Tips and ideas for a successful hen do

A hen do is a special day when a bride-to-be is celebrated by her closest friends and family ahead of her upcoming wedding. It can range from a lavish affair to a more relaxed day; whatever the activities, the main thing is that the day reflects the bride’s personality and gives her a memory to last a lifetime. Here is a comprehensive guide with tips and ideas on how to go about planning a memorable hen do.

What is a hen do?

A hen do is a tradition centred on celebrating the bride-to-be ahead of her wedding. It’s often a day or weekend filled with laughter, fun activities and lovely memories. Originally, a hen do was a symbolic farewell party for the bride before she entered into marriage, but today it’s more about bringing friends and family together to celebrate.

Who organises the hen do?

Traditionally, it’s the bridesmaids or a group of close friends who are responsible for organising the hen do. Planning often begins by setting up a group chat or email thread to coordinate ideas and the budget. Don’t forget to involve the bride to some extent – she may have specific requests or themes she’d like to see for her big day.

When and where should it be held?

It’s common for the hen do to be held around 4–6 weeks before the wedding. This gives the bride time to enjoy the event without feeling the stress of wedding preparations.

The choice of venue depends on the bride’s preferences and budget. Here are a few ideas:

• A party at home with games and cooking.
• A relaxing spa day for a bit of self-care.
• A weekend trip to a nearby town or a beach.
• An adventurous celebration that includes outdoor activities.

Budget & Planning

A hen do should be fun and inclusive, so it’s important to tailor the budget to suit all participants so that everyone who wants to can take part. That’s why clear communication is key. Discuss within the group how much each person is willing to spend before deciding on activities. A hen do doesn’t have to cost a fortune; there are plenty of affordable options. A picnic in the park or a group brunch can be just as special as more expensive activities. What’s more, you can organise a lot yourselves – such as cooking, making your own decorations and DIY activities – to keep costs down.

Suggestions for Themes and Activities

As the organiser of a hen do, it can sometimes feel difficult to know where to start. By choosing a specific theme or focusing on a few selected activities, it can be easier to create a clear structure for the event.

Themes

A theme can make the hen do extra special and guide your choices on everything from outfits to decorations. Here are some popular ideas: Find products here→

• Glamour and Glitter – Guests dress up in elegant outfits, and you make the evening extra luxurious with champagne and dancing.
• Retro Style – Dress up in 80s or 90s outfits and let the music and activities reflect your chosen era.
• Pyjama Party – Surprise the bride with a cosy night in featuring snacks, films and face masks, where everyone wears pyjamas.
• Colour Theme – Choose a lovely colour and coordinate everything from outfits and decorations to food and drink around that colour.

Activities

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, depending on the bride’s personality and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Games, competitions and activities – If the group likes a bit of a challenge, you could organise classic games such as a music quiz or charades. Organising a pentathlon could be another fun option, with activities such as bowling, darts and paintball.
• Workshop – What could be more fun than trying something new? Seize the opportunity and sign the group up for a flower arranging course, chocolate tasting or jewellery-making workshop.
• Food and drink – A cocktail-making class, wine tasting or cooking a three-course dinner together are excellent suggestions for a hen do if the bride-to-be is interested in food and drink.
• Adventure – To surprise your adventure-loving friend, the group could go canoeing together, tackle a high-altitude adventure course or take part in an exciting escape room.

Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid stress or anyone feeling uncomfortable, there are a few useful tips. The most important thing at a hen do is for the bride-to-be to have fun, so it’s vital to only plan activities that she would enjoy. In some groups of friends, a hen do may include some ’embarrassing’ challenges that the bride-to-be has to complete. If, as the organiser of the hen do, you know that your friend doesn’t appreciate this sort of activity, they should be avoided altogether. 

Another important thing to remember is that it’s not just the bride who should feel comfortable. As a group, it’s therefore essential to ensure that everyone feels included, even those who perhaps don’t know the bride as well or anyone else in the group of friends.

To avoid the hen do feeling stressful, it’s a good idea to avoid planning too many activities in a short space of time. Instead, make sure there’s plenty of time to socialise and have fun together. 

The idea behind a hen do is that it should be full of joy and togetherness, and that the bride should feel a little extra appreciated. Whether the hen do consists of a classic party, a relaxing spa day or a lovely outing in the countryside, the main thing is that the event is tailored to the bride’s wishes and creates memories to last a lifetime.

Looking for suppliers for the hen do?

Do you need help finding suppliers for the wedding? Have a look at our business directory.

CLICK HERE