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What Is A Hen Do?
Everything you need to know about hen parties - from traditions and history to planning the perfect celebration for a bride-to-be.
Quick Hen Do Facts
- ✓Also known as bachelorette party in the US
- ✓Traditionally held the night before the wedding
- ✓Now typically a weekend away before the big day
- ✓Usually organized by the maid of honor or bridesmaids
- ✓Average UK hen party costs £150-£250 per person
The Ultimate Guide to Hen Parties
A hen party (also known as a hen do or hen weekend) is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride-to-be and her closest female friends. It's the UK equivalent of the American bachelorette party - a chance for the bride to let her hair down before saying "I do" and entering married life.
While traditionally just a night out, modern hen parties have evolved into weekend-long celebrations, often involving trips to popular destinations, activities, games, and, of course, lots of fun and laughter!
The History of Hen Parties
The term "hen party" originated in the 1800s, where it was simply used to describe a gathering of women. However, hen parties as pre-wedding celebrations are a relatively modern phenomenon, becoming popular in the UK from the 1980s onwards.
Before hen parties became commonplace, it was traditional for women to have a bridal shower, which was a much more conservative affair focused on gift-giving and wishing the bride well in her new married life.
The shift towards more celebratory and sometimes wild hen parties mirrored changing attitudes towards women's independence and the desire to create memorable experiences before marriage. Today, they're seen as an essential pre-wedding tradition for most brides-to-be.
What Happens At A Hen Do?
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Celebratory Activities
From cocktail making classes and spa days to adrenaline-filled adventures, activities are often tailored to the bride's preferences.
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Bonding with Friends
Hen parties bring together friends from different parts of the bride's life, creating new connections and strengthening existing ones.
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Destination Adventures
Many hen parties involve travel, whether it's a UK city break or a trip abroad to sunny destinations like Barcelona or Ibiza.
Games & Entertainment
Fun games like "Mr & Mrs", "Never Have I Ever", and "Most Likely To" are hen party staples to keep everyone entertained.
Modern Hen Parties: How They've Evolved
Today's hen parties have moved far beyond the stereotypical night out with L-plates and feather boas (though these still have their place!). Modern celebrations tend to be more:
- Personalized – Tailored to the bride's interests rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach
- Extended – Often spanning a full weekend or even longer for destination celebrations
- Diverse – Including a mix of daytime activities, evening entertainment, and sometimes relaxation time
- Inclusive – Many now include the mother of the bride, future mother-in-law, and friends of various ages
- Experience-focused – Creating memorable experiences over simply having a wild night out
Planning a Hen Party: Timeline
6+ Months Before
Start planning, create a guest list, set a budget, and begin looking at potential locations.
4-6 Months Before
Confirm the date, book accommodation, and send out save-the-dates to the hen party guests.
2-3 Months Before
Book activities and entertainment, plan games, and organize any special surprises for the bride.
1 Month Before
Finalize all details, create an itinerary, confirm bookings, and collect any remaining payments.
Top Tips For Planning a Hen Party
Keep the Bride Central
While surprises can be fun, make sure the celebration reflects the bride's personality and wishes. Not every bride wants a wild night out!
Budget Transparently
Be clear about costs from the start. Consider everyone's budget constraints to avoid putting guests in an uncomfortable position.
Plan Ice-Breakers
If guests don't know each other, include activities or games that help everyone relax and connect early in the celebration.
Book Hen-Friendly Venues
Ensure your accommodation and activity venues welcome hen parties - not all places do, and it can cause issues if not checked in advance.
Allow Downtime
Don't schedule every minute. Allow for some relaxation and spontaneous fun, especially for weekend-long celebrations.
Popular Hen Do Ideas
Activities & Experiences
- • Cocktail making classes
- • Spa days and treatments
- • Dance classes
- • Adventure activities
- • Craft workshops
Popular Destinations
- • Bath & Bristol
- • Liverpool & Manchester
- • London & Brighton
- • Edinburgh & Glasgow
- • Barcelona & Ibiza
Unique Themes
- • Festival-themed weekend
- • Glamping experience
- • Murder mystery party
- • Decade-themed celebration
- • Luxury retreat
Popular Hen Party Question Games
Question games are a perfect way to break the ice and get everyone talking and laughing at a hen party. Here are some of our most popular hen party question games:
Mr & Mrs Questions
Test how well the bride knows her partner with 121 perfect questions.
Never Have I Ever
75 revealing questions to discover who's the wildest in your group!
Would You Rather
50 hilarious questions with impossible choices for your hen party.
Most Likely To
141 hilarious questions to find out what your friends really think!
Ready to Plan the Perfect Hen Party?
Explore our collection of hen party tips, games, and ideas to create an unforgettable celebration for the bride-to-be.
Finding the Perfect Hen Party Accommodation
The right accommodation can make or break a hen weekend. Whether you're looking for a luxurious country house, a city centre apartment, or a coastal retreat, it's important to find a property that's hen-friendly and suits your group's needs.
At Hen Hideaways, we specialize in guaranteed hen-friendly properties across the UK, so you don't have to worry about any awkward conversations or last-minute cancellations because you're a hen party.
Browse Hen-Friendly Accommodation