This is a collaborative post
A friend of mine is getting married and we were talking about her hen night. She wasn’t going to have one, but I twisted her arm. We’ve got a date in the diary, and now we’re thinking of some ideas of how we can celebrate.
When I got married almost ten years ago, I had a fairly standard hen night; a meal out, a comedy club, drinking until I was almost sick in a taxi, that kind of thing. Being a little older and – possibly – wiser these days, I was trying to think of something a bit different and maybe even a little more sensible!
Here are 15 alternative hen party ideas which don’t necessarily involve excessive quantities of alcohol…
1) Gin festival
OK this does involve alcohol but in a much more sensible, paced way than doing shots at a bar. Having been to a gin festival I can confirm that it’s a much more civilised – you could even say educational – drinking experience and perfect if you really like gin (not so great if you don’t).
2) Crystal Maze
If you’re close to London or Manchester then the Crystal Maze Live Experience is one alternative idea for a hen party that doesn’t involve any alcohol. Don your jump suits and see who can get the crystals without being locked in! I’m sure they let you out eventually
3) Rent a house
A popular idea before a wedding is to rent large hen or stag party accommodation and then split the cost between the attendees. You can then do whatever takes your fancy; watch films, maybe hire a chef, do a cocktail masterclass – all without having to leave the house.
4) Afternoon tea
This one is a classic; a nice afternoon tea with posh frocks and bone china tea cups, or champagne if you prefer!
5) Spa weekend
Another classic is the luxurious pampering weekend. Go for a day or stay over for a weekend.
You can get really good deals through Groupon and similar websites which include treatments and use of spa and gym facilities and sometimes combine afternoon tea as well, so it’s worth subscribing to their email newsletters.
5) Theme park
I love a roller coaster and the faster the and the more loops, the better! Obviously not everyone does, so this one only works if everyone is an adrenaline junkie!
6) Makeover
Get the girls together and give each other makeovers, or get professional hair and make up done before hitting the town.
7) Art or craft class
Something a bit different for the more artistically minded hen; try your hand at making jewellery, flower arranging, or perhaps a life drawing class…
8) Extreme sports
It’s a big no from me, but if you’re the adventurous type then there are loads of extreme sports which you could give a go as a group. Why not try skydiving or bungee jumping?
9) Cat cafe
Not my idea because I don’t actually like cats… But the hen does, and quite liked the idea of having a cat sitting on her cake. It takes all sorts I guess.
10) Murder mystery weekend
Either an organised event or a even a DIY one; Murder Mystery kits combined with renting party houses can make for a really fun and quite a cheap hen party.
11) Axe throwing
Seriously, it’s a thing – and something I quite fancy trying my arm at if I’m honest.
12) Ghost walk
If you don’t scare easily then test your bravery by going on a guided ghost tour, or maybe take a visit to a haunted house!
13) Boudoir shoot
Get professional hair and make up, strip down to your undies and get some tasteful pictures taken. Why not? You’ll all go home with a lovely memento of your weekend.
14) Comedy club
This is what I did for my hen night; a good old fashioned comedy club. Laughter is the best medicine after all!
15) Private karaoke booth
Hire a booth somewhere like Lucky Voice and sing your little heart out with your friends in a private karaoke room. You pick all the songs and you don’t have to listen to Maureen doing Come on Eileen again.
