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The Whole Works
By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Photos by Laura Jane Photography
Been to lots of hen do’s and want something different or unique for all the hens to enjoy? You’re in the right place!
Gone are the boring, standard hen parties, in this article you will find 101 unique hen do ideas to spark your imagination. From budget party options to luxe and sporty activities, I have you covered.
When it comes to the hen party, not only do you want the bride (or yourself) to have fun, but you want all the hens to be excited and enthusiastic.
Let’s face facts, times are tough on the purse strings too. So, affordable hens are vital to ensure everyone can join in and not miss out on all the fun.
It may be that more than one hen party is suitable for you. To either separate your guest list or to have one budget-friendly bash and one more blowout extravaganza. Whatever your circumstances, when it comes down to it. A hen party needs to be fun, it needs to be memorable and it needs to be relaxed.
Stress, money worries and dramas are only going to be memory-ruining. So keep things simple and be organised to ensure all goes without a hitch.
Photo: Hannah Mckernan via Autumn Halloween Wedding
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Having a hen do at home or at a loved one’s house is always a winner. There are no time constraints; it’s personal and can keep costs down.
Surprise the bride! Host a surprise party that’s sure to give her joy. But, be careful if she isn’t into surprises.
Board game lover? Host a board game night with a selection of games and prizes for the winners.
Photo: Oxi Photography via Pennard House Wedding
Pick a craft such as a quilt making and ask each guest to stitch a quilt square. After the hen, sew them together for a meaningful keepsake for the happy couple.
For a small group, hire a chef for a private dining experience at home.
Create a fun night in, party lights, good tunes, cocktails and cute hen party games! Be sure to ensure the dress code is glam for extra vibes.
If creating a disturbance to neighbours is a worry. Why not hire a silent disco to keep the dancing going til late?
Photo: One Thousand Words via Sopley Lake Wedding
If your bride is having a DIY wedding, why not set about crafting some wedding decor together?
Hire some beauty therapists for a luxurious pampering session at home. Your hens will thank you for this one!
Plan a movie night. Set up a projector, choose a classic film (Dirty Dancing I’m looking at you) and provide suitable snacks.
Photo: Tyler Ranalla via Surpise Move Night Engagement Party
Create your own Taskmaster-style challenge day with fun tasks to make brilliant memories.
Host a bridal shower and gift the bride some gorgeous treats.
Photo: Laura Jane Photography via Bridal Shower Ideas Hen Party Styling & Coordination: Pitch Boutique
For the cheeky hen, a butler in the buff may be a perfect choice.
Al fresco fun is always a winner! Ask someone with ample garden space to host the hen do.
If you have the budget, how about hiring a hot tub for the night?
Fire up the BBQ or make pizzas outdoors. Have a gazebo on hand for any weather eventualities.
Photo: Rebecca Kerr Photography via Pizza Wedding Reception Pizza Truck: Fired Up Pizza Co.
There are some really cool pods you can hire out for garden parties. These are great for sheltering from the elements, but also look amazing.
Host a treasure or scavenger hunt outside. Create fun clues with nods to the couple throughout.
Photo: Laura Mazzello Photography via Binifadet Wedding
Look up at the stars. Or hire a pro to guide you through the evening fun.
Let’s be real. Weddings and hen parties can work out to be pricey and we can’t all afford to have an extravagant hen celebration. Instead, keep things simple and remember with these free, or very cost-effective hen ideas are about the simple pleasures in life and great company. Priceless!
What could be more fun than a sleepover? Have matching PJs, a midnight feast and of course, truth or dare!
Love a hike? Plan a hiking trip and enjoy the epic views.
If you want to give back, how about a small group of you volunteering your time to a local charity?
There are so many great, free museums to explore up and down the UK.
Find a perfect beach spot, decamp for the day and enjoy all the great British seaside has to offer. Ice cream, arcades, deck chairs and fish and chips!
Photo: Ellie Lou Photography via Beach Picnic Wedding Picnic Styling: Scarlett Rose Events
Host your own sports day! Head to a local park and plan some old-school games. Such as the egg and spoon race, the sack race and the three-legged race!
Head to a cosy pub, nestle by the fire and enjoy a cosy drink together. Some pubs allow free room reservations if there are enough of you too.
Plan a pretty picnic. Ask hens to contribute food and drink and settle down for an afternoon of fun.
Photo: Love Luella Photography via Pretty Summer Picnic Wedding
Fan of The Great British Bake Off? Create your own bake-off contest, either by baking together or asking hens to bring a bake for the hen to judge.
Love to take a dip and feel water confident? How about a group wild swimming excursion? Exhilarating and free, you could have a total blast on your hen exploring waterways.
Geocaching is a great way to add a new dimension to a hike. Go hunting in a group for hidden treasures or split into hen groups to make a fun contest concept.
For a small, low-key hen idea, have a takeaway ordered and put your feet up for an evening of giggles.
If more than one night is essential for your hen celebrations, check out these fun and unique getaways.
For the cutest hen do weekend, how about a trip to Disneyland Paris? See the sights, enjoy rides and meet Mickey and Minnie!
Center Parcs is a firm favourite for a woodland, log cabin-style getaway. Plus there are so many fun activities on-site, making the whole hen-planning process seamless.
For a totally unique hen do, how about a cruise? Take a trip to Scotland, Cornwall or even Amsterdam!
The spa weekend has to be a hen party staple. What’s not to love about pampering, bubbles and good food?
If your budget is on the lower end and you don’t fancy renting a country house or an AirBnB, how about a camping or glamping trip?
Photo: Emberwood Creative via Small Tent Wedding Bell Tent Supplier: The Boutique Bell
There are so many fantastic cities within easy reach, such as Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Marbella and Brussels to name a few. Or how about the popular hen destination of Ibiza for all the glamour?
Tour the UK waterways by barge on a canal boat trip. You can hire your own boat and go at your own pace too.
Photo: Thomas Thomas Photography via Quirky Seaside Farm Wedding
Don’t fancy willy straws, L-plates or drinking games? These classy hen dos are sure to tickle your fancy!
Afternoon tea is massively popular with hens. There are some really chic locations, gorgeous cuisine and a perfect excuse to dress up. Try these afternoon tea locations in the UK:
Photo: Bridgwood Wedding Photography via Walcot Hall Wedding Afternoon Tea: Petals and Bells
Discover an amazing play, musical or show you can go to and enjoy together. Follow with cocktails and dancing!
Bruch is a great option, no early starts and you have the rest of the afternoon/evening to continue the fun. Bottomless brunch could prove all the more enjoyable.
Photo: Amy Jordison Photography via Tipi Back Garden Wedding
Discover your local vineyards! Take a tour of the vines and enjoy supping the wine.
Have your very own flower-arranging workshop with a pro florist. It’ll be lovely to take home fresh blooms to remember your hen too.
Hit the green at a luxury golf course, with lunch and plenty of fresh air, it’s a sure-fire winner. Many clubs also offer tuition for newbies, so why not book a group lesson?
Photo: Holly Rose Weddings via Kent Village Hall Wedding Golf: Garden Games Hire UK
Classy jazz clubs are a great way to spend an evening celebrating your bride’s last moments as a miss.
Keep things simple and book a meal at a favourite restaurant. If there is enough of you, you may be able to book out the whole place.
Wander and admire art as a high-end activity for a city chic hen.
Lots of hens? No sweat, there are plenty of hen party ideas to entertain everyone.
Hire a hall and a yoga instructor to create a zen atmosphere before the party later.
Hire a cinema screen for a private showing of your bride’s fave movie.
Snag tickets to a festival. Ensure everyone buys their own ticket, arranges to meet there and brings a tent to keep organising fuss-free.
Plan a night out, from a pub, club, or restaurant. Or hire a dedicated party venue near you.
Photo: Naomi Mills Photography via Christmas Wedding Theme
Plan a day at the races! Head to Lady’s Day at Aintree or Royal Ascot. Don’t forget to pick a hat!
For a barrel of laughs, head to a theme park for an action-packed day en mass.
Clubbing is a hen classic, but with larger spaces and great tunes, a fab night is sure to be had. Think about hiring a VIP booth to make it extra special.
Not everyone wants to have a drinking hen, so how about these alternatives?
Head to an organised murder mystery night for a really memorable experience.
If a play or musical isn’t your thing, how about going to see an opera or a ballet?
Head on down to the farm! For a full-on farm experience, try Farm Adventure. Alternatively, book accommodation at a farm rural setting and enjoy the scenery.
Photo: Alex Tenters Photography via Farm Wedding Venue: David Catt & Sons.
There are some really chic bowling alleys dotted around, and some may be private hire too.
To get the party started and ensure plenty of laughs, go see a comedy show.
Head to a local National Trust or English Heritage property for a beautiful walk and a delicious lunch. Many places also have seasonal events that may be worth checking out.
Many alpaca farms offer alpaca walks to get up close and personal with the animals. This a sweet hen idea for animal lovers.
Photo: David Boynton via Alrewas Hayes Wedding
What’s not to love about a day out at the zoo?
There are lots of adventurous assault courses and high ropes centres such as Go Ape across the UK. You could also turn the hen into a charity appeal if it’s more on the challenging side of things and raise money for a good cause.
For a total opulent treat, book a helicopter tour or ride for your VIPs. A total once-in-a-lifetime experience to share at your hen do.
Photo: Jessica Cruz Photography
How about something outside the comfort zone, such as axe-throwing at Whistle Punks?
Take to the water and enjoy jet skiing, pedalos, paddle boarding, rowing and more!
Zorbing is a fun-filled activity for hens that want to push the boundaries.
More and more ziplining destinations are popping up across the UK, check out Zip World for some awesome locations.
For competitive hens, a laser tag or paintballing afternoon could be just the ticket.
Photo: Kirsty Rockett Photography via Hidden River Barn Wedding
Wall climbing is a great bolt-on hen do activity in between other fun plans.
Or how about taking the plunge with indoor skydiving?
Trampoline parks are a great way to blow off steam, exercise and bond!
For thrill-seekers and car fans, simply head to the go-kart track. Or you could also try a supercar experience or watch a race at Silverstone.
For a relaxing, down-to-earth hen idea, how about horse riding?
Photo: Nesta Lloyd Photography via DIY Weekend Long Farm Wedding
You could head to a velodrome or find a route to cycle together in a large group.
There are lots of companies that offer ready-made hen party packages or workshops. This makes planning hassle-free, but also provides plenty of entertainment.
Book a dancing lesson if you fancy yourself a spot of Strictly Come Dancing. Learn a routine you can perform on the wedding day itself too.
Photo: Henry Lowther via Ballet Wedding Ideas
Hire an artist to put on an art class for your hens.
Jewellery-making workshops may be a little pricey, but hens get a special keepsake to take home to remember the party too.
For an unusual hen party, how about making your very own, unique perfume?
Photo: Charlotte Palazzo Photography via Airy Summer Wedding Ideas
Looking for something a little more risqué? How about a pole dancing or burlesque lesson to up the sexy?
Cookery classes are a lovely way to bond hens. Make your own meal to sit down and enjoy with professional instruction.
Photo: HBA Photography via Calke Abbey Wedding Caterers: Black Peppermint
Scrap wine tasting, and head to a cheesemonger for cheese tasting. Yum!
Local breweries or distilleries often offer fun tours for groups. The perfect way to enjoy a tipple or two.
Looking for something a little more, well, unique for your hen party? Check out these cool options.
For something totally memorable, head out for matching tattoos! An activity for perhaps the most daring of hens.
Photo: Jenna Woodward Photography via Countryside Fair Wedding
Head to a gig, see what bands or artists are performing and be sure to book in to delight the bride.
Hen parties don’t have to be female only! Bridesmen are of course welcome, but what about a joint hen/stag party instead?
Hire a private pool house for fun pool games, BBQ and perhaps even some drinks on the sun lounger.
Love nothing more than playing computer games? Arrange a tournament, or book a VR experience at a local centre.
Photo: Marianne Chua Photography via Tanner Warehouse Wedding
Go off grid and go fishing, for a peaceful and relaxing hen party vibe.
Planning a hen near Christmas? How about a cosy and fun Christmas market or a trip to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland?
Did you know there are hen party planners? Allow them to take the reins as you simply turn up on the day.
If you love the sea, and marine life how about an excursion to the sealife centre?
Look out for the circus or funfair event dates, this would be such a cute hen get-together.
Photo: Anna Pumer Photography via Big Top Wedding
Pop-up ice rinks are UK-wide come December. So why not hire a rink and practice your best Touville and Dean moves?
If there are fewer of you, or you want a separate mini hen, these options may be ideal for your party.
Escape rooms are a great way to break the ice between those that have never met. Ensure you head to your local cafe for a debrief afterwards.
Cocktail making is an enjoyable activity where you can drink and learn new skills together.
Photo: Sherri OMalley Photography via Aircraft Hangar Wedding Cocktail Bar: Bitter Sweet Bars
Party buses can be so much fun, travel in style to your destination of choice.
Set up karaoke, or head to a karaoke bar! You could even hire a private karaoke room for your smaller group.
Mark the occasion with a hair and makeup artist, plus a pro photographer to do a photoshoot.
Get up early and enjoy the sunrise as you toast to the happy couple in a magical hot air balloon.
Vintage lovers, head on a steam train ride. Take in the sights and enjoy a top-notch lunch on board.
Photo: EKR Pictures via Great Central Railway Wedding Steam Railway: Great Central Railway
For sports fans, head to the bride’s favourite stadium for a tour.
Plan an epic pub crawl. Make a list of the must-visit bars, plan an itinerary and let your hair down!
I think out of the hen party list I’ve shared, my favourite hen do ideas have to be:
There are no rules when it comes to hen party planning! The bride usually pays for her way, however, some hens may prefer to split the cost to cover the bride’s.
If in doubt, ask the bride or the hen organiser for guidance.
The bride is likely to feel pretty special already, seeing as it’s her hen. But there are some ways to make her feel amazing. A special outfit or accessory for the bride is a nice touch. Plus touches like choosing her favourite song to be played or favourite snacks are going to go down really well.
There is no requirement to give gifts at a hen party. However, bridal showers are typically for ‘showering’ the bride with gifts. If in doubt, ask the hen organiser for clarification
You do not have to have a hen party. However, you can always have a belated hen do if you so wish for. There are no rules!
So there you have it, 101 fantastic hen party ideas to inspire the most fun of hen bashes! Hooray.
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