Hen parties are a perfect excuse for a bride-to-be to blow off some steam and enjoy quality time with her best friends – so we’ve picked out 10+ hen party ideas to help you decide the best way to celebrate the final blowout! Whether you’re in the market for some classy ideas for a hen party or some hen do activities that are a little more unusual, we’re here to help you make sure the celebration is a memorable one.
Not really feeling the usual hen do ideas of a cheesy, boozy night out? Whether you’re more into wellness-inspired hen party activities like a spa day or pottery making, or are looking for some adventurous ideas for a hen party, here are some options that will suit any bride-to-be.
1. Cocktail making
A guaranteed winner when it comes to hen do activities is a cocktail making masterclass! The guests who get their kicks from learning a new skill will be delighted to pick up tips from an expert on how to create impressive party drinks, while those who just want to go wild can focus on the tasting!
Need a bit of inspiration? Check out our guide to the best gin cocktail recipes – and if you want to try cocktail making at home, make sure you order a bottle of award-winning Salcombe gin with a thortful card for the bride-to-be.
2. Yoga retreat
The best hen do ideas don’t always have to involve inebriation, and there is another buzz altogether to be found in getting together for a yoga retreat. Few hen do activities create a bond of togetherness quite like spending a weekend enjoying quiet relaxation in serene surroundings, exercising your joints and muscles, and nourishing body and mind with some healthy food and drink!
3. Spa weekend
Somewhere between a cocktail-making party and a yoga retreat on the hen do activity spectrum lies the spa weekend, which combines the health benefits of hot water treatments, massages and facials with the indulgence of whatever food and drink takes your fancy. Did someone say prosecco in a hot tub? Sounds like the ideal hen do activity if you ask us!
4. Day at the races
There’s something about horse racing that turns even the most civilised groups of hens into raucous gangs of spectacularly dressed racegoers. A hen do at the races will likely start with everybody looking their absolute best, with hats a particular focal point and maybe even something of an audacious competition, but don’t be surprised if the day ends with the horses you’ve spent the afternoon cheering on being much better behaved than your guests!
5. Karaoke
Looking for surefire hen party ideas that will please pretty much everyone? Book a karaoke booth for the evening! Those who love to sing will be absolutely over the moon at having a captive audience to serenade and a limitless choice of songs to perform, while anyone who feels uncomfortable holding the microphone can simply kick back and enjoy the show. Karaoke has a knack of creating some serious solidarity at a hen party, so don’t be surprised if you’re all arm-in-arm singing Sweet Caroline by the end of the night.
6. Music festival
Looking for hen do ideas that’ll allow you to create some lasting memories? A festival has everything you need, from live music throughout the day, to big tents where you can drink and enjoy pop-up food stalls, to fairground rides and thousands of people to party with. You might even want to combine the hen and the stag at the same festival for some added excitement!
7. Pottery making
It might not sound like the most exciting of hen party ideas, but a pottery making class can provide plenty of laughs as well as a chance for your guests to really express themselves while getting covered in clay. That classic Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze scene from the film Ghost is bound to be on people’s minds, adding an air of romance to the atmosphere as you surprise each other with your crafty abilities.
8. Cookery class
Food is a great focal point for any party and the key to many people’s hearts, so why not consider a cookery class among your hen party ideas? Enlisting the help of an expert to take you through the steps of creating challenging dishes, such as authentic Indian curries, elegant Japanese sushi, or spectacular Italian pasta is a great idea!
9. Bottomless brunch
The concept of a bottomless brunch has emerged as one of the most popular hen do activities of the last 10 years, and involves a set period of time at a bar, restaurant or bistro where unlimited drinks are available and covered by the price of the meal. These events have become hugely popular and tend to involve indulgent food that will look great on your Instagram feed. An hour or two of bottomless gin and tonics, prosecco, and wines? Count us in!
10. Movie night
Looking for some more chilled hen party ideas? If so, then there’s absolutely no reason not to plan a fantastic night in for your hen party. A movie night can be the ideal activity, giving you and your guests the opportunity to get into comfy pyjamas or onesies, grab bucketloads of popcorn, ice cream, sweets and treats, and snuggle down for a night of cinematic favourites.
You could pick a classic trilogy, like Back to the Future, or a sing-along franchise like High School Musical. For a fun twist, just add in a movie-inspired drinking game!
11. Glamping weekend
For brides who love the outdoors but still want a little bit of luxury on their hen weekend, glamping is the perfect middle ground. Think fairy lights, comfy beds, and firepits, all set in a dreamy countryside or woodland backdrop. You’ll be able to sip prosecco in a hot tub, toast marshmallows, and spend some real quality time with your besties. What’s not to love?
12. Dance class
Why not take over a studio for the afternoon and learn a fun choreographed routine? Whether it’s a high-energy salsa or a nostalgic ABBA medley, this is a great way to make some unforgettable memories.
Many hen party dance classes come with costumes, props, and themed accessories too, giving you plenty of opportunities to snap some pictures. Who knows, if you absolutely nail it, you might even want to perform it at the wedding!
13. Costume party
From ‘90s pop stars to glitter and glam, a costume party is a classic idea that never fails to bring the fun. You could host it at someone’s house, rent out a private venue, or even do some bar-hopping if you’re feeling bold enough!
Add some prizes for best dressed and don’t forget to make a playlist that matches the vibe. Whether you transform into the Spice Girls or prefer a classy masquerade affair, there are plenty of hen do fancy dress themes out there.
And there you have it, a bunch of hen party ideas to inspire you! Get planning the perfect hen party activities, and see your single life off in style.
Looking for more bridal inspo? You should definitely check out our range of bride-to-be cards as well as our bridal shower messages which will help you figure out what to write inside! We’ve also got tips on bridal shower ideas and hen do dares too. Oh, and you might want to check out our stag do ideas if it’s the future groom who’s celebrating.
