the weekend while in Le Touquet with the girls celebrating my impending nuptials. And what a weekend it was.

Firstly it should be noted that despite my desire for class and sophistication, L plates, flashing garters and risque balloons were in abundance. And it didn't matter whether we were in the garden or out in town - tacky accessories were a must.

Luckily, our surroundings lent a bit more class to proceedings. St Andre Villa was just perfect with huge open rooms, plenty of double bedrooms, a beautiful interior, the largest beach I have ever seen five minutes away, and a big garden ideally suited to sunbathing...highly recommended.

It was on the Saturday night that I became aware of the benefits of embracing my inner hen.

Yes I might have had to walk around town wearing ridiculous headwear - someone asked me if I was celebrating passing my driving test?! - but on the flip side I didn't have to pay for any drinks all night.

Had I gone out without a nod to my upcoming marriage, we would have just looked like a group of girls on a night out. But as it was there was no mistaking the cause of our celebrations - except for those who thought I could now legally drive a car.

I was congratulated and made a fuss of by strangers wherever we went. And yes, I have to admit I loved all the attention and well wishes; after all, I am only planning on having one hen in my life.

So to my Le Touquet ladies, you know who you are, thank you. You went against everything I said and made it a better hen weekend than I could have possibly imagined! Same time next year?