11 Hen Party Ideas

Ok, it’s time - hen party ideas coming at you! The hen party is an important occasion. Whether it's the bride or the bridal party that is organising, it can sometimes be difficult to come up with ideas. But fear not - that's where we come in. There are plenty of things to consider. Things like budgets, logistics, timings, outfits… Let us help you take a bit of the planning off your plate with this list of 11 brilliant hen party ideas. There's a whole lot of variety here - from chic and intimate gatherings and wild and adventurous escapades to destination holidays. Of course, every bride, bridal party, and wedding is different. So naturally, each bride and bridal party will want different things. And that is totally valid - your day, your way - always. Make sure you chat with the bridal party before booking or seriously planning anything, as you'll all want to be on the same page. These parties are all about celebrating love, laughter, friendship, and creating lasting memories. So, crack on some Shania Twain and “let’s go girls…” (duh duh duh duh duh duh duh.) 

A list of 11 hen party ideas - from chill gatherings to more extreme parties 

1. Afternoon Tea

Is your bride happier with a cup of tea in her hands rather than a pint? Well then something like an afternoon tea is the perfect choice. Beautifully curated, calm, and delicious, this kind of hen party promises a chance to sit down and have a proper catch-up. There are plenty of options available depending on where and when you want the afternoon tea, which means you can easily cater to all dietary requirements. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a little glam, take some Instagram-worthy pictures, and chill out with the bridal party. 

2. Bottomless Brunch

Next on our list of hen party ideas is a tried and tested crowd-pleaser. Bottomless brunch, baby! Bottomless brunch is 100% the way to go if you’re looking for a little boozy fun. Not only that, there are plenty of places now offering more than just alcohol and food! Complete with entertainment, all you need to do is book the tickets, sit back, and relax. A word of advice, though. Many bottomless brunches will begin the moment you sit down, meaning your allotted time will be noted. So ensure your party arrives together. If you’re wanting something with a little more than just food and drink, drag brunches are a fantastic choice if you want some music, dancing, and a barrel of laughs. 

3. Spa

A relaxing spa day (or weekend) could be just the ticket. It’s the perfect opportunity to spoil the bride and give her time to chill out before the big day. There are hundreds of different spas, with different packages and options to choose from. Whether you want facials, massages, or just a glass of wine by the pool - there will be a spa for you. We would suggest keeping a spa day to a smaller group, simply because a lot of spas are only able to accommodate a specific amount of people due to employees being available. Having a shop around is always a great idea! You could also include an afternoon tea and an overnight stay if you’re feeling a little boujie. 

4. AT-HOME SPA

If you'd prefer to stay at home, but like the idea of a spa day, we've got you covered. Creating an at-home spa for a hen do party is a wonderful way to pamper everyone in a relaxing and intimate setting. First, set the mood by transforming a designated space into a serene spa oasis. Dim the lights, light scented candles, and play soothing music to create a tranquil ambiance. Provide plush robes and fluffy towels for everyone to feel cosy and comfy. Set up stations with skincare products like face masks, scrubs, and lotions, along with a variety of nail polishes for manicures and pedicures. Consider hiring a professional masseuse to offer relaxing massages. Offer a selection of refreshing beverages and snacks to keep everyone energised throughout the spa session. The bride and her party will cherish the bond they create while indulging in a day of pampering!

5. boho retreat for a boho bride

Is your bride feeling boho? We can hardly blame them. And we can help in terms of boho hen party ideas. For the free-spirited bride who dreams of dancing under the stars and embracing the beauty of nature, a bohemian hen do retreat is the perfect choice. Choose a picturesque countryside location or a charming woodland glade as your venue. Maybe a member of the bridal party has a garden free, or you find somewhere to hire for an evening. Decorate with dreamcatchers, fairy lights, and wildflowers to create a whimsical atmosphere. Prepare a boho-chic picnic with delicious treats, and spend the day laughing, sharing stories, and celebrating love in the heart of Mother Nature.

6. Hens go abroad - hen party ideas

If you and the rest of the bridal party have the means to do so, then a hen party turns hen holiday is always a fabulous shout. If the bride loves the idea of jetting off to an exotic destination, consider planning a retreat to a breathtaking location. Of course, this massively depends on where you live, ticket prices, and when the rest of the party are free. So we recommend creating a spreadsheet of some sort to keep track of dates, destination ideas, prices, and accommodation. If you make it accessible to everyone in the party, it means everyone can add their dates and ideas whenever they please, meaning it isn't the sole job of one individual. Picture crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and a luxurious villa where the bridal party can bond and make memories together. Be it the Maldives, Spain, France, Croatia, Montenegro, Bali, Santorini... Wherever you want! A destination retreat promises endless fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

7. Adventure-fuelled escapes

Is the bride more of an adventurer? A thrill-seeker? An adrenaline junky? Then we've got just the thing.A high-octane hen do! There are a number of thrilling activities that you and the bridal squad can get involved in. Engage in thrilling activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, rollercoasters at an amusement park, and go-karting. The list is endless! If you want to keep the excitement but tone down the cost or difficulty, then something like Go Ape is a fun way of getting high up in the trees that is fun for all. Adventure-fueled escapes are all about embracing challenges and bonding with your fellow hens while creating memories full of excitement and laughter.

8. Hen in the city

If you and the bridal party want to have a city-based party, there is an abundance of things you can get up to. Think karaoke, cocktail making, cooking classes, life drawing, paint and sip, escape rooms, musicals, the theatre, dance classes... For city-based hen parties, the ideas are almost limitless. It really depends on which city you're planning on going to. So the first decision you should come to is where you'll be partying. After that, decide how long you'll be partying for. Do you want to make it a weekend? Then find a hotel or accommodation and plan your events accordingly. Start with something like a class, followed by the theatre, and finish off day one with some kooky cocktail experiences. Day two could consist of an escape room, followed by crazy golf, followed by a boat party. The opportunities really are endless. 

9. Glamping

Glamping has become the epitome of luxury in recent years. That's what makes it a fantastic choice for a hen party! Especially if the bridal party/bride like the idea of being outside surrounded by nature, but then have the comfort of showering and sleeping comfortably, rather than in a tent. Imagine a picturesque glamping retreat where the bride and her squad enjoy the comforts of cosy cabins or glamorous tents, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Add in activities like stargazing, bonfires, and gourmet outdoor dining for a hen do that oozes sophistication and charm.

10. Themed dos - hen party ideas

Themed hen parties are making a roaring comeback. And it's pretty understandable. Who doesn't love a theme? From vintage Hollywood glamour to carnival-inspired fiestas, the possibilities are endless. Organise a costume party, complete with themed decorations and activities that resonate with the bride's personality. Show the bride how much you know and love her with a party that matches the true essence of her being! Ok - maybe a bit too deep, there. But just think about what she loves - be it a century, a decade, a colour, a TV show... and work with it! Themed hen dos add a touch of creativity and magic to the celebrations, ensuring an evening filled with laughter, fun, and unforgettable memories.

11. hen at home

Some people love the comforts of their own home. Heck, I'm one of them. And that is more than ok. If you’re looking to keep things simple and in one place, then there is SO MUCH you can do at home! Host a DIY cocktail-making class, where you can mix and muddle your favorite drinks. Set up a movie night with the bride's all-time favourite films and indulge in a popcorn bar with various toppings. Organise a themed dress-up party, with everyone donning their most glamorous outfits for a night of laughter and photoshoots. Get artsy with a painting session or craft workshop, creating personalized keepsakes to commemorate the special occasion. At-home hen parties provide the perfect opportunity to bond, celebrate, and cherish the moments that truly matter, all while staying within the cosy confines of home. Hey, you could even do a little ‘Still Life’ painting…

Hen party ideas - from at-home-henning to bungee jumping, cocktail making to boozy brunching!

So, as you can see - the list of hen party ideas can be a pretty long one. As aforementioned, every bride is different, with different likes, dislikes and hobbies. Maybe you want to mix up some of the above ideas into one day. Brilliant! Maybe you want to take a little bit of inspiration from this article and build the rest of the weekend yourself. Great! Whatever you do - as long as the bride is in mind, you'll do a fabulous job. However, a word of advice, don’t let it all be the responsibility of one person! Trust us when we say, we can guarantee that Maid Of Honour who offered up her services, or the bride who said she’d do it all herself, is in need of a little help. Ensure you reach out to your friends and ask what they need. A little message goes a long way! If you need help with all this planning - we have a list of the best wedding planners and organisers. We would also suggest asking for budgets in advance, so you know what you’re working with. Our How To Organise A Successful Hen Do podcast episode is a good place to start.