The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Winter Hen Party
So, instead of dreading the day and searching for your heated hand pads, embrace the season, forget about the wind and rain and get ready for an unforgettable hen party. Remember, winter is perfect for getting your faux fur and sequin dresses out!
Here at Nude Life, we’ve made things a little easier for you with our ultimate guide to winter hen party ideas, and there’s not a Lemsip in sight…
Planning a winter hen party
Winter planning tip number 1
It’s cold, the weather is dreary and your mate has complained that she’s cold for the 17th time… Not that you’re counting. Moving your hen party guests around different locations will not only get everyone moaning but it’s also a hassle when it comes to planning. Book somewhere that will let you stay for daytime and pre-drinking activities (maybe even a hen party life drawing class) and isn’t too far from where you’re heading in the evening. Who knows, your BFF’s resting bitch face might just budge…
Winter planning tip number 2
Pick a date and stick to it. The festive period is upon us, and everyone’s calendars will be jam-packed with Christmas parties, family get-togethers, NYE and those evenings that you pretend you’ve got plans but actually delve into a sharing box of chocolates (we’ve all done it). It also pays to research the guests to check that your plans will be suitable for all. No one wants to organise an evening of shots to find out that most of the group is pregnant…
Winter planning tip number 3
Create a group chat and get everyone involved. Delegate tasks and make sure everyone is up to date with the plan. Now that summer’s over, there’s nothing better than having something to look forward to so set up your group convo now! Plus, it’s a great way to share embarrassing photos after the night out.
Winter planning tip number 4
Decide whether you will have a hen party theme and, more importantly, whether your bride is a theme girl. Our favourite winter hen party themes include glitz and glamour, the LBD and if you’re feeling a little naughty, Santa’s sexy little helpers…
Winter planning tip number 5
Start booking now! Classy hen party ideas, hotels and ticketed events will soon get booked up due to the time of year – and remember no one should ever upset the bride by missing out on her favourite place.
Read more: Best hen party destinations UK
Locations for a winter hen party
Winter location number 1
Visitors have loved New Forest National Park for centuries and it’s not hard to see why. Boasting 219 square miles of protected space and trees over 800 years old, wrap up warm, get your wellies on and head off an adventure. Don’t forget to take a selfie wearing your bobble hats. After a day of walking and exploring, rest your feet in the sophisticated spa hotel at Lyndhurst.
Winter location number 2
Few locations combine prettiness and urban appeal as the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire do. Expect beautiful rivers and characteristic market towns boasting traditional pubs and quaint villages. The Cotswold Perfumery in Bourton-on-the-Water is a family-run perfume garden and laboratory that offers two day-long perfume-making courses, which makes it a perfect winter hen party idea for all ages.
See more: Hen Party Life Drawing in the Cotswolds
Winter location number 3
As one of Britain’s most picturesque rivers, the River Wye and the Wye Valley can be found on the border between Wales and England. This picture definitely won’t need a filter as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an internationally important protected landscape. Enjoy your hen party in winter from the warmth of a wooden cabin or cosy cottage, and don’t forget to bring a bottle of fizz for your private hot tub.
Winter location number 4
It might feel like winter all year round in Scotland, but its beauty cannot be denied. Head to Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and marvel at its 65 floral acres. Look out for the Dawyck Beech planted in 1860, and a Japanese katsura tree, whose leaves turn a pale biscuit colour as summer concludes. Plus, head into the city in the evening to really get the party started.
See More: Hen Party Life Drawing in Edinburgh
Winter location number 5
The Center Parcs retreat at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire is arguably the most beautiful of the company’s “villages”. Not only is it easy to get to but it also offers your winter hen party participants the choice to relax or be active and there’s plenty of indoor activities to take part in!
Activity ideas for a winter hen party
DIY SPA DAY
No-one looks good with a red nose and wind-swept hair, so why not stay inside and organise your pampering session? Whether you fancy yourself as a little beauty therapist or want the professionals to come to you, don’t forget a little fizz to help celebrate her special day. Take a look at these classy hen party ideas for more inspiration.
CHOCOLATE TASTING
As the temperature drops, warm up your senses with a delicious tasting and making workshop. Not only will it be a crowd-pleaser but chocolate-making is also a fun alternative activity and will definitely give you your chocolate fix.
HIRE A COUNTRY HOUSE & LIFE DRAWING
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, and it means that you’ll stay nice and toasty in front a real fire. Rent out 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 very own hot tub, explore the local area with a long walk and for a truly unique trip away, why not arrange a hen party life drawing class? Unleash your artistic side as you sketch and draw your model in multiple positions. Even better, your model will play several fun party games guaranteed to lift the atmosphere. This personal and fun activity will definitely see your bride-to-be blush when she has to pose with the model in the final shot.
A COSY AFTERNOON OF CRAFTING
There’s nothing better than staying inside of a cold wintery day, away from the rain, sleet and freezing cold. Even better why not spend your time creating wedding-related crafts such as headpieces and fascinators. Not only will you have a good time but you’ll also be able to take something home as a momento from the weekend.
Winter hen party nightlife ideas
TAPAS SUPPER CLUB
Winter is all about indulging in good wine and even better food, right? Impress all the hen party guests with this unique and tasty Vintage Tapas Evening. Sit back and relax as the restaurant is brought you. Choose from six delicious tapas dishes, which will be served on vintage china and enjoy the vintage music from a traditional gramophone. A memorable hen party meal that will satisfy all senses.
WHO DONE IT? A MURDER MYSTERY EVENING
If you want to get your bride-to-be’s brain ticking over then an evening of mystery, mayhem and murder is on the cards. For all the rules as well as how to plan the ultimate murder mystery hen party, head to http://www.nightofmystery.com. Plus, get all the girls in their best Gatsby-style dresses for ultimate glam.
WINTER HEN PARTY AND WINE TASTING
Not every bride dreams of a summer wedding and 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, there’s a whole host of activities that will keep your spirits lifted and bodies warm. There’s hundreds of venues up and down the country or if you want to get truly sozzled, why not host your very own wine-tasting experience at home?
See best vineyards for the hen party >
A POP-UP COCKTAIL BAR COMPLETE WITH TOPLESS WAITER
Who really enjoys getting their legs out and queuing for ages on a wintery night, just to get into a club? If cocktail making is just your cup of tea, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s plenty of cocktail bars and mobile mixologists that will cater for winter hen parties ahead of the wedding day. You’ll get your very own pop-up bar, cocktail making lesson and the option of a topless barman. Why not ask him to create a bespoke cocktail just for the bride or release a little friendly competition with a cocktail making competition?
THEMED DINNER PARTY AND A PRIVATE CHEF
Want the chef to come to you? Private Chefs don’t have to break the bank balance, and with your own selection of booze, it can often be a fantastic idea for hen parties who want to stay inside and remain cosy in winter. Simply choose your theme, and your very own chef will create a delicious menu. Plus, these pictures will certainly ooze class on Instagram.
The best winter hen party games
MEMORABLE MEETINGS
Not only is this a classic hen-do game, but it’s a great icebreaker. Get the fizz flowing and ask everyone to write down where they first met the bride. Then, get the bride to read each and decide which hen has written it. As well as reliving memories, this great game will get everyone talking.
BALLOON QUESTIONS
Get everyone to write down a question – naughty or nice – and place it inside a balloon. Blow the balloons up, and throughout the night, the bride-to-be chooses a balloon, pops it and answers the questions. Note to self: The popping never gets easier. Want to get the whole group involved? Then every hen answers the questions too! Guaranteed to get everyone giggling. Looking for balloons? We love these confetti balloons by Party Pieces!
PROSECCO PONG
You’ve probably heard of beer pong, but Prosecco Pong is a classic hen party game that fizzes with fun. Split into teams, pour some drink and try to get your ball into the opposite cups. Whoever lands their ball in the cup, wins that prosecco. Plus, it’s a great picture opportunity – watch those concentration faces…
MR + MRS
This hen-do game takes a little preparation but will show you a different side to the bride. Before the hen night, ask the groom 20 questions. Then, once the hen party has begun, ask your bride-to-be the same questions and see how many times their responses match. For some question inspiration, look at our Hen Party Mr. and Mrs. Quiz Questions.
THE BANNED WORD GAME
Is it really a hen do without a drinking game? Simply pick one word that cannot be said throughout the entire evening. Our favourites include wedding, bride, the groom’s name or married. If someone slips up and mentions the word, they have to down their drink. Sounds easy right? Imagine what’s it going to be like after a few too many glasses.
The ultimate winter hen party package
It wouldn’t be a hen party without some activity, would it? And now we’ve created the ultimate winter hen party package just in time for the seasons turning. Our life drawing classes create a unique and unforgettable experience for your bride-to-be and all her hens and now you can enjoy a personal, portable bar to class-up (and booze-up) every party too. Staffed by expert mixologists, it’s the cherry on top of any great event, turning a night from fun to unforgettable.