Planning a hen party and not sure where to begin? This complete guide covers venues, accommodation, activities, themes and the planning process, with practical tips to help you create a fun celebration that feels right for the bride.
Planning a hen party is an exciting adventure. It is a special time to celebrate the bride-to-be with her closest friends and family. A hen party, also known as a bachelorette party, is a chance to create unforgettable memories before the big day.
Whether you are the maid of honour, a bridesmaid or a close friend, organising the celebration can be fun. It can also feel a little overwhelming when you are responsible for the guest list, budget, bookings and group chat.
The key to a successful hen party is careful planning. Start by thinking about the bride’s personality and what she genuinely enjoys. Does she love relaxing spa days, or would she prefer something more adventurous? Knowing this will make it much easier to choose the right venue, activities and theme.
Remember, the hen party should reflect the bride. Whether you are planning a big night out, a relaxed celebration at home or a full weekend away, the goal is to make her feel understood and celebrated.
Keep the guest list, budget, payments, bookings and itinerary together with our Ultimate MOH Hen Party Planning Spreadsheet.
View the Ultimate Planning Spreadsheet →Choosing the Perfect Venue
Selecting the right venue is one of the most important parts of planning a hen party. The setting influences the atmosphere, activities and overall cost, so it needs to suit the bride and the group.
Think about where the venue is located and whether it suits your group size. It should also be easy for everyone to reach. You should also decide whether you are planning a single-day celebration or a full hen weekend.
Popular Hen Party Venues
Bars and Nightclubs
Bars and nightclubs are a natural choice for a bride who loves music, dancing and a lively night out. Look for venues that accept group bookings so you are not left searching for space when everyone arrives.
Restaurants
A restaurant is a lovely choice when you want to keep the celebration simple. Book a relaxed brunch or make the evening feel special with dinner. It also works well when the guest list includes different age groups or people who may not know one another yet.
Hotels
Hotels can make planning easier by keeping everything in one place. Many also offer extras like spa treatments or private dining, making the weekend feel even more special.
Outdoor Locations
Outdoor spaces can provide a beautiful setting for a relaxed summer celebration. Plan a picnic or add a few games for the group. Just remember to have a backup plan in case the weather changes.
Popular UK Hen Party Destinations
London
London offers almost every kind of hen party experience. You can plan afternoon tea, a West End show, a rooftop dinner, a creative workshop or a night out in Soho.
Brighton
Brighton is a favourite for beach-loving groups. Spend the day by the sea, explore the lanes and then enjoy the city’s nightlife in the evening.
Manchester
Manchester is known for its music scene and lively atmosphere. Many of the city's best venues are within walking distance, making it easy to plan a full day or evening together.
European Hen Party Destinations
Barcelona
Barcelona is a great choice for groups that want a mixture of sightseeing, beaches, food and nightlife.
Dublin
Dublin is known for its lively atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for a fun-filled hen party.It is especially well suited to groups who want a social weekend without an overly complicated schedule.
Prague
Prague is known for its scenery, nightlife and relatively affordable group experiences. It can work well for a longer weekend abroad.
For more inspiration, explore our list of 75 hen party ideas for every bride type and budget.
Accommodation Options
Hen Party Houses
Renting a hen party house allows everyone to stay together. You can prepare meals, play games and enjoy time as a group without repeatedly travelling between locations.
A private house is a great choice for a celebration that feels more personal and relaxed. You could host a cocktail night or plan a themed dinner, then finish with games.
Before booking, check the sleeping arrangements and house rules. It is also worth looking at how far the property is from your planned activities.
For groups searching for cottages and larger UK stays, you can also browse group-friendly holiday cottages through Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Hotels
Hotels can be more convenient when guests want their own rooms and personal space. Check whether breakfast is included and whether the hotel can accommodate group bookings.
Glamping Experiences
Glamping combines the outdoor experience with more comfortable accommodation. It is a fun choice for a bride who loves nature but does not want a traditional camping weekend.
Comparing several venues or accommodation options? The Ultimate MOH Spreadsheet includes a supplier comparison section alongside budget, payment and guest tracking tools.
Organise the weekend in one spreadsheet →Activities to Include
Once the venue is sorted, it is time to choose the activities. You do not need to fill every hour of the celebration. A few well-chosen activities with enough downtime will usually create a much more enjoyable weekend.
Try to include options that suit the bride while also considering the confidence, mobility and budget of the wider group.
Popular Hen Party Activities
Idea 01
Cocktail Making
A cocktail-making class gives the group something interactive to do while still leaving plenty of time to talk and laugh. Many venues offer alcohol-free alternatives too.
Once the class is finished, keep the fun going with an easy printable game. Our Hen Party Bingo Game is especially good for groups whose guests do not all know one another.
Idea 02
Dance Classes
A dance class gets everyone moving and usually creates some of the funniest memories of the weekend. Choose something the bride will enjoy, from salsa or burlesque to line dancing or a routine inspired by her favourite artist.
Idea 03
Spa Days
A spa day is perfect for a bride who wants something slower and more relaxed. A few hours by the pool or a relaxing spa treatment can be the perfect break from wedding planning.
Idea 04
Creative Workshops
Pottery painting, candle making, flower arranging and life drawing are all popular choices. They give the group something to focus on while everyone still has time to chat and enjoy the day.
Unique Hen Party Ideas
Idea 05
Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Hunts
A treasure hunt is a fun way to explore your chosen destination while working together in teams. You can create your own clues or use a ready-made game to save time.
You can also add a few challenges from our guide to 34 of the best hen party dares.
Idea 06
Themed Parties
Start with the bride's personality, then choose a theme that reflects her favourite decade or dream destination. The theme can guide your outfits and decorations without making every guest buy an expensive costume.
Idea 07
Bridal Pilates or a Group Workout
A bridal Pilates class or private group workout can be a fun daytime activity. It works particularly well for wellness-focused weekends or groups that want something different from a traditional night out.
Our printable Hen Party Scavenger Hunt is delivered digitally, so you can download it and prepare the activity without creating every challenge yourself.
Shop the Hen Party Scavenger Hunt →Create a matching moment with the Bride and Babe contrast-trim sports bras from Vow Club Vol. 05.
Budget-Friendly Hen Party Activities
Idea 08
DIY Craft Sessions
Set up a simple craft table where guests can make friendship bracelets or decorate glasses. You could also create a keepsake for the bride. It is an easy activity to organise at home or inside your accommodation.
Idea 09
Game Nights
A game night is one of the easiest ways to entertain a group without paying for an outside activity. Add some snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy. A small prize will make the game feel even more fun.
Our Hen Party Pictionary Game is available in bridal and dirty versions, so you can choose the one that best suits the group.
You can also use our free Bridal Pictionary Generator when you need a quick activity without preparing cards yourself.
Idea 10
Movie Night
Create a cosy movie-night setup with blankets and your favourite snacks. Finish the evening with a few nostalgic films. This works especially well on the first night of a hen weekend, when guests may be arriving at different times.
Add a competitive element with our Chick Flicks Hen Party Printable Game.
Idea 11
Henagrams
Henagrams is an easy wedding-themed word game that can be played around a table, during brunch or while guests are waiting for the next activity to begin.
Download the Henagrams Wedding Word Unscramble Game and print enough copies for the group.
Save yourself from choosing every game separately with a printable bundle containing several activities in one download.
Shop the Set of Four Hen Party Games →Browse printable games, quizzes and instant-download activities for hen parties, bridal showers and relaxed nights in.
Browse Digital Hen Planning Products →Themes for the Hen Party
Choosing a theme helps bring the celebration together. It can inspire everything from the decorations to the outfits without limiting your plans.
The best theme is one that suits the bride. If you are unsure where to begin, take our free Hen Party Theme Quiz for ideas based on her personality and preferred atmosphere.
Classic Hen Party Themes
Vintage Glamour
Create an elegant look with classic dresses and pearl accessories. Add vintage-inspired details and cocktails to complete the theme. It works beautifully for anything from afternoon tea to a glamorous night out.
Tropical Paradise
Use bold colours and tropical flowers to create a bright summer atmosphere. Fruity drinks will complete the look. This theme works especially well for poolside celebrations or a weekend abroad.
A playful hand fan can double as a photo prop and a useful addition to a warm-weather celebration. The She Said YAAAS Hen Party Hand Fan is available in pink and white.
Modern Hen Party Themes
Boho Chic
A boho theme is a lovely choice for a relaxed outdoor celebration. Create the atmosphere with natural textures and floral details, then add comfortable seating for guests.
Festival Vibes
Bring the festival feeling to your accommodation with music, temporary tattoos, face gems and colourful decorations. You could also include karaoke or create your own mini stage.
Last Rodeo
A Last Rodeo theme is perfect for a bride who loves western style. Think cowgirl boots, fun outfits and playful country details.
Set the tone from the beginning with our editable Last Rodeo Hen Party Invitation Template.
For casual group outfits, the Let’s Go Girls Cowgirl Hen Party T-Shirt is available in several colours.
Barbie-Inspired
Use hot pink, playful accessories and matching outfits to create a bright Barbie-inspired weekend. This theme is versatile enough for everything from a relaxed brunch to a full night out.
The Babe Contrast Trim Sports Bra can be matched with the Bride version for a coordinated Vow Club Vol. 05 look.
Seasonal Hen Party Themes
Winter Wonderland
Create a warm winter atmosphere with soft lighting. Silver details and cosy textures will bring the theme together. If the bride prefers a quieter celebration, a cosy night in with hot chocolate can be every bit as enjoyable as a busy night out.
Summer Garden Party
A garden party can include a picnic table, flowers, lawn games and an outdoor drinks station. It is a lovely option for a bride who wants something elegant without booking a formal venue.
For a more polished tablescape, read our guide to creating a luxury hen party table on a bridesmaid budget.
The Hen Party Planning Process
Once you have chosen the general direction, it is time to organise the details.Following a simple process can prevent missed payments and duplicate bookings. It also keeps last-minute confusion to a minimum.
Step 01
Confirm the Guest List
Ask the bride who she wants to invite rather than making assumptions. This avoids awkward situations and ensures that the people most important to her are included.
Collect each guest's contact information and dietary requirements. As guests respond, update your list with their availability and payment status.
Step 02
Set a Realistic Budget
Set the budget before booking anything. Ask guests what they can comfortably afford and be clear about what their contribution will cover.
- Accommodation
- Food and drinks
- Activities
- Decorations
- Transport
- Any contribution towards the bride’s costs
A clear budget will help avoid surprises and make it easier for guests to commit.
For a simpler printable option, use the Hen Weekend Planning Guide.
Step 03
Choose the Date
Find a date that works for the bride and the most important guests. Avoid planning it too close to the wedding, especially when travel or a full weekend away is involved.
Step 04
Book the Main Parts
Secure the accommodation, transport and main activity first. Smaller details can usually be arranged later.
Always read cancellation terms before paying a deposit and keep booking confirmations somewhere accessible.
Step 05
Create the Itinerary
A clear itinerary helps everyone understand where they need to be and what they should bring. Include activity times, addresses, accommodations and travel information.
Remember to leave some downtime. Guests may need time to rest, get ready or simply catch up without rushing to another booking.
Step 06
Confirm the Final Details
Check bookings, payments and travel arrangements during the final week. Send the itinerary again and remind guests what they need to pack.
Follow our seven-day hen party checklist so nothing important is forgotten.
The Ultimate MOH Spreadsheet includes guest tracking, payment organisation and planning sections in one Google Sheets file.
View the Ultimate MOH Spreadsheet →Use The Hen Planner’s free itinerary builder to map out the weekend and create a schedule the whole group can follow.
Open the Free Itinerary Builder →Tips and Tricks for a Successful Hen Party
Communicate Clearly
Share important information in one place rather than allowing it to get lost in a long group chat. Give guests clear payment deadlines and tell them what is included in the price.
Be Inclusive
Choose activities that allow everyone to participate comfortably. Guests should not feel pressured to drink, spend beyond their budget or join an activity that makes them genuinely uncomfortable.
Stay Flexible
Even the best plans can change. Leave enough space in the itinerary to adapt without the entire day falling apart.
Prepare Goodie Bags or Favours
A small party bag can make guests feel welcomed. It does not need to be filled with expensive items. Snacks, a small keepsake and something useful for the celebration are enough.
For an easy group accessory, consider the Bride To Be Hen Party Wristband Set.
A She Said YAAAS Hand Fan can also work well inside a summer or destination hen party bag.
Choose Outfits the Group Can Rewear
Matching outfits can create lovely photos, but guests may be more comfortable buying something they can wear again.
For the bride, the It’s Me, Hi, I’m The Bride T-Shirt is easy to style with jeans, shorts or comfortable travel clothes.
Create a Playlist
Ask each guest to add a few songs before the celebration. Include upbeat tracks for getting ready and nostalgic favourites the bride and her friends associate with one another.
Have a Backup Activity
Keep an easy printable game available in case plans run late or the group has unexpected downtime.
Download a bundle before the weekend and keep the files ready to print whenever the group needs a quick activity.
Browse Hen Party Game Bundles →Bringing It All Together
Planning a hen party can feel like a lot at first, but it becomes easier once the guest list, budget and overall atmosphere are decided. From there, you can choose a venue, activities and theme that genuinely suit the bride.
Keep the plans realistic for the group and leave enough breathing room for everyone to enjoy themselves. The most memorable hen parties are not always the busiest or most expensive. They are the celebrations where the bride feels understood, loved and surrounded by the people who matter to her.
Start with our step-by-step hen party planning guide, create your schedule with the free Hen Party Itinerary Builder, or browse our digital hen planning collection for games, templates and planning tools.
