Hen parties don’t have to be all about splurging the cash on activities or getting dressed up for raucous nights out (though there’s nothing wrong with that!). Throw a hen party night in that’s fun, cosy, and really personal instead. If you know your bride would prefer partying with her closest pals in comfort to venturing out for a spa day or hitting the VIP section of a nightclub, we’ve got some ideas for you. Read on for our tips on how to throw the best night in hen party ever.
Location, location, location.
Has one of the hens got a beautiful living room with space for the whole crew? Perfect, ask them if they’ll consider hosting. If not, there are plenty of incredible homes to rent for a night or two – our Ismay went to a beautiful house in Camber Sands for her hen party and it looked incredible – beautiful interiors, a short hop from the sea, and plenty of room for everyone.
Tunes!
Whether it’s chilled out songs for when you’re sitting around chatting, or 90’s hits for when you want to start choreographing dance routines, there are few things as important as the music. Get everyone to suggest some favourites, then you can put together the ultimate hen party playlist.
Game on
If you get them right, games can be one of the most hilarious parts of a hen party. Of course you can play the classics like Mr/s & Mrs, or do a quiz about the bride. But one of our favourites is a dice game, where you make your own rules. Create a funny rule for every number on a dice, ie. if you roll a 2 you have to pretend to be the bride/take a drink/speak in a different accent until your next turn. Draw out a big board with the rules, so you don’t have to try and remember them after a couple of proseccos. Trust us, hilarity will ensue.
Dress the part
Just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you can’t make an effort. Staying in just means there’s no one to see you looking silly (read: fabulous) in your glitter and sequins. Got a super creative hen coming? Ask them to make flower crowns for everyone.
Decorate!
This is another job for all those creative mates – ask them to help decorate the space with pom-poms, tassels, balloons, streamers, whatever you fancy – just get the place looking extra special. It really helps to pick a theme, whether that’s the bride’s favourite colours, all gold everything, or a destination – are the couple going to Mexico for their honeymoon? Great! Go for bright colours, sombreros, and even hang up a piñata or two.
Food, glorious food
Don’t let the hens get hangry. After all the games and dancing, you’re probably going to be ready for some delicious food. Got a friend who’s a dab hand in the kitchen? Ask them if they’d prepare a few snacks. If you don’t want to have to deal with food prep, you could always get a caterer in – it just means asking everyone to chip in a bit more.
One, two, three, drink!
Supplying your own drinks means you can mix up some super fancy cocktails without the super fancy price tags. You could even create a cocktail named after the bride (or just find a recipe you think she’d like, copy it, and tell her you invented it!). Sprinkle some edible gold leaf, pop in some pretty straws, and you’ve got yourselves a signature drink.
Get the other half involved
Why not get the future husband/bride to film a little message for the hen – it’s a sure fire way to make everyone cry (or laugh). Ask them to tell you their favourite things about her, or just record something silly. However you do it, getting the other half involved is a lovely reminder of why you’re all there.
Lights, camera, action..
You are going to have so much fun, and you’re going to want to remember it all. Make sure you ask the hens to capture it on camera so you can look back and laugh. If you want to have some super cute photos to keep, it might be an idea to hire a photobooth – they’re not just for weddings!
Get personal!
The internet is full of hen party ideas, but the very best way to make it a great night is to include lots of personal touches. Give everyone a little badge featuring the bride-to-be’s face, print a tailor-made hen do plan of action, reminisce about old times – bring out some old photos. Do what you can to show her you love her.
The best way to get the hens organised and to make sure everyone knows what you need help with is to make a patchwork to show them the plan. Then they can pledge to make the flower crowns/mix up the cocktails/invent a game or two. Plus, you can keep track of any costs – if you decide to hire a house for the occasion, you can see who’s paid for what and when. Perfect. See our hen do night in patchwork & countryside hen do patchwork for inspiration, or start creating your own from scratch now.
