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Say I Do to These Alternative Hen-Do Ideas

From cooking classes to afternoon tea, become the bride’s best friend with a hen party she’ll never forget
By: Maddi John

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Say I Do to These Alternative Hen-Do Ideas

From cooking classes to afternoon tea, become the bride’s best friend with a hen party she’ll never forget

By: Maddi John

A season full of wedding bells, champagne towers and hen parties is near approaching and if you’ve been tasked with planning the latter, specifically a hen-do that opposes the cliche (i.e. one that avoids peculiarly-shaped straws at all costs), you may be left wondering what options that leaves you with. But fret not – we have plenty of alternative hen party ideas to try. From at-home hen-do ideas to budget-friendly hen party ideas, prepare to be inspired…

A Wine Flight Night

For those looking for a sophisticated get-together to celebrate your bride, a wine tasting may be just the activity. A chance to test out your wine knowledge or learn a new term or two, a wine flight night is full of opportunities to drink without things getting as messy as a night out. And if getting tipsy with your friends isn’t reason enough, wine tastings offer the perfect balance of entertainment and education, plus, they can be pretty budget-friendly if you head down the DIY route.

Read more: How to Host A Wine Flight Night

THE VINTAGE LIST Stars Champagne Coupes Set of Six, £82
ANNA + NINA Botanical Sea Garden Glass Carafe, £49.95
SOHO HOME Barwell Champagne Coupe Set of 4, £185

A Masterclass in Blooms

For the bride who never turns down a challenge, a floristry masterclass might be just the hen-do activity to put the group’s creative skills to the test. Wild at Heart offers hand-tied bouquets and flower crown workshops (more Frida Kahlo, less flower girl), with prices starting from £125pp. Creating incredible bouquets side-by-side with your friends and family is great for team building, and who knows, you might even be able to utilise your newfound skills for the big day itself.

Read More: The Best Vases for Every Kind of Bouquet

An Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is the perfect hen-do choice for the fashion-forward bride who perhaps doesn’t want to end up spending the rest of the next day nursing a headache. Not only will she get to nibble pretty pastries and sip on her favourite tea-time beverage, but the whole group will get to dress up. Add a theme for the dress code or create a bride trivia game you can play at the table to keep everyone entertained.

LOVESHACKFANCY Liberty Print Zane Mini-Dress, £445
JENNIFER BEHR Natasha Headband, £165
SLEEPER Hearts Trousers, £205

A Bottomless Brunch

There is no occasion that can’t be celebrated with bottomless brunch. Your birthday? Bottomless brunch. New promotion? Bottomless brunch. Moving to the other side of the world? Bottomless brunch. A chance to dress up to the nines and have fun with your friends over some incredible food is an opportunity no one will turn down, and a hen-do is no exception. Bottomless prosecco, lively music and delicious dishes – need we say more?

Read More: The Best Glassware Pairings for Every Cocktail

A Spa Night Staycation

If your bride is feeling particularly overwhelmed with prenuptial planning, this is the one for you. Whether you leave it to the pros and take the group to a countryside retreat for a spa experience like no other or you bring the pampering to you with a night full of beauty essentials and services you can use from the comfort of your home, a spa night is the best hen party idea for those seeking relaxation over entertainment.

Read More: Selfcare Rituals to Help you Relax

SLIP Bride Silk Sleep Mask, £55
THE LIGHT SALON Revive and Repeat LED Facial Set, £425
OMOROVICZA Midnight Radiance Mask 50ml, £85

A Day of Pottery

Put your artistic talents to the test with a pottery class that allows you to make everything from a plant pot to a jewellery tray all while toasting the bride-to-be with a beverage of your choice. Head down to Skandihus to experience a scandi-chic, laidback class or join M.Y.O for a hen-specific package that allows for BYOB and snacks.

Read More: Reinventing the Wheel: How to Get into Pottery

A MasterChef Class

If your friendship is based on a love of food, cooking up a storm with your friends in a kitchen is guaranteed to spur joy. Whether you want a Mexican masterclass, a lesson in street food or a dessert menu like no other, there’s a cooking class for everyone. You could bring the pro to you with services like the Roving Chef, or host your own using your favourite recipe book as your guide.

VAISSELLE Mafalda Main Plate Set of 4, £200
OUR PLACE Always Pan 2.0, £130
SOHO HOME Jermyn White Small Chopping Board with Knife, £60

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