I’m a bit of an old hand at organising hen parties – this year will be my 8th time as a bridesmaid! Luckily I’m proving the old saying wrong and this year I will also be the bride. Yay! My trusted bridesmaids are organising something chic for us to do before my destination wedding in Thailand and I have full faith it won’t include me wearing anything inappropriate. (Right girls?!)
Today I’d thought I’d share some fun and sophisticated hen party ideas with you based on my previous experience and the tips I’ve been reading on Expedia’s Hen Hub. Do any of the below suggestions sound like your ideal hen weekend?
The ‘Real Housewives” One
I love getting all my favourite girlies together in a luxury property somewhere sunny. Portugal has a number of pool villas with open plan kitchens and cinema rooms that can be pretty reasonable to rent if you don’t mind sharing rooms and can split the cost between a big group. Make sure there is a supermarket within waking distance so you can grab supplies and also some nightlife nearby – particularly if the single ladies amongst the group want to get out and mingle.
Also think about booking some entertainment to come to the villa. My favourite options include having a chef (who may or may not be a buff man in a tiny apron) come to cook your dinner, a cocktail-making class or, for something more relaxed, contact a yoga teacher to take you through some moves and meditation by the pool.
The Alice In Wonderland One
Surely a wedding is a good excuse to eat cake and sup champagne with all your favourite girlfriends? There’s no shortage of afternoon tea venues in London but if you want your hen to be super sophisticated and memorable consider these options:
- The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson – With menu’s hidden in vintage bookcases, kings and queens adorning teapots, sinful scones and a red velvet ladybird cake, this Alice In Wonderland themed afternoon tea is perfect for playful hens.
- Afternoon Tea at Sketch Gallery – Slide into the pale pink velvet booths at Sketch Gallery for an afternoon tea that’s as pretty as the décor. This option will suit hens who love vintage glamour and all things pink.
- Volupté Presents Voluptease – For something a little bit cheekier, Voluptease is a pop up afternoon tea event where you are served and entertained by Burlesque dancers. Oh la la!
The One Where You’re All Beyoncé
This final idea is based on a hen party I arranged for my dance-loving sister. You and your hens can make like Beyoncé for a day by heading to Pineapple Studios in London’s Covent Garden and learning the Single Ladies dance routine. Dressing up in black leotards and strutting for the camera are encouraged but are by no means obligatory.
Our hens of all ages got involved and we had a laughter-filled afternoon channelling our inner divas. After a quick change in the dressing rooms we went to nearby Lucky Voice to try and sing like Beyoncé in the private karaoke booths. ‘Try’ being the key word here!
This post was written in conjunction with Expedia. All ideas are my own. Discover more Stag and Hen inspiration here.
I just organised my best friend’s hen party – I did a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme 🙂
That sounds awesome! Are you all going to war LBD’s and pearls?!