30 Unbeatable Hen Party Ideas for 2024

14 mins read
30 Unbeatable Hen Party Ideas for 2024
September 19, 2024
14 mins read

Are you ready to celebrate your last fling before the ring? A hen party is the perfect way to let loose with your closest gal pals before tying the knot. Whether you’re looking for a wild night out, a relaxing day at the spa or a chill slumber party with your besties, you have plenty of options that will suit your style. From sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar to dancing the night away in a club, your choices are endless. So grab your glitter and get ready to party like a hen!

Why Is It Called ‘Hen Party’?

The origin of the word ‘hen’ in ‘hen party’ is uncertain, but it’s believed to come from the idea of a group of female chickens, or hens gathered together. The term ‘hen party’ has been used in the United Kingdom since the early 1800s to describe a social gathering of women.

In the United States, the term ‘bachelorette party’ is more common, and it has been in use since at least the 1960s. However, the term ‘hen party’ is gaining popularity in some regions of the US, particularly among those who want to give the event a more British flavour.

Regardless of its origins, the term has become widely recognised as a fun and celebratory event for brides-to-be and their female friends.

Unique Hen Party Themes 

Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend away or a wild night out on the town, incorporating a theme will add an extra layer of fun and excitement to your hen party. From sophisticated to quirky and offbeat, here are ten themes to choose from that can help set the tone and make the celebration truly unforgettable!

1. Underwater

Get in touch with your inner mermaid by organising a fabulous underwater hen party. Encourage everyone to dress up as their favourite sea creatures or characters and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Decorate the event space with seashells, shimmering blue and green hues, or some fake sea foam. This theme will surely make a splash at your hen party. 

2. Classy and Chic

Make your bride feel like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with a chic and classy hen party theme. To create a sophisticated vibe, think black and white decor, professional cocktails, and stylish outfits. You could start the night off with a fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, followed by a cocktail-making class, or a wine tasting (scroll down for more activity ideas 😉).

private dining room with balloons
A private dining room will be perfect for your classy and chic hen party – Tuttons Private Dining, London

3. One Colour 

There’s no better way to personalise the party for the bride than making it all about her signature colour! Dress up in a single colour, serve flavourful drinks in your chosen shade, and don’t forget to capture some Instagram-worthy photos in front of your monochromatic decor.

woman in a blue dress
All your one-coloured outfits, accessories and decor will look stunning on your Insta grid.

4. Royal Makeover

Remember thePrincess Diariesmakeover scene? You can easily recreate it for your bride-to-be! Get ready for a taste of a  real aristocratic treatment with a glorious royal-themed hen party. You can all indulge in a special beauty treatment programme for the night. Make sure to capture all the befores and afters!

two women drinking wine on a couch
Grab some sheet masks, body oils, and wine glasses for a real Royal Makeover party

5. Fairytale

Do you and your girls feel like living in a storybook for the night? Do you fancy an enchanted tea party  or a whimsical photo shoot in an enchanted forest, all in fairytale-inspired outfits? Sign me up! Use pastel colours, twinkling lights, and dreamy decorations for a whimsical ambiance. This theme will be perfect for all fantasy bookworms and daydreamers.

decorative room for a party
An enchanting venue like TheHackney.co in London will be perfect for a fairytale party

6. Candy-Themed

Satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a candy-themed hen party! Oversized lollipops, rainbow colours, and loads of treats will be perfect for a playful and jolly celebration of the future bride. Take inspo for the outfits and decorations from Katy Perry’s California Gurls music video! 

7. Island Party

Escape with your group to a tropical paradise full of fruity cocktails and island-inspired snacks. You can easily decorate your desired party space with small palm trees, coconuts and pineapples or simply rent a special venue! Search for private beach houses, a fancy yacht, or a tropical-themed bar. You can find them all on Tagvenue. 

tiki hideaway 1 1
Hire a whole venue or just a booth in an island-inspired bar – Tiki Hideaway 

8. Paris Party

Your dream of experiencing the City of Light  is closer than you think! Enjoy  romantic and elegant France with a Paris-themed hen party for your gals. Dress up in your best foulards and sip champagne as you take in the Parisian atmosphere. 

9. Barbie

Gather all your pink and glitter accessories and throw a “C’mon Barbie, let’s hen party!’’ Don’t forget about the classic pink accessories, some Barbie quotes and loads of sparkle. Embrace your girl power with your guests and let your imagination run wild!

woman in a movie
Take outfit and decor inspo from Barbie starring Margot Robbie – Warner Bros. Pictures

10. Cottage Core

For a cosy and charming hen party, why not opt for a cottage core theme? Decorate with wildflowers, tinted lights, and rustic accents. You can throw a picnic in a picturesque meadow or book a countryside cottage for the weekend. Enjoy some good old homemade baked goods and re-discover your equilibrium in  the countryside. This low-key theme is perfect for all brides-to-be who love peace and nature.

a pond with trees
Have your cosy hen party far away from the city noise! – Parkland & Holiday Cottages at Bullard’s Farm, Dereham

Seeking even more inspiring themes for your events? Check out our ultimate list of 171 themes to rock every party in 2024. Get all the creative boost you need and let’s get party planning like a boss this year! 

Where to Host a Hen Party?

The location of the hen party can make all the difference in creating an extraordinary experience for the bride-to-be and her friends. From bustling cities to secluded hideaways, the location you choose can set the stage for an amazing hen party adventure. Here are some ideas for your dream hen party destination as well as a few ideas for matching themes.  

11. Beach, Please! 

Celebrate your hen party in the sun, sand, and sea. Sip tropical cocktails, play beach volleyball, and soak up the sun while creating unforgettable memories with the bride-to-be.

✨Best themes for a beach party: Island Party, Underwater, and Fairytale

group of woman on a beach
In my homeown, beaches are very popular for hen parties – photo by Kinga Wieczna-Pazdrąg

12. On a Boat 

Sail away with your hen party on a fun-filled boat adventure. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the stunning views of the water and coastline. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind with the girls.

✨Best themes for a boat party: Classy and Chic, Barbie and Underwater

sunborn london yacht hotel venue 2
There are plety of both luxurious and low-key yacht venues at Tagvenue – Sunborn London Yacht

13. Hotel and Spa

Pamper yourself with a luxurious hotel and spa hen party. Indulge in massages, facials, and other spa treatments while sipping on champagne and enjoying the luxurious amenities of a high-end hotel.

✨Best themes for a hotel and spa party: Royal Makeover and Classy and Chic

14. Lake Cabin

Escape to a serene and rustic cabin retreat for a peaceful and relaxing hen party. Spend your days hiking, canoeing, and lounging by the lake, and your nights sharing stories and laughter around the campfire.

✨Best themes for a lake party: Fairytale, Cottage Core and Island Party

marshmallows on a campfire
Don’t forget your favourite snacks and a guitar to create some truly blissful memories.

 15. Hop on the Roof 

Take your hen party to new heights with a rooftop celebration. Sip cocktails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city skyline while dancing the night away.

✨Best themes for a rooftop party: Barbie, Classy and Chic and Paris Party

rooftop view of the city
Breathtaking isn’t it? – Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, London

16. In the Limo

Add a touch of glamour and luxury to your hen party with a limo ride. Enjoy drinks and snacks while cruising around town in style and making stops at all the hottest spots.

✨Best themes for a limo party: One-Coloured and Barbie

17. Amusement Park

Let your hen party gang run wild in a fun-filled amusement park. Ride roller coasters, play carnival games, and indulge in all your favourite fair foods while creating unforgettable memories with your besties.

✨Best theme for an amusement park party: Candy-Themed

18. Comedy Club

Laugh the night away with a hilarious comedy club hen party. Enjoy dinner and drinks while being entertained by top-notch comedians and comics.

✨Best themes for a comedy club party: Barbie and One-Coloured

comedian doing a show
Buy tickets for a show or just pop in during open mic night – The Comedy Store, London

19. Mountain Cabin

Escape to a cosy and rustic mountain cabin for a secluded and intimate hen party. Spend your days hiking, skiing, or lounging by the fire, and your nights enjoying the stunning mountain views with your closest friends.

✨Best themes for a mountain cabin party: Royal Makeover and Fairytale

20. Cottage House

The quiet charm and serenity of the countryside will be amazing for your peaceful hen party. Enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, including walks in the woods, stargazing, and roasting marshmallows by the fire pit while bonding with your besties.

✨Best themes for a cottage house party: Fairytale, Cottage Core and One-Coloured

Activities

A hen party is a fantastic time for creating lasting memories and bonding with your besties, and what better way to do that than participating in some fun and exciting activities? Whether you want to learn a new skill, indulge in some pampering, or let your hair down and party, there are countless activities to choose from that will make your hen party truly spectacular.

21. DIY Station

Get crafty with a DIY station at your hen party! Set up a table with all the materials needed to create unique and personalised keepsakes. From making flower crowns and jewellery to painting wine glasses, there are endless possibilities for a fun and creative afternoon with the girls.

woman with glitter
Get all your favourite supplies, but be careful with glitter, it’s a big pain to get rid of later!

22. Photo Session

Capture your memories with a professional photo session at a hen  party. Rent a photo studio or hire a photographer to capture stunning images of the bride-to-be and all of her besties. It’s a great way to create beautiful keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years to come.

pink background in a photo studio
Cute or sexy? Group shots or portraits? Tell your photographer what you have in mind! – Peanut Photography Studio, London

23. L Plate

Dress up the bride-to-be with a fun and festive L plate for her hen party. This classic accessory is the perfect way to let everyone know that she’s the centre of attention for the night.

The L plate is a symbol of the bride-to-be’s status as a “learner” in preparation for her upcoming wedding, and it’s a fun way for her to stand out and be recognised as the guest of honour during the hen party celebrations.

24. Make Your Own Drinks

Shake things up with a mixology hen party! Learn how to make your own signature cocktails by trying your hand at mixology. You can take turns trying each other’s cocktails and give feedback. It’s a fun and interactive way to get the party started and a great way to impress your friends with your bartending skills. 

25. Wine Tasting

Raise a glass to the bride-to-be with a sophisticated and indulgent wine tasting hen party. Sample a variety of wines and learn about the different flavours and notes with a professional wine expert.

restaurant table with cutlery
Step into the shoes of a real connoisseur – The Sloane Club, London

26. Game Night

Bring out your competitive side with a game night hen party! Play classic board games or try your hand at fun and interactive group games. It’s a great way to bond with your friends and have a fun and laid-back night.

people playing a board game
“Ticket to Ride – Europe’’ is one of my personal favs for a game night with friends

27. Hit the Clubs

Dance the night away with an adventure of clubbing! Dress up in your finest outfits and hit the hottest clubs in town. It’s a classic way to celebrate with the bride-to-be and practise your best dance moves before the wedding.

28. Dance Class

Learn some new moves and have a blast with a dance class hen party. From salsa and hip-hop to burlesque and pole dancing, there are plenty of options to choose from. It’s a unique way to get moving and have fun with your friends. To spice things up, organise a dance battle at the end of the class or film a dance music video! 

dance studio with mirrors
Hire a studio with or without the instructor and let your body drive you – Studio Wayne McGregor

29. Bungee Jumping 

There’s a saying that marriage is like taking a leap of faith. Could you think of a more accurate way to take a leap and experience the ultimate rush with your closest friends? That’s right! Get your adrenaline pumping by bungee jumping at your hen party. Celebrate with a real thrill and overcome your fears. We guarantee this will be a night to remember!

30. Sip and Paint

Get your creative juices flowing with a sip and paint activity at your hen party! You can organise one at home or enjoy a glass of wine while painting with the guidance of a professional artist. Ask at your local art studios about sip and paint classes and don’t worry about your  skills. It’s all about relaxing and having fun with your girls! 

three women painting
You can even try using your drink as paint, wine paintings are definitely becoming a thing! 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a bride-to-be or a bridesmaid planning the perfect send-off, we hope this guide to hen party ideas for 2024 has given you plenty of inspiration. From glamorous city breaks to themed parties and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every bride and her squad. 

So get ready to let your hair down, create unforgettable memories, and celebrate the bond of friendship with your nearest and dearest. With all of these amazing ideas for themes, places, and activities, you’re sure to plan a hen party that will go down in history!

Ready for your perfect hen party?

Browse Tagvenue’s best private event venues to make this special night truly unforgettable! 

FAQ

Who organises the hen party?

The hen party is usually organised by the bride’s friends or bridesmaids. They often work together to plan the event and make all the necessary arrangements, from booking accommodation and activities to arranging transportation and decorations.

In terms of planning the budget and splitting the costs of a hen party, the most common way is to split it evenly between all the participants, excluding the bride-to-be.

When should the hen party take place?

The hen party is usually held a few weeks or months before the wedding, depending on the bride’s preferences and schedule. It’s important to choose a date that works for the majority of the guests and to give everyone plenty of notice so they can make arrangements to attend.

What activities are typically included in a hen party?

The activities included in a hen party can vary widely depending on the bride’s interests and preferences. Some popular activities include going out for drinks or dinner, attending a spa day, going on a weekend trip, participating in adventure sports or outdoor activities, attending a dance or fitness class, or doing a craft workshop or wine tasting

Who should be invited to the hen party?

The bride usually creates a guest list for her hen party, including her closest female friends and family members. It’s important to consider the bride’s preferences and personality when creating the guest list and to ensure that everyone invited will get along well and have a good time together. In some cases, the bride may also invite her future mother-in-law or other female relatives or friends.

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30 Unbeatable Hen Party Ideas for 2024