Your cart is empty
From € 0
Per Person
Please select all times before proceeding
A hen party is pure fun with laughter, mischief and a generous helping of girl power. It’s the moment your favourite people in the world come together to celebrate the bride-to-be in style with activities, food, drink and so much more. Whether you want to dance all night, chow down on bottomless brunch, watch male strippers, try cocktail making, enjoy being pampered at a spa or a bit of everything, there is a hen do for every vibe in the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond. The goal is simple. Give the bride a send-off she will rave about long after the big day.
A hen party is so much more than just a night out. It’s a milestone and a rare occasion when all the bride’s favourite people come together to celebrate her. It’s the weekend where inside jokes are born, the group chat becomes a little spicier and everyone feels a bit closer. It’s a lovely chance to bring together friends from different chapters of her life. They might start as separate groups but by the end of the hen weekend, they’ll be dancing, laughing and telling stories as if they have always known each other. That’s the essence of an amazing hen do and why planning one properly is worth every single minute, penny and ounce of effort.
Planning a hen weekend can feel overwhelming but with a bit of clever thinking and organisation, you’ll pull it off. Start with the basics. What does the bride love? What makes her smile and love? Does she want something wild, relaxed or a bit of both? The best hen parties reflect the bride’s personality rather than the organiser’s stress level!
Once you know the vibe, you can narrow down your hen party ideas. Choose a location that suits the group. Whether it’s a busy city with loads going on, a peaceful countryside retreat or a coastal destination where you can enjoy the beach, the destination shapes a lot of the weekend, so choose one that fits the bride’s style. Then comes the fun bit. Selecting the hen party activities!
There are so many brilliant hen party ideas so you’ll easily find something to suit any taste. If your bride loves a good laugh, then comedy clubs, dance classes or cocktail workshops are great choices. If she prefers luxury, then treat her to a spa afternoon, afternoon tea or a boat cruise. If she is the adventurous type, think of outdoor games, water sports or experience days that get everyone’s adrenaline pumping.
Some brides want something cheeky like male strippers or nude life drawing. Others want a calmer weekend with good food, relaxed chats and quality time with besties. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. The best hen do is the one that makes the bride feel loved and like she can completely be herself, surrounded by those who care about her the most.
The best hen party activities keep the weekend fun and exciting, offering a break from everyday life. It’s time to try something special. Hen party experiences and activities break the ice, lift the energy and give everyone a reason to get involved. They can turn total strangers into teammates and help everyone to make memories.
A hen party is your chance to hit pause on all the wedding planning and enjoy a fun celebration of you. Planning a wedding is a wonderful time but it can be stressful so the bride deserves a break where the people she loves the most get together to have fun, be silly and spoil her. A hen do is a rite of passage and a great excuse to let your hair down before the big day arrives.
A hen party brings together friends from every part of your life including best friends, family, workmates, childhood friends, university pals and future in-laws. It’s the perfect warm up before the wedding and it creates a sense of togetherness that carries beautifully into the celebrations. By the time the wedding day arrives, your guests already know each other, which means even more fun and far fewer awkward introductions.
It’s the perfect cure for pre-wedding stress. Let your group take you away for a weekend of pampering, dancing, drinking and laughing, depending on your style. A hen weekend gives you time to relax, get playful and soak up the love around you. There will be no spreadsheets or seating plans, just great company and good vibes.
Most importantly, a hen night or hen weekend puts the spotlight firmly on you. You deserve that. You are about to enter a brand new chapter of your life and your hen do celebrates this. So should you have a hen party? Absolutely. It’s fun, it’s uplifting and it’s one of the best parts of the whole wedding journey.
Right, where are you actually taking the bride? This is usually where the group chat goes completely off the rails. One person wants somewhere glamorous, someone else wants cheap drinks, the bride wants a proper night out and there’s always one person asking how much the hotel is going to cost before anyone’s even picked a city.
The good news is that you’ve got loads of options. Whether you’re staying in the UK, heading over to Ireland or getting the passports out for a girls’ trip in Europe, there are some destinations that just work for hen parties. Here are 15 of the most popular spots to get you started.
Liverpool – Liverpool is in the north-west of England and is famous for music, football, The Beatles and its legendary nightlife. It’s one of those cities where you can arrive on Friday afternoon and immediately feel like the weekend has started. The Albert Dock is a gorgeous place to wander around during the day, with the River Mersey, restaurants, bars and museums all around you, while The Beatles Story is a must for any music-loving bride. The city centre is packed with shops, restaurants and bars, and the famous Cavern Quarter is full of Beatles history and live music. Then there’s Concert Square, Ropewalks and the Baltic Triangle, where the evening really gets going. Liverpool is a great choice for hens who want a party city with loads of atmosphere, plenty of places to eat and drink and a friendly northern welcome.
Brighton – Brighton sits on England’s south coast, around an hour from London by train, and it’s famous for its beach, pier, colourful streets and wonderfully individual personality. It’s a city where you can spend the afternoon wandering around The Lanes, browsing independent shops, grabbing coffee or cocktails and then head down to the seafront for a stroll along the beach. Brighton Palace Pier is a classic stop, while the Royal Pavilion gives you something a little more glamorous and unusual to explore. Once evening arrives, the city’s bars and clubs really come into their own, particularly around The Lanes, Kemptown and the seafront. There’s also a huge choice of restaurants, from cute little cafés to places where you can properly dress up for dinner. Brighton is brilliant for a hen group because it feels like you’ve gone away without actually having to travel miles, and the city is compact enough that you can get around without spending your whole weekend in taxis.
London – London is the capital of England and one of the most famous cities in the world, so there’s no shortage of things to see, do and talk about afterwards. You’ve got the big landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, but for a hen party it’s the different neighbourhoods that can make the weekend so much fun. Soho is packed with restaurants, bars and nightlife, Covent Garden is great for shopping, food and theatre, while Shoreditch has a more alternative feel with quirky venues, street art and late night spots. You can also head into the West End for a musical or show, wander around Notting Hill, browse the shops on Oxford Street or enjoy a drink with a view from one of the city’s many rooftop bars. London can be pricier than other UK destinations, but if your bride wants a glamorous city weekend where there’s always somewhere new to go, it’s difficult to get bored here.
Cardiff – Cardiff is the capital of Wales and sits in the south of the country, making it an easy city break for groups travelling from different parts of the UK. It’s famous for Cardiff Castle, Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Bay, where the waterfront is lined with restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. The city centre is compact, which is a big bonus when you’ve got a group of hens who all need to get from A to B without losing anyone along the way. You can wander around the Victorian arcades, browse the shops, grab food in the city centre or head down to Cardiff Bay for a change of scenery. Come evening, St Mary Street is the place to be if the bride wants a proper night out, with bars and clubs close together. Cardiff has a friendly, fun atmosphere and it’s generally easier on the purse strings than London, making it a great option for a group that wants a big weekend without a massive price tag.
Newcastle – Newcastle is in the north east of England, sitting on the River Tyne, and it’s famous for its nightlife, football, music and unmistakable Geordie personality. The city’s iconic bridges are one of its biggest attractions, with the Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge making the Quayside a gorgeous place to wander during the day. You can explore the historic streets, browse the shops around Eldon Square, visit Newcastle Castle or head to St James’ Park if the bride is a football fan. Then there’s the nightlife, which is a huge part of Newcastle’s appeal. Bigg Market, the Diamond Strip and the Quayside all have bars and late-night venues, while Ouseburn is a great choice if you fancy somewhere a little more independent and relaxed. Newcastle is known for being friendly, fun and good value, which is exactly what you want when a whole group of girls are trying to make their money stretch across a weekend.
Dublin – Dublin is the capital of Ireland and sits on the east coast, making it one of the easiest places to reach for a girls’ weekend from the UK. It’s famous for Guinness, Irish pubs, live music, Georgian architecture and its literary history, but there’s much more to it than Temple Bar. You can visit Trinity College and see the famous Book of Kells, explore Dublin Castle, wander along the River Liffey or head to the Guinness Storehouse for one of the city’s best-known experiences. Temple Bar is the obvious place for a night out, but don’t feel like you have to stay there all weekend. There are gorgeous restaurants, cocktail bars, traditional pubs and late-night venues across the city. Dublin has that brilliant combination of feeling like you’ve properly gone away while still being incredibly easy to get to.
Cork – Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city and is tucked into the south of the country, with the River Lee running through the centre. It’s known for its food, colourful streets, independent shops and laid-back Irish character, making it a lovely choice for a hen party that doesn’t want to spend the entire weekend surrounded by huge crowds. The English Market is one of Cork’s most famous attractions and is packed with food stalls and local produce, while the historic streets around the city centre are full of cafés, pubs and restaurants. You can also head out to nearby Cobh, a gorgeous harbour town famous for its colourful waterfront and maritime history. Cork works well for hens because you can enjoy a slower morning, wander around the city, stop for lunch and drinks and then get dressed up for dinner and a night out.
Galway – Galway is on Ireland’s west coast and sits beside Galway Bay, making it a gorgeous choice if your bride loves somewhere with character and a bit of old-fashioned Irish charm. It’s famous for traditional music, colourful streets, arts and culture, and the lively atmosphere around the Latin Quarter. This is where you’ll find colourful buildings, independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs with live music spilling out into the streets. You can also wander along the Salthill Promenade, visit Galway City Museum or head out towards Connemara if you want to escape the city for a few hours. For a hen party, Galway is great because it feels relaxed during the day but knows how to have fun once the sun goes down. There’s something very appealing about getting the girls together, finding a cosy pub, ordering a round and listening to live Irish music before heading off for the night.
Carrick on Shannon – Carrick on Shannon is a small town in County Leitrim in the heart of Ireland, sitting on the River Shannon. It’s become a very popular choice for hen and stag weekends because it’s all about getting a big group together and having a proper laugh. The river is at the heart of the town, with boat trips and cruises being a big part of its appeal, while the surrounding countryside gives you gorgeous scenery when you need a break from the bars. Nearby Lough Key Forest Park is another great spot to explore, with woodland, lakes and beautiful views. Back in town, the centre is easy to get around and is packed with pubs, restaurants and places to carry on the party. Carrick on Shannon has that small town advantage too. You’re not trying to organise a group of girls across a huge city, so it’s much easier to stay together and make the most of the weekend.
Limerick – Limerick is in the west of Ireland on the River Shannon and is one of the country’s oldest cities, with a history stretching back centuries. Its most famous landmark is King John’s Castle, which sits beside the river and gives you a brilliant glimpse into the city’s medieval past. You can also explore the historic streets around the castle, visit the Hunt Museum, browse the stalls at the Milk Market or simply wander around the city centre. Limerick has a good selection of restaurants, traditional pubs and bars, so you can easily turn sightseeing into a long lunch and then into an evening out. It’s a good choice for hens who want a city that feels genuinely Irish without being as busy as Dublin. You’ll get history, food, drinks, friendly locals and enough nightlife to make sure the bride doesn’t have an early night unless she actually wants one.
Benidorm – Benidorm is on Spain’s Costa Blanca, on the Mediterranean coast, and it’s famous for its huge sandy beaches, sunny weather, skyscraper-lined skyline and legendary nightlife. This is one for the bride who wants to feel like she’s properly escaped to Spain for the weekend. During the day, you’ve got Levante Beach for sunbathing and swimming, Poniente Beach for a more relaxed afternoon and the Old Town for winding streets, little shops and Spanish restaurants. Then there’s the famous Benidorm Strip, which is packed with bars, clubs, live entertainment and late-night venues. You can spend your days in the sunshine, head out for dinner when the temperature starts to drop and then keep going until the early hours. It’s also known for being relatively affordable, which is a huge bonus when the whole girls’ trip needs to stay within budget. Benidorm is currently one of the most booked European hen destinations.
Albufeira – Albufeira is a beautiful resort town on Portugal’s Algarve coast and is famous for golden beaches, whitewashed buildings, pretty Old Town streets and a serious reputation for nightlife. The Old Town is full of little squares, restaurants, shops and bars, with the beach right in the middle of it all. During the day, you can wander along the coastline, relax on Praia dos Pescadores or head out on the water to see the Algarve’s famous cliffs, caves and hidden beaches. When the sun goes down, The Strip in Areias de São João becomes the main attraction, with bars, clubs and restaurants stretching along the road. Albufeira is a great hen destination because you get that proper holiday feeling without needing to spend your entire weekend travelling between different parts of town. Beach by day, dinner and drinks by night. It really is a pretty good combination.
Lisbon – Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and sits on the country’s Atlantic coast, spread across a series of hills overlooking the River Tagus. It’s famous for its colourful tiled buildings, yellow trams, historic neighbourhoods, incredible viewpoints and delicious Portuguese food. Alfama is one of the oldest parts of the city, with narrow streets and traditional buildings, while Bairro Alto is where the evening really comes alive with bars and restaurants. You can see the city from São Jorge Castle, wander around Praça do Comércio, take a tram through the old streets or stop for pastel de nata and coffee whenever the girls need a little pick me up. Lisbon works so well for hens because it feels stylish and exciting without being overly formal. You can spend the day exploring, sit outside for a long lunch, watch the sunset from a rooftop and then head out into Bairro Alto for the evening. It’s currently one of Europe’s most popular hen destinations too.
Marbella – Marbella is on Spain’s Costa del Sol in southern Spain and is famous for sunshine, beaches, luxury hotels, glamorous restaurants and Puerto Banús. If your bride loves dressing up, good food and feeling a little bit fancy, this could be right up her street. Marbella’s Old Town is full of pretty whitewashed buildings, little squares, boutiques and restaurants, while Puerto Banús is where you’ll find enormous yachts, designer shops and waterfront restaurants. The coastline is dotted with sandy beaches and stylish beach clubs, making it very easy to spend an afternoon soaking up the sunshine before getting ready for the evening. Once the girls are dressed up, the Golden Mile and Puerto Banús are where you’ll find some of the area’s most glamorous bars and clubs. Marbella is definitely a destination for hens who want their weekend to feel like a proper treat.
Barcelona – Barcelona is on the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain and is one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations. It’s famous for Gaudí’s incredible architecture, tapas, football, beaches and nightlife, so there’s something going on whether you’re a sightseeing girl, a sunbathing girl or the girl who only starts coming alive after 9pm. The Sagrada Família is the city’s most famous landmark, while Park Güell, Casa Batlló and the Gothic Quarter are all worth exploring. You can wander down Las Ramblas, browse the shops, sit on Barceloneta Beach or stop for tapas and sangria in one of the city’s many squares. Once evening arrives, head to a rooftop bar for views across the city, find a restaurant for a long dinner and then carry on into the night. Barcelona is currently one of Europe’s top booked hen destinations, and it’s easy to see why. You get sunshine, beaches, food, architecture and nightlife all in one very pretty package.
Planning a hen party sounds easy enough until you’re suddenly trying to organise a group of people with completely different personalities, budgets, opinions and ideas of what makes a good time. To keep the bride and her besties happy, here are the top hen party do’s and don’ts you’ll want to know:
It’s the bride’s hen party, so her tastes should have a say in what you’re planning. That doesn’t mean every single activity has to be something she’d normally do, but you’ll want to choose things she’ll actually enjoy. If she hates clubbing, dragging her to a nightclub at midnight probably isn’t going to create the memories you’re hoping for.
The bride might love tequila shots and karaoke, but that doesn’t mean the whole group does. You’ll need to think about ages, budgets, fitness levels and different personalities when planning the day. A good hen party should give everyone a chance to join in without making anyone feel uncomfortable or left out.
Money can get awkward very quickly, so it’s best to deal with it before anyone starts booking things. Work out what everyone’s comfortable spending and be clear about what’s included. You don’t want someone discovering halfway through the weekend that they’re expected to pay for three more activities, dinner and a taxi home.
There’s always one person who thinks you can just turn up somewhere and magically get a table for 15. Sadly, that’s not how it works. Popular hen party activities, restaurants and accommodation can book up months ahead, especially at weekends. Get the important bits sorted early and you’ll have much less to panic about later.
A few activities can make the day feel much more exciting than simply moving from one bar to another. Cocktail making, dance classes, afternoon tea, creative workshops, bottomless brunches and spa experiences can all work well for groups. You could even mix something energetic with something more relaxed so nobody’s exhausted by lunchtime.
You don’t need an itinerary that looks like a military operation. Give everyone time to get ready, have a drink, grab some food and chat. Some of the funniest moments can happen when nobody’s rushing off to the next booking.
A cheeky hen party is one thing, but embarrassing the bride beyond what she’s comfortable with is another. If she loves attention, go for it. If she’d rather not wear a giant veil and perform a dance in the middle of the street, respect that. The goal is to make her laugh, not make her want to hide in the nearest toilet.
Sashes, accessories and matching T-shirts can be a fun addition, but they aren’t compulsory. If the bride loves the idea, go for it. If half the group would rather wear their own outfits, don’t turn it into a fashion dictatorship.
Never underestimate the importance of feeding a hen party. People get grumpy when they’re hungry, especially after a few drinks. Make sure there are proper meal breaks and check whether anyone has allergies, dietary requirements or foods they can’t eat.
Being the organiser doesn’t mean you have to become the group’s unpaid travel agent, accountant, photographer and personal assistant. Get a few trusted hens involved with different jobs. One can sort the activities, another can organise decorations and someone else can keep track of payments. You’ll thank yourself later.
The best hen parties don’t always go exactly to plan, and that’s fine. Someone will forget their bag, someone will order another round when nobody asked them to and somebody will inevitably take approximately 400 photos of the same cocktail. Roll with it. As long as the bride’s having fun, you’re doing something right.
Working out who to invite to a hen party can be surprisingly tricky. In your head, you might think it’s as simple as getting all the bride’s favourite girls together, but then you remember she has childhood friends, uni friends, work friends, cousins, bridesmaids, family members and different friendship groups. The good news is there isn’t a strict rulebook because a hen party should be made up of the people the bride genuinely wants there, rather than whoever she thinks she ought to invite.
If the bride is close to her mum and wants her there, absolutely. The same goes for sisters, aunties or other family members. A hen party doesn’t have to be a no-parents zone, and lots of brides love having their mum along for the fun. That said, don’t invite someone just because you think it would look rude not to. It’s the bride’s hen, so her relationship with that person matters more than tradition.
This one can feel a little more complicated. If the bride gets on well with her future mother-in-law, inviting her could be a really lovely gesture. If they’ve barely met and the bride would feel like she had to behave differently with her there, there’s no need to force it.
Not necessarily, although it can make things easier if they’re all included. Bridesmaids often have different budgets, work commitments and family responsibilities, so don’t assume everyone will be able to make the same date or afford the same weekend. If one bridesmaid can’t come, don’t let it become a huge drama. She can still be part of the wedding without being at the hen.
Then congratulations, you’ve got a very popular bride and a very long guest list. If inviting everyone would make the hen ridiculously expensive or impossible to organise, it’s completely fine to keep it smaller. Think about the people she actually spends time with now, the friends she’d be excited to see and the people who’ll add to the atmosphere.
A smaller group can also make a hen feel more relaxed and personal. You don’t need 30 people just because the bride knows 30 people.
Don’t panic. It’s incredibly common for hens to come from completely different parts of the bride’s life. Your job isn’t to make sure everyone has been best friends since primary school.
A few easy introductions, some food and a fun plan will usually get people chatting. Just don’t spend the entire weekend announcing how everyone knows the bride. They’ll work it out.
Usually, a hen party is just for the bride and her chosen guests, so partners don’t need to be included. If the group includes people who are travelling a long way or the plans are part of a bigger weekend away, you might decide differently.
The main thing is to be clear from the start. Nobody wants to discover two weeks before the hen that their other half has somehow been added to the booking.
This is where the guest list can get awkward. If two people have a genuine history of falling out, think carefully before putting them together for an entire weekend. You don’t want the bride spending her hen refereeing an argument between two guests.
You don’t necessarily have to leave someone off the list because of a bit of tension, though. If they’re both important to the bride, invite them and trust them to behave like grown ups for the weekend. Just don’t deliberately put them in situations where they’re going to clash.
The bride. Yes, it’s that simple! You can help, suggest, organise and quietly point out that inviting 47 people probably isn’t going to work with the budget, but the final guest list should reflect who she actually wants to celebrate with.
And remember, there’s no perfect hen party guest list. Some brides will want their mum, sisters, cousins and every friend they’ve ever made. Others will want four best mates, a bottle of prosecco and absolutely nobody else. Both are completely fine. If everyone there is someone she’d genuinely choose to spend her hen party with, you’ve probably got it right.
Planning a hen party should be fun, but when you’re the one in charge, it can quickly turn into spreadsheets, WhatsApp messages and wondering why nobody can agree on a date. There are a few classic mistakes that can make things much harder than they need to be, so here’s what to watch out for:
This is probably the biggest mistake you can make. One person wants a wild night out, another wants a spa day and someone else thinks everyone should be in bed by 10pm. You’re never going to create a plan that makes every single person happy, so don’t even try.
Keep the bride’s wishes at the heart of it and choose something that works for the group as a whole. A few people might not love every single part of the weekend, and that’s OK.
Money can get awkward very quickly, especially when you’re dealing with a big group. Before you book anything, find out what people are actually comfortable spending.
Be upfront about the costs and remember that the price of the activity isn’t the whole bill. There’s accommodation, food, drinks, taxis and all those little extras that have a sneaky habit of adding up.
It might be tempting to get everything booked as soon as you have a rough idea of who’s coming, but hold your horses. If you’ve booked something for 14 people and suddenly only 10 are going, you could end up paying more per person or trying to rearrange everything.
Get your guest list and numbers as firm as you can before putting your card details down.
We’ve all been there, but a hen party isn’t something you want to organise the week before. Popular dates, accommodation and activities can disappear quickly, especially during the summer.
You don’t need to have every tiny detail sorted a year in advance, but getting the big things booked early will save you a serious amount of stress later.
More isn’t always more. Trying to squeeze breakfast, an activity, lunch, another activity, afternoon drinks, dinner and a night out into one day might sound fantastic when you’re planning it from your sofa. In reality, you’ll spend half the day checking your watch and herding everyone from one place to another.
Leave some breathing room. People need time to eat, get ready, chat and have a drink without constantly rushing off somewhere.
This is an easy one to overlook. Booking something at 2pm and dinner at 3pm might look perfectly reasonable until you realise they’re a 30 minute taxi ride apart and someone needs to find her shoes first.
Check how long it’ll take to get between places and give yourselves a bit of wiggle room. Hen parties rarely run exactly to schedule.
Just because one person is happy to spend £500 on a weekend doesn’t mean everyone else is. People have different incomes and circumstances, so try to keep that in mind when making plans.
It’s much better to have an honest conversation about money at the beginning than have someone quietly stressing about the cost throughout the weekend.
A hen party is the perfect excuse for a bit of silliness, but there’s a difference between making the bride laugh and making her want the ground to swallow her up.
If she’s shy, don’t assume she’ll suddenly love being dressed in something ridiculous and paraded through town. If she’s up for all the dares and attention, fantastic. Just make sure you’re planning a celebration that suits her rather than forcing her into someone else’s idea of a hen party.
Nobody wants to be the person asking about dietary requirements, accessibility, travel arrangements or booking details at the last possible moment.
It might not be the glamorous part of planning a hen, but checking these things early can prevent a lot of headaches. Make sure everyone knows where they’re going, what they need to bring and what’s included.
Being the organiser doesn’t mean you have to become a one woman hen party machine. If you’ve got bridesmaids or close friends who are happy to help, let them.
Someone can keep track of payments, someone else can organise the decorations and another person can keep everyone updated. You’ll still be in charge, but at least you won’t be trying to answer 18 WhatsApp messages while booking a restaurant and counting down the days until you can finally sit down.
Things will go wrong. Someone will be late. Someone will forget something. Someone will order chips when they’re supposed to be getting on a minibus. That’s just hen party life.
Have a plan, but don’t panic when it goes slightly off course. Some of the funniest memories come from the moments that weren’t planned at all.
This is the big one. It’s very easy to get so caught up in organising everything that you spend the whole hen party checking bookings, counting heads and making sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be.
You’ve put the effort in, so make sure you enjoy yourself too. Put the phone down, grab a drink, join in with the fun and remember what the whole thing is actually about. You’re celebrating one of your favourite girls before she gets married, not running a corporate away day.
The perfect hen party doesn’t need to run like clockwork. It just needs the right people, a plan that suits the bride and enough room for everyone to relax and have a laugh. Avoid the big planning mistakes, don’t sweat the little stuff and you’ll be well on your way to a hen party everyone will be talking about for years.
Hen parties might feel like a modern excuse for cocktails and mischief but the idea has been around way longer than the glitter and sashes suggest. Women have gathered to celebrate brides for centuries. These early gatherings were chilled out moments where female friends and relatives shared advice, offered support and wished the bride well before her new life as a married woman began. They focused on passing on wisdom rather than wild nights out, but the spirit of coming together for the bride was already there.
The modern hen party began taking shape in the mid 20th century. Before then, it was the groom who had the wild pre-wedding celebration, while women usually enjoyed a quiet evening at home with friends. They’d chat, give gifts and offer traditional words of guidance. It was sweet and thoughtful but hardly the kind of send-off most brides would expect today.
By the 1960s and 1970s, women had more independence and more freedom in social life and brides wanted celebrations of their own that matched the energy of the infamous stag night. This is when the term hen party became widely used in the UK and when the celebrations moved into pubs and bars.
By the 1980s and 1990s, hen parties had become full-on events with outfits, games, themes and loads of personality. As travel became easier, the celebrations grew into full hen weekends with trips across the UK and abroad. Today, hen parties come in every style imaginable. What has never changed is the heart of the tradition. Women coming together to celebrate the bride with warmth, support and fun.
What is a hen party or hen do?
A hen party is a celebration for the bride-to-be, a weekend, day or evening where her friends, family and loved ones gather to celebrate her last days of single life. It can be anything you want it to such as a cheeky night out with cocktails and dancing, a pampering day of spa treatments and indulgent food or a full weekend of adrenaline-pumping activities. The point is to have fun together, make the bride feel special and make memories.
How soon should I start planning a hen weekend?
It’s best to start planning around six to 12 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to organise accommodation, book activities and coordinate schedules with the hens without feeling rushed or stressed. Some groups plan even earlier, especially if they’re going abroad or want to book popular activities or venues that could otherwise sell out. Early planning means less stress, more choice and more time to build excitement with the group.
Who should I invite to the hen party?
You should invite the people who matter most to the bride. That can include close friends, family members, school pals, work colleagues she is close to and anyone she would love to have around for a fun celebration. You don’t have to include everyone from the wedding guest list. The most important thing is that the people invited genuinely want to celebrate her and will contribute to a fun atmosphere.
Do hen parties always have to be wild nights out?
Absolutely not. Not every bride wants to spend the evening drinking or dancing until dawn. Some prefer relaxing spa days, creative workshops or fun weekends indoors at a hen house. The best hen parties reflect the bride’s personality and interests, so it’s always about what makes her happy rather than what feels traditional or expected.
How much should a hen weekend cost?
That depends on the location, activities and number of guests. Hen weekends can range from budget-friendly days out in your hometown to luxurious city breaks or trips abroad. A rough estimate is usually a few hundred pounds per person, but you can make it cheaper by being selection with you activities, choosing self catering accommodation so you can cook or choosing to have the hen do on off-peak travel dates. The key is to be transparent and upfront about costs before people commit and to plan a weekend everyone can afford without feeling stressed.
How do I set a budget people are comfortable with?
The easiest way is to have an honest conversation with all the hens. Decide on a realistic amount of money for accommodation, activities, travel, food and drinks. Using shared apps or spreadsheets to track things can help. You can also offer flexible options for those who need them. Clear communication and planning ahead will make the whole weekend feel stress-free and fun.
What kind of accommodation should we book?
This is up to you. Hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments all work really well for hen parties. Hotels are convenient with comfy rooms and often bars or restaurants on site. A holiday home or hen house gives you privacy, space for games, late-night chats and space to cook your own food. It depends on your group size, style and what will make the weekend more enjoyable.
Should we do a themed hen party?
Themes can be brilliant fun, from retro and glamour to festival or slumber party vibes. Dressing up makes photos hilarious and gets everyone in the party mood. They’re fun but not essential. Some brides prefer casual fun without fancy dress. The main goal is to make the bride feel special and relaxed, so let her personality guide the theme or decide to skip it if you think she’d like that more.
What hen party activities are popular?
There are so many amazing activities for hen parties. Cocktail making, dance classes, spa days, arts and crafts workshops, nude life drawing, bottomless brunch and male strip shows are all really popular options. You can plan one activity or combine more for a hen party package. It’s best to choose things the bride will love and that give the group chances to bond, laugh and let their hair down together.
How long should a hen party last?
It depends on what the bride wants. A traditional hen night is one evening with dinner, drinks and dancing. Many groups now opt for a full hen weekend with several activities, meals and chill time. A weekend allows everyone to relax and really enjoy each other’s company without rushing from one thing to another.
Where should we have the hen weekend?
Anywhere that suits the bride and the group. UK cities like London, Brighton, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff and Edinburgh are all really popular for nightlife and activities. Some groups even travel abroad for a city break or beach getaway with places like Marbella, Benidorm and Tenerife being very well suited to hen parties. The location sets the tone so choose one that matches the bride’s style and likes.
Should we use a hen party organiser?
You can plan the weekend yourself if you love organising and enjoy details. For bigger groups, longer trips or more complicated itineraries, a professional organiser or a pre-booked hen party package can save a lot of stress. The Foxy Hen can handle the logistics, activities, bookings and even a few surprise touches, leaving you free to enjoy the fun with the bride.
Should we combine the hen party and the stag do?
It can work, but it all depends on the bride and the vibe you want. Some groups love a mixed gathering for some activities or meals, but the magic of a hen party is the space for the bride and her friends. If you do mix the two groups, consider separating key activities so she still has her special time with her closest mates.
What do we do about hen party transport?
Transport is important to plan early. You’ll need to consider how guests will get to the location, how you will travel between activities and if taxis or group transport is needed for nights out. Coordinating cars or minibuses and figuring out train and bus times ahead of time avoids stress and keeps everyone safe and relaxed. We offer a range of transfers if you’re coming from or to an airport.
What should people wear to a hen party?
It depends on the activity. Daytime could be casual and comfortable while evenings might be dress to impress in glamorous outfits or even fancy dress if you’re feeling fun. If there’s a theme, you have to let everyone know in advance so no one feels awkward or left out.
Do we need decorations and hen party supplies?
Some small touches can make the weekend feel extra special. Bunting, balloons, sashes and props create a celebratory atmosphere without going overboard. Thoughtful details like personalised wine glasses or badges or a group playlist are often more memorable than loads of decorations.
What if someone can’t afford the full hen weekend?
That’s ok. Just remember to be flexible. Offer options like skipping pricier activities or suggesting a day trip instead of the full weekend. The aim is to make the bride feel celebrated without excluding anyone. Open conversations about costs early on help to prevent awkwardness and keep the mood positive.
How do we make the bride feel special without embarrassing her?
Focus on what the bride-to-be likes. Include activities she loves, give thoughtful gifts, organise some cute moments and maybe a few cheeky games if she enjoys them. Avoid overly embarrassing situations, such as dares, if she wouldn’t like them and make the weekend all about celebrating her personality and friendships. This is her special time.
Should the bride pay for the hen do?
It depends on the group. Some brides contribute towards activities or a special meal while others don’t. It’s quite common for the group to pay a small amount each towards the bride’s side of things. But the important thing is to be clear and discuss costs openly so no one feels awkward or surprised during the weekend.
Is there any etiquette we should follow for a hen party?
Yes, be inclusive, respectful and considerate. Respect budgets, personal boundaries and the bride’s preferences. Make sure everyone feels welcome, takes part in activities if they want and communicates openly to avoid misunderstandings. Etiquette is really just about kindness and thoughtfulness. You’re all here for the same reason.
Do we need to plan food and drink for the hen weekend?
Yes. Plan breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks along with celebratory drinks. Check dietary requirements to make sure everyone’s included. Whether you cook, order in or eat out, having a plan keeps the weekend flowing smoothly and keeps everyone happy and their bellies full. The last thing you want is hangry hens!
What happens if someone cancels last minute?
It happens and is sometimes completely unavoidable. Don’t make the person feel guilty. Flexible bookings, contingency plans and a small backup budget help deal with unexpected cancellations. If a guest cancels, adjust accommodation and activity numbers early to avoid extra costs or stress.
How do we capture the memories?
Photos and videos are the obvious way, but you can also create a scrapbook, Polaroid album or memory jar. Designating someone to capture moments ensures no memories are missed and makes sure that these are shared with the other hens so you can all reminisce.
Can you have a hen party with guests spread across the country?
Yes. Use group chats, polls and shared spreadsheets to coordinate travel and activities. Pick a central location if possible or a spot easy for most people to reach. Sharing costs, itineraries and updates keeps everyone included and organised. Don’t forget, if the activity allows, you can also try a virtual activity where you all gather online via video chat. It’s a nice way to keep connected.
Do we need insurance for a hen weekend?
It’s a good idea to think about insurance, especially for larger groups and trips abroad. It protects against cancellations, accidents or unexpected issues. Some providers also cover luggage and travel delays, which can save a lot of stress.
What is a good way to build excitement before the hen weekend?
Start a group chat, share outfit ideas, run fun polls, tease activities and count down the days until the big hen do. Make sure to build hype and keep in touch in the run up to the big weekend.
Can we have a low key hen party?
Absolutely. Not every bride wants a wild night or a full weekend of activities. A relaxed arts and crafts workshop, spa day or meal out can be just as memorable and fun. A low key weekend lets everyone chat, laugh and celebrate the bride without pressure. money or exhaustion.
How do we make the hen party feel personal?
Include things the bride loves, include shared memories, inside jokes and her favourite activities. Personalised gifts, a curated playlist or a custom quiz about the bride make the weekend uniquely hers. It’s a great opportunity to show the bride how much you love her.
Who pays for what on a hen do?
There are no set rules. The important thing is to talk about costs and expectations openly and honestly. Decide in advance who’s paying for what to avoid any surprises. Clarity is kindness and it keeps the weekend friendly and stress free.
What if the bride does not want a hen party?
Then respect her wishes. Some brides prefer quiet celebrations or a simple get together with friends and family instead of a traditional hen do. The weekend can be adapted to what she enjoys most. Remember, it’s all about her.
The Foxy Hen has a massive range of hen party experiences that’ll make the bride-to-be’s last weekend of freedom absolutely epic. Give your best mate the send-off she deserves with brilliant hen party activities across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Whatever your group loves, whatever your budget, we’ve got it covered. You could take part in a dance class in Dublin, try nude life drawing in London, get messy with a bottomless brunch in Manchester, go clubbing in Prague, or sun yourself at a beach party in Marbella. Wherever you want to go and whatever you want to do, we’ll help you make it a weekend to remember.
Whether you go for something that’s classy, wild, quirky, boozy or chilled out, a hen party is one of the greatest celebrations in a woman’s life. The bride will be surrounded by her favourite people for a weekend packed with fun and happiness. With the right hen party activities and a bit of clever planning, you’ll make hen do that everyone will talk about for years.
If you want hen activities, inspiration, support or ready-made hen party packages, then you’ve come to the right place. The Foxy Hen can help you with all your hen party needs. Trust us, the best hen weekend is waiting for you!
Choose your preferred destination, what type of booking & your (rough) dates.
