The ultimate list of hen party ideas for 2024
Ladies, your perfect hen party is just a click away! Whether you’re the bride, the maid of honor, or a dear friend, our handpicked hen do ideas cater to every taste and preference. From exciting daytime activities to intimate gatherings for smaller groups, we’ve got your celebration covered.
Embrace inclusivity with activities suitable for all ages and indulge in sophisticated options tailored for the fabulous over-40s. If you prefer a teetotal celebration, our non-alcoholic ideas promise just as much fun. Need a good laugh? Check out our top 25 hen do pranks that will keep everyone in stitches.
And for a touch of celebrity-inspired glamour, dive into our A-list hen party suggestions. At Nude Life, we believe in making memories, one celebration at a time. Let’s create an unforgettable hen party experience together. Here’s to sisterhood and stylish celebrations!
Table of Contents
Looking for hen night ideas? Check out our best cities for a girls’ night out article >
Hen Party Daytime Activity Ideas
Yoga & Brunch
Best for the girl that’s into her wellbeing
Yoga has become all the rage in the last few years, so if your BFF loves getting into weird positions (not that kind of position; this is a classy post), then she’ll love a hen party that allows her to break into her zen. Even better, refuel afterwards with a healthy brunch; for those of you looking for that extra something, there are loads of bottomless brunches around.
Hire a Country House & Hen Party Life Drawing
Best for getting the girls together
Whether you want to stay close to home or head a little further afield, going away for a hen party doesn’t have to break the bank. Rent a holiday home in the country, stock the fridge with that all-important fizz and remember to take a few games. Look out for somewhere with its own pool or hot tub, explore the local area with a long walk and for a truly unique trip away, why not arrange a life drawing class?
Ibiza Pool Party & Barbecue Beats
Best for those party girls
For the ultimate sunny hen do, it’s got to be Ibiza, and if you’re going to go to Beefa, you’ve got to do it properly. Hire a glamorous villa, make sure you’ve got tickets to all the latest pool parties, and, of course, don’t forget to look out for the odd celeb. This is the playground of the rich and famous. Go all out and hire your private chef and host your barbeque party, complete with juicy burgers and plenty of cocktails.
Brighton Central Townhouse & Pop-up Cocktail Bar
Best for those who prefer to stay in
Britain’s best-loved seaside is perfect for a hen party and has everything to suit a range of budgets, styles, ages and tastes. Who needs to go out on a Friday night when you can bring the party inside? Hire a big house, arrange your very own pamper party or Brighton life drawing class, and bring the cocktail bar to your accommodation. Looking to head somewhere else? Check out the top hen party UK destinations here.
Bake with a legend & adult-themed dinner
Best for those foodies
If your bride-to-be fancies herself as the new Mary Berry, why not arrange a bake-off hen party with one of TV’s most popular bakers? Afterwards, head out to Chelsea’s Kings Road or Covent Garden for cocktails, dinner and the perfect Instagram shot. For a unique evening experience, head to La Bodega Negra which offers delicious Mexican food and drinks in adult-themed surroundings.
Bath and Bristol hen party weekend
Best for those who like to explore
Planning a hen weekend destination can be a big deal – so why go for one when you can opt for two? Bath and Bristol are two of the UK’s award-winning weekend away locations and make a great hen party at just 12 minutes apart on the train. Simply spend one day and night in Bath and another day and night in Bristol. Two locations also mean double the amount of bars, hurray.
Countryside Glamping & Hire a Prosecco Van
BEST FOR THOSE BOHO BRIDES
A themed hen party doesn’t have to be tacky. Instead, escape to the country and arrange a little glamping party with flowers in your hair, brightly coloured wellies and fairy light decorations. Chill out, drink fizz and choose from accommodations such as a posh tent, cute cottage or traditional campervan. To go the extra mile, you could even hire a prosecco van for the day. Champagne, m’lady?
Relaxing Spa Day & Afternoon Tea
BEST FOR TOTAL RELAXATION
Wedding planning can be stressful, so plan the ultimate relaxing party before the big day and head off for a day of pampering. Massage away life’s daily stresses and afterwards indulge in afternoon tea. From a prosecco tea party to an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea, plenty of afternoon teas suit every taste.
Festival vibes & hire an Airbnb
BEST FOR THOSE YOUNG AT HEART
Every year a number of music festivals descend on fields worldwide, promising a weekend of good fun, great memories and a hell load of glitter. The UK festival scene is bright, but there’s also plenty of choice abroad, plus using AirBnB is definitely a better choice than a small, sweaty tent. All that’s left to do is to plan your outfits.
Winter Hen Party & Wine Tasting
BEST FOR THOSE WINE BUFFS
Not every bride dreams of a summer wedding; for those who dream of a winter wedding, a winter hen party can be just as sparkly. From champagne winter afternoon teas to wine-tasting events with perfectly paired food, a whole host of activities will keep your spirits lifted and your bodies warm.
A Tea Party At Home
BEST FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT A FUSS
Different brides mean different hen do ideas. While some of your mates might think £1 vodka shots at 2 pm is the ideal weekend, others want a quieter affair. It doesn’t have to be any less fun, however. A tea party at home can cater to various interests, budgets and ages. Why not get creative in the kitchen and bake your very own treats, or give it a vintage theme for something a little different?
Rent Out A Castle
BEST FOR THOSE PRINCESSES
The UK is jam-packed with incredible castles that are more than happy to open their doors to large groups. Once you’re there, explore the grounds of your royal manor, get dressed up for a classy night in and spend the evening dining on delicious cheese and wine – just how a Queen should live.
Take On A Cooking Class
BEST FOR THOSE FOODIES
There’s nothing better than getting all your besties together for a chin-wag, a glass of wine and good food. So why not combine all 3 for the ultimate hen party activity? Choose your bride’s favourite cuisine and book a class led by experts. There are plenty of virtual options nowadays which means you can host the hen party at home, and indulge in a few bottles of wine at the same time. The best bit? You get to enjoy all your delicious creations afterwards.
Head Off On A River Cruise
BEST FOR THOSE PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Just picture it now: the sun’s basking on your shoulders, you’re sailing up one of the UK’s beautiful rivers, and your besties surround you on a private cruise. Okay, so it might not be a private yacht in Marbella but seriously, it can be just as good. Simply rent out a private boat, pack a coolbox filled with delicious treats and some of the good old stuff and arrange a day of activities. For something extra special, why not extend your cruise into the night and enjoy a dinner under the stars?
Explore A New City
BEST FOR ADVENTURERS
Whether you’re looking ahead and planning a hen party for when travel restrictions have eased or simply fancy a UK break, a destination weekend away is a fantastic hen party idea for all ages. Pick somewhere you’ve never been to before or pull destinations out of a hat to create a shortlist. We’ve got London, Manchester, Liverpool and more here in the UK. Or head overseas to the likes of Paris, Madrid and Barcelona. Once there, fill your days with activities, good food and, of course, a few drinks.
Hen party ideas for small groups
Ever heard the phrase, quality, not quantity? As we get older, this has never been truer about our friends. You see, it’s not how many friends you have but who shows up when you need it. And while you might see plenty of large hen groups partying around the UK, there are lots of other hen party ideas for those groups as small as two or three! So, if you’re looking for hen party ideas for small groups, you’ve come to the right page…
A spa day
Best for: relaxing
Wedding planning is stressful, let’s face it. One week, she’ll be worrying about the bridesmaid dresses, and the next she’ll be stressing about the right shade of flowers. A spa day, however, is a great way to help her to relax. Plus, it’s perfect for whatever-sized group. Book some treatments, sit back in the jacuzzi, and why not arrange champagne afternoon tea for a truly special treat?
Nude Life Drawing
Best for: a little fun
Just because there’s a small group of you doesn’t mean you can’t hire out your own private accommodation. In fact, there are plenty of one and two-bedroom properties around the UK. Plus, when you have a home for the weekend, you can enjoy hen party activities like hen party life drawing. Your chosen model will get into a series of poses for one and a half hours as you sketch away. That’s not all, though as there’ll be some drinking games, arty activities and the chance to get your bestie involved in the final shot.
Wine tasting
Best for: a classy celebration
Looking for a hen-do idea that’s fun and sophisticated? You can’t go wrong with wine tasting – at least, it starts off sophisticated. Head to a bar and enjoy an expert-led session or ask all of the girls to bring a couple of bottles of their favourite grape. Don’t forget the snacks; if you want to go all out, printing some taste and score cards from the internet will surely go down a hit.
See the best UK vineyards for a hen party >
A dancing class
Best for: picking up some moves
Learning a dance routine is a great idea for small hen parties. And, with fewer people involved, you’ve got more room to be the star of the show. Choose from themed sessions such as Beyonce, theatre or even hip hop and spend an hour with a professional as you shake what your momma gave ya! Who knows, you might even pick up a few shapes for the big day, and it’s another way of hitting your step count. After all that dancing, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, so be sure to book somewhere for a fizzy lunch.
Glamping
Best for: some quality time
Smaller groups might find large clubs and loud nights a bit overwhelming, so why not opt for a glamping evening? Either take your pick from the UK’s luxury glamping sites or set up your very own private space in one of your gardens. Fire up the BBQ, fill the ice buckets with bottles of fizz and don’t forget the late-night snacks. A few fun activities and hen party games is guaranteed to get the atmosphere going, and hen party decorations will really put the cherry on top.
Shopping and cocktails
Best for: indulging
Whether you want to get some bits for the big night out, or your bride wants some help choosing a honeymoon outfit, a shopping trip in the city centre is ideal for more intimate hen weekends. Why not enlist the help of a personal shopper too for a truly boujee experience?! And, when you’re all shopped out, a cocktail making session in one of the nearby bars is the perfect hen party treat. Just don’t be tempted to go back into the shops afterwards as everything you try on will look great. Trust us, we’ve been there…
Bottomless brunch
Best for: a boozy day out
Whether she’s avocado on toast girl or a weekend fry up is her idea of heaven, there’s a bottomless brunch out there for everyone! Plus, it doesn’t matter how many of you there are. More places are now offering it too and there are even themed bottomless brunches across the UK. Book a table, choose between fizz or Mimosas and fill your boots before the big night out.
An escape room
Best for: working as a team
Have you got what it takes to get out in 60 minutes? Work together in an escape room to solve puzzles and try to discover hidden clues. When the clock’s ticking, we bet you’ll be glad there are only a few of you too. Of course, you’ll want to debrief afterwards, so we always advise booking a table somewhere close by for a few drinks and maybe even some nibbles. Remember, no cheating though.
A craft session
Best for: Taking home something special
From flower crowns and garters to perfume and even tote bags, there are plenty of DIY sessions for hens that guarantee crafts and laughs. It’s a great option if you’re searching for a low-key hen party and means you’ll be out of the pub for at least an hour. Even better, you’ll probably pick up some new skills, and whatever you make, you can take home to remember the celebration by.
A UK food tour
Best for: those foodies
If your bride-to-be is into her food, what better hen party activity than a food tour around your city of choice?! Choose from cuisines or even courses, and adventure around the streets led by an expert. You’ll find out everything there is to know about the food, discover a few hidden secrets and, of course, get to taste a few bits along the way! This is our kind of party.
Private dining experience
Best for: something really special
Now, you could book a table somewhere fancy, but there are only a few of you, so why not make the most of your private accommodation with a private chef experience? Not only will they create a delicious menu in line with a theme of your choice, but they’ll cook and serve up a three-course meal. If you ask them nicely, they may even clean up afterwards! All that’s left for you to do is sit back and ensure your glasses are topped up. Just imagine how good your Instagram stories are gonna look.
Looking for any more hen party advice and ideas? We’ve got plenty more where that comes from – including classy hen party ideas and even hen party outfits for any bride. And, if you do want to book a Life Drawing experience for you and your besties, we’d be delighted to arrange it for you!
Hen party ideas for all ages
When you’re planning a hen party for a group of friends, mums, aunties, grandmas and little ones, it can be tricky to plan an itinerary to suit everyone. And, of course, you want to give the bride-to-be a brilliant send-off for her big day. So you need to include things she’ll love too. Well, luckily, as life drawing event specialists, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to throw the best hen party for a mixed-age group. From competitive treasure hunts to relaxing spa days, take a look at our hen party ideas for all ages.
Dance Class
Cost: £££
Fun rating: 4
This fun activity will have everybody showing off their best moves! Pick your theme from iconic film soundtracks to memorable decades – think everything from 80s pop to 90s R&B. A dance class is a great way to eliminate any nerves or awkwardness between hens, too.
Activity link: Find a private hen party dance class in a city centre near you.
Escape Room
Cost: £££
Fun rating: 5
An escape room is the perfect hen party idea for all ages because you can choose your difficulty level to suit everyone. This hen party activity requires teamwork – solving puzzles, mysteries and riddles to escape before the timer ends. It’s a great idea to break the ice between hens who don’t know each other yet!
Activity link: Escape Hunt offers a range of escape room themes in locations all over the world.
Afternoon Tea Party
Cost: ££££
Fun rating: 2
We like to think of Afternoon Tea as a mixed-age-group alternative to bottomless brunch. There’s a lovely atmosphere, delicious food and of course a glass (or three!) of champagne for the over 18s to enjoy. It’s the perfect activity to please all ages – what more could you ask for!
Activity link: Discover over 700 venues across the UK and Ireland at Afternoon Tea.co.uk.
Spa Day
Cost: £££££
Fun rating: 3
A spa day is a perfect activity for the bride, mother of the bride and her grandma to enjoy! As well as all of her friends and any younger ones in tow, too. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some serious pampering in the form of massages, beauty treatments and lounging by the pool. It’s also the best way to prepare for a big night out, or to soothe a hangover the following day!
Activity link: Browse hundreds of locations and find the best spa day deals at Spa Seekers.
Flower Crown Masterclass
Cost: ££
Fun rating: 3
Whether she’s having a festival-themed hen or is just more of the arty type, a flower crown masterclass is great for getting creative. Your guide will be there every step to show you how to make your flower crown, and teach you all about the different flower types. At the end, everyone will have a crown to take home with them – a reminder of the incredible hen weekend they had!
Pizza Making
Cost: ££
Fun rating: 5
Everybody loves pizza – right? So this hen party idea for all ages will go down a treat! For this activity, you just need to buy the ingredients and pull up a recipe from Google. And you don’t even need to leave your hen party house. Start the night with some prosecco for the adults and get all the snacks in – yummy!
Activity link: Here’s an easy Margherita pizza recipe, all that’s left to do is add your favourite toppings.
Treasure Hunt
Cost: ££
Fun rating: 5
What better way to celebrate than your own treasure hunt? This activity for a hen party is great for a little bit of competition. All you need to do is create a list of pranks and items to find around the hen party house. Split into teams and complete all the items and tasks on your list. There’ll be lots of fun and giggles – guaranteed!
Activity link: My City Hunt gives you inspiration for treasure hunt questions, tasks and riddles. Plus, find ideas for a scavenger quest at home, in the city or the forest – perfect for destination hen dos!
Hen party ideas for over 40s
Whether it’s second time lucky or she’s waited to find the man of her dreams, your bestie still deserves to celebrate her last night of freedom in style – whatever her age. But don’t worry, you don’t have to head to the cities with bustling nightlife and down tequila shots – if you don’t want to. Instead, we’ve got lots of hen party ideas for over 40s. And it’s true what they say, 40’s the new 30!
Cheese and wine tasting
Best for: Pretending you’re classy
This hen-do activity is a great way to spend an afternoon before an evening of fun and games. You could head to a local restaurant or search for an official event. However, we think hosting your own cheese and wine tasting is better. Ask everyone to bring their favourite bottle and cheese, remember a few crackers and apples if you’re feeling fancy, and don’t forget to print some scoring cards off to make it really proper. At least when you do it at home, you won’t be embarrassed when someone inevitably cracks the spit or swallow joke…
Nude Life Drawing
Best for: Being a little arty
Just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some schoolgirl giggles at seeing a naked man. And anyway, hen party life drawing is a fun activity that is all about being creative! Take your pick from a range of models, enjoy some hen party games and shots to get the atmosphere going, and then sketch away as your model gets into a few different positions. Your bride-to-be may even be invited up during the final shot – which is guaranteed to get a couple of rosy cheeks!
Pizza making
Best for: Picking up some new skills
Let’s face it, we all love pizza! In this fun pizza making activity, you’ll learn how a traditional dough is made and can decorate it with your favourite toppings. We’re telling you there’s no room for pineapple and ham together. Enjoy some fizz as the pizzas cook; then, it’s time to taste. It’s a great way to line your stomach before the evening, and we know your other half will be impressed when you’re next in the kitchen.
A salon experience
Best for: Feeling a little fancy
Spa weekends are great if you want to relax, but if you want to get all dolled up for the evening, why not head to a salon for the work? Get blow drys, manicures, pedicures and even your make-up done – after all, what with work stresses and daily responsibilities, you probably don’t have time to enjoy this regularly. You could top it all off with a hen party theme. You might even get some tips to try at home because, between laminated brows and baking your cheeks before foundation, it’s kinda difficult to keep up with modern beauty trends.
Comedy and Cocktails
Best for: Having a laugh
Forget late-night clubs and instead visit a comedy club! Even better, organise a bucket of cocktails beforehand; it’ll be waiting for you when you arrive. You could even mention you’re here for a hen party. Not only might you be given the best seats in the house but the comedian loves to pick someone out of the audience – especially a hen! Some places might even have hen party packages for drinks, so you can really make the most of it.
A boat cruise
Best for: Taking in the scenes
Hen weekends don’t have to be about solely drinking all the time. Instead, why not enjoy a boat cruise up the river, take in some sights and, of course, drink simultaneously. A range of hen party activities is also available as you sail along. Think afternoon tea for those more classy chicks and free booze bars for those who really want to let their hair down. What’s more, you could even hire your boat and book a hen do life drawing class for a magical experience – just make sure everyone’s wearing a life jacket.
DIY garden party
Best for: A low-key celebration
Perhaps you couldn’t get your bride-to-be away from her kids, or she prefers quieter things. Either way, a garden party complete with flower crowns, decorations, a BBQ and even a cocktail-making class are all great ideas before the big day. Don’t forget to arrange a few games and be ready to take the hen party fun indoors if the weather’s not on your side!
Themed dinner party
Best for: foodies
Just imagine a night in your own private accommodation; you’re all in the living room enjoying cocktails and fizz, and a private chef is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. No, we’re not just describing a dream hen party. This could actually be a thing! You can even give the chef a theme of choice, and if you ask nicely, they often clean up at the end. Now, that’s a treat we bet you’re not used to.
So there you have it. Our favourite hen party ideas for older brides. Plus, if you’re looking for more activities, we’ve got you covered – from the best UK hen-do destinations to classy hen party ideas to planning a great hen party. And if you do want to book the perfect hen-do idea, Nude Life Drawing, we’re only a message away.
7 hen party ideas without alcohol
Contrary to popular belief, a hen party doesn’t need to involve alcohol… Yes, that’s right. You can still have plenty of fun, without the night ending with somebody being sick in the taxi home! If you’re in charge of planning a hen party that’s alcohol-free, or even just want to do something different to a night out, here are 7 hen party ideas without alcohol.
Afternoon Tea Party
Cost: ££££
Fun rating: 2
Finger sandwiches, scones and tiny desserts – afternoon tea is a classic hen party idea. And to make it alcohol-free, just don’t opt for the prosecco or champagne afternoon tea! Most venues have a whole host of teas (and coffees) to choose from, so there’ll be something to please everyone.
Spa Day
Cost: £££££
Fun rating: 3
Relax, recharge and rejuvenate at a spa day. Soak your aching muscles in the hot tub, awaken your senses in the aroma room, or sweat out unwanted toxins in the sauna. Why not make it extra special and book an overnight stay? You’ll all get to enjoy dinner in the restaurant and tasty brunch the following morning too.
Flower Arranging
Cost: ££
Fun rating: 3
Whether you want to learn how to make a flower crown or a bouquet, a flower arranging class is a great hen party idea without alcohol. Booking a private workshop (either at a venue or your hen party house) is the perfect way to unwind before the big day. And you’ll all have a keepsake to take home afterwards. It’s great for festival hen party themes too.
Activity link: Hen Box have curated a list of Flower Crown workshops across the UK.
Life Drawing Class
Cost: ££
Fun rating: 5
A life drawing class will certainly be an unforgettable experience. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert at drawing for this hen party activity. It’s all about getting creative and having fun, and of course, having a few drinks too! And your masterpieces? Well, you can take them with you for some future giggles too!
Theme Park
Cost: £££££
Fun rating: 5
Now this one’s for the thrill-seeking bride. Why not take her to a theme park for a day? She’ll love going on the loop-the-loops and down the log flumes. Don’t forget to dress up though! And there are always group deals and vouchers on Groupon.
Sleepover Club
Cost: £
Fun rating: 4
There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned sleepover for her hen weekend. And all you need for this one is to buy all of her favourite foods and play all of her favourite films back to back. You could even do each other’s makeup and hair too. Oh, and matching pyjamas are an absolute must!
Murder Mystery
Cost: £££
Fun rating: 5
Take part in a classic “who dunnit” event for the hen night. With professional actors, plenty of drama and a whole lot of fun, you’ll all need to decide who the murderer is – throughout dinner – before the killer strikes again! This hen party game is a great idea for breaking the ice too.
The 25 best hen do pranks
Pranks are usually left to the stags to organise, but why should the boys have all the fun?
If the bride-to-be has a great sense of humour, wants an unforgettable hen night and you’re looking for a way to surprise her, then look no further. We’ve gathered the best ideas on how to stitch up the hen while ensuring that this will be a weekend to remember for all the right reasons.
Handcuffed Dwarf
When it comes to getting the sweet bride-to-be handcuffed, there is no better match than pairing her with a dwarf. Why not go the extra mile and give your little friend some outrageous fancy dress? Go all out with a blue paint job and be a Smurf for the entire evening or alternatively, they could dress up as a double act. The perfect addition for any bar crawl – watch her embarrassment when it’s time for a wee!
Amy Winehands
Is she really your best mate if you don’t get enjoyment out of her looking like a fool? Before you head out, sellotape a bottle of wine to each hand so that the beloved hen can only drink. You’ll be amazed at where the hen party games go after this prank…
A fancy dress white lie
It’s not a bad lie if it’s only a joke, right? The hen party event organiser tells everyone including the hen that it’s fancy dress. Tell her you’re all going crazy – the best we’ve seen throughout the years are: animal onesies, nun costumes, rubik clothes, and even Mrs Santa Claus in the heat of the summer. Yet, plot twist, no-one dresses up except for the beautiful, blushing bride-to-be. Ooops. Did you not get the memo?
Wardrobe prank
Alternatively, tell the hen you’ve booked a skiing weekend and she’ll rush to pack the winter coats, boots and the thickest scarf. Get to the airport and just before checking in the suitcases let her know it’s all been a joke and the party will take place by the beach. The look on her face will be priceless but please make sure you pack her swimsuit in your own luggage. After all, she’s the one choosing your bridesmaid dresses.
Drink, Drink, Drink
Are you sick of hearing your friend pine about her stag? A classic hen party drinking game is to make her down her drink whenever his name is mentioned. Better make sure, you take a lot of fizz, ey?
Butlers
Picture this – All the girls are together, getting their makeup on and having a few drinks. There’s a knock at the door and in walks a hunky, almost naked butler to raise the temperature. Here to keep your glasses topped up with fizz, host drinking games and assist you with every need, just make sure he keeps his teeny tiny apron on. The perfect combination of an embarrassing hen party prank and a little eye candy, a butler is a tasteful choice for any upcoming hen weekend.
Strippers
Like marshmallows and hot chocolate, gin and tonic and beans on toast, hen weekends and strippers have gone hand in hand since the beginning of time. For a truly unforgettable hen party, make sure one of you pulls Hercules aside before he goes straight into his routine and gives him the instruction on how you’d like him to perform. It will be Instagram gold!
The never-ending alarm clock
Incredibly annoying but incredibly funny. To really make your hen wake up on the wrong side of the bed, set an alarm for the oddest hour. She’ll waken, turn it off and go back to a hangover-induced snooze. But, the fun is just beginning! The trick is to hide as many alarms around the bride-to-be’s room and set them 5 minutes apart. You might need to buy her some champers to make up for this one…
Sharpie tattoo a stripper’s name
A cheap laugh BUT always fun. If the hen was rather impressed with the stripper’s performance, why not take it to the next level? Once she passes out from too many Sambucas, artistically draw a tattoo with the name of the stripper on her arm. That will guarantee her a mini heart attack the morning after and a good laugh for the girls.
Cabin crew announcement
If you’ve decided on a hen weekend away, then where better to start the games than at the airport. While the unsuspecting bride-to-be is sitting in her seat, pay a visit to one of the air hostess’ and ask for a very big favour. There’s nothing better than watching your favourite hen squirm and squeal when hearing her name and an embarrassing message for the whole place to hear.
DJ announcement
When the hen thinks she’s recovered for the aeroplane mishap, get the DJ to do the same. She’ll never know what to expect next.
Nude Life drawing
If strippers are off limits with the hubby, try hen party life drawing. A perfectly sculpted model will be your muse for a whole hour and that will get the giggling on as he strategically spreads himself all over the floor for you to draw. If that’s not shocking enough, add on a lady model to make up a pair or swap the handsome guy for an older, less in shape gentleman. It will be the best activity you’ll ever do!
Naughty teacher
Ever heard of a Flirt and Seduction masterclass? Yes, that’s right, and it’s rather popular too! Your instructor will teach you ways of using that hidden feminine mystique and even how to spice up the bedroom by incorporating the kinkiest toys. Why not have the hen host the masterclass for a bit, putting the spotlight on her? We’ll guarantee you she’ll turn red in a split of a second.
Not so macho
We can arrange a number of activities that are ideal for any hen weekend. From paintballing to indoor go karting, and white water rafting to an old school sports day, there really is no end to the fun and games that you can get up to. Yet why not make it even better and have a word with the instructor. Get them to single your hen out, make out as if she is getting EVERYTHING wrong and maybe even get a good telling off in front of the whole group. Who said school-boy pranks weren’t for girls?
Dares
Harmless fun since primary school, everyone loves a good dare – as long as you don’t have to do one! Stitch the hen up with some cringeworthy challenges. From speaking in a funny accent, to kissing a bald man’s head, just sit back, relax and watch her make a fool out of herself.
Cocktails gone wrong
What could be better than one of our expertly arranged cocktail masterclasses? With your very own professional mixologist, you’ll be shown how to create your own drinks and also be given a shot of your choice. Yet, what would happen if EVERYTHING your hen touched or went near, broke? Imagine glasses breaking, vodka spilling and when the lid falls off the salt just in time for the tequila shot, your mixologist loses it!
Face painting
A class hen party idea that never ceases to amaze. Wait until your hen has had one too many and then get creative. Moustaches are always a favourite, as are words written on the forehead. Even better – try and convince her to keep it on.
Design your own t-shirts
Whatever you’ve got planned for the hen weekend, at home or away, wearing your very own personalised tees is a great laugh. Turn it up a notch with a different embarrassing photo of the bride-to-be on each one and watch as passers-by giggle to themselves.
Create your own masks
Even better than personalised t-shirts, is to create face masks with a picture of the hen on them. Then, when you’re in a bar, ask a stranger to take a picture and just before he snaps, grab your mask and pose!
Read more: Fabulous Hen Party at Home Ideas
Confessions of a bride-to-be
This one takes a lot of preparation, but the results are fantastic. In the weeks leading up to the hen weekend, write down as many funny stories about the hen as you can think of. You might need to get the help of the future husband for this one. Then when you’re all in a bar, begin playing ‘Never have I ever’ but only use the bride’s embarrassing tales. She’ll soon cotton on.
Jokes on you
We can also arrange various evenings at comedy clubs around the world. Why not use the embarrassing stories from before and see if the comedian can get all eyes on your hen! Worse still, get them to single her out and even up on stage.
Mess with her hair
Everyone knows that you shouldn’t mess with a girl’s hair but it’s a hen party so rules go out of the window. When she’s not looking, put talcum powder in the hairdryer and watch a flurry of panic when she goes to blow dry her locks.
Mix the make up
Add further stress and pranks to the hen’s getting ready routine by offering to do her make-up. Ask her what look she wants and go for the opposite!
A walking hen party
Did you really go on a hen weekend if you didn’t dress the hen up in random paraphernalia? There’s no better way to get unwanted attention from groups of men than to make it really obvious that it’s a hen party night out. Invest in dares aprons, L-sign badges, a mini veil and a sash to top things off.
The ultimate hen party prank
This one takes guts but if you’re up for a challenge, look no further. Simply take the hen’s phone when she has a bath, pops to loo or heads to bar. Then find your number and change the contact ID to her hubbie-to-be’s name. Now get ready for business. Using your phone, text the hen explaining that you just can’t go through with the wedding. When then hen arrives back to her phone, watch as she panics and rings her partner – only to find out it’s her best friends! Cruel but VERY funny.
What did you think about our hen party prank ideas? Were you brave enough to give them a go? If you have any questions or would like to arrange a hen party weekend that you’ll never forget, check out our hen party life drawing classes.
Celebrity-inspired hen do ideas
Getting the Hen Do right can be a daunting prospect, where do you even start?
Lauren Troughton, hen specialist at Chillisauce says “Everyone wants to make sure the Bride has the best time and the pressure can be pretty overwhelming. With this in mind we have put together a list of celebrity inspired Hen Do’s to help give you a kick start. Even if you can’t afford a celebrity affair, the alternative is that you can always be inspired for themes and activities and bring the dream destinations to you, without having to set foot on a plane”.
Paris
KIM KARDASHIAN
Kim and co. might have headed off to Paris for a classy evening of dinner and drinks at Costes restaurant, but there are plenty of ways to bring a little Parisian chic to your hen party. Embrace the French penchant for patisseries by taking a cupcake decorating class, and wash them down with some bubbles at a champagne tasting workshop. Whilst you might not be able to splash out for Kim’s sequined Balmain dress, you can always make you and your hens feel extra glam with a model makeover session or, for something truly unusual, indulge in a perfume making class and see if you have what the French call ‘le Nez’…
Isle Of Wight
KATE MOSS
Trust ‘Queen of Cool’, Kate Moss, to have her last weekend as a single girl at the Isle of White festival, turning up with three pink hummers full of some of the biggest names in modelling, Sloane-ing, and rock and roll. If you fancy a party that’s more ‘hippie’ than ‘hen’, get the flower hairbands out and consider taking your girls for a weekend glamping? Ramp up the rock and roll atmosphere by glamping at a UK festival or embrace the outdoors by taking horse riding or archery lessons!
Las Vegas
KATY PERRY
Wanting to add a bit of Showgirl frivolity to your hen do? Why not take inspiration from the Cirque du Soleil themed party Rhianna threw for Katy Perry, and revel in everything sequined, feathered, and colourful? Unlike Katy, you don’t need to hit the famous Vegas Strip for a spectacular hen party; get your girls dressed in their finest show-stopping sequins and head to watch a cabaret or burlesque show, or even take a class and learn the moves for yourselves! If you fancy a flutter, round off the evening with a night at the casino – Lola’s in London is the first UK casino to combine gaming tables with live burlesque entertainment!
London
POPPY DELEVIGNE
Poppy Delevigne’s wild hen-night at the Groucho club followed by the even wilder saucy slumber party left a lot of brides-to-be longing for the joyful simplicity of getting everyone together for a fun night on the town. Get the 90’s kitsch of Poppy’s hen party by encouraging fancy-dress: we’re thinking bright pink wigs, metallic shades, leopard print coats, and outrageous underwear for the truly adventurous. Once you’re suitably dolled up, get playful with some foreplay & flirting classes before really getting into the slumber party theme and belting out some tunes at a karaoke night. For a more low-key night with a throwback vibe, why not try a singing workshop or London life drawing class?
Mexico
LAUREN CONRAD
We can’t all jet-off to Cabo to celebrate our last days as a single girl like Lauren Conrad and her hens, but the laid-back beach atmosphere can be achieved here in the UK as well! Head to the coast and prepare to get your hair wet in a surfing or sailing lesson, even if you don’t quite have your sea legs, what better way to enjoy your hen-do than by ogling those hot surf instructors? After a day riding the waves, keep the tropical theme going with hula skirts, and tiki-themed cocktails!
Marrakech
JODIE KIDD
Instead of following in the footsteps of Jodie Kidd who took her closest friends off to the Moroccan city for a weekend, lose yourself in the magic of Marrakech without ever setting foot on a plane. Bring the Middle East to your own back garden with lush fabrics, lanterns, candles, and shisha pipes giving you that Bedouin tent look. Go one step further for a truly unforgettable hen, and have a Middle Eastern cookery class where you can sample the spices and smells of another cuisine. Or why not give belly dancing lessons a try? Harder than it looks, but it could give your bridal party some good moves to crack out on the wedding day dance-floor!
Ibiza
FRANKIE SANDFORD
For all the party-girls out there like Frankie Sanford, Ibiza might seem like the perfect choice for a hen party getaway. Get the same exclusive party atmosphere with a vamped up club night: dress in neon and blast out some music on a party bus, or book a VIP table complete with drinks and dancing for star-style treatment closer to home. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try a fire-breathing class to really get the rave going (this would have to be done pre rather than post alcohol!).
Check out our hen party life drawing classes in Ibiza.
Venice
AMAL ALAMUDDIN
The new Mrs. Clooney celebrated her last single weekend in classic style, with a girl’s trip to Venice. For a sophisticated hen do that appeals across the ages (mum and mother-in-law friendly), take note from Amal and treat your ladies to a riverboat cruise complete with prosecco and dinner under the stars. Follow this with a slightly naughty life drawing class, or maybe a trip to the theatre. Complete the Venice vibe by dressing for the occasion in plush cocktail dresses topped off with beautiful Venetian masks.
Frequently asked questions about hen parties
Celebrate with the bride-to-be, usually over a whole weekend. The weekend will typically include a night in, a range of activities and a night out in a new city of everyone’s choice. Sunday is typically host to a hangover!
Typically, attendees share the cost, or the maid of honour organizes and pays. The bride’s cost is usually split across all hen members.
A hen party is a British term, while bachelorette party is an American term.
The bride may give small gifts or tokens of appreciation, but it’s not required.
Choose a location, pick a place to stay, plan activities, organise a night out and coordinate with all attendees.
The point of a hen night is to celebrate the bride-to-be before her wedding with fun and festivities.
The bride may contribute, but typically, it’s organized and paid for by attendees or maid of honour.