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11 Outside The Box Hen Do Ideas
A traditional hen do typically involves a weekend getaway, lots of alcohol, going out dancing, and playing cheeky party games.
However, full-on weekends of partying aren’t for everyone, and today’s brides are looking for more unique ways to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with their nearest and dearest. There are also many Hen Do alternatives out there.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration this year, whether for your own hen do or for a loved one, this guide is for you.
Check out our 11 outside-the-box hen-do ideas below.
1. Cocktail-making classes
OK, so this one still involves an element of drinking, but with a twist. Instead of just sampling too many cocktails at a bar, why not learn how to make them yourself?
Not only is this a fun group activity that results in tasty drinks, but it will also leave you and the bridal party with some lifelong cocktail-making skills.
2. Go to see a musical
If you love musicals, then going to a musical theatre can become a part of your special day. You can head over to London (or your nearest major city) and make a whole day of it.
Whether you choose to catch a matinee or an evening show, you will still have time to go out for food and drinks, perhaps even a spot of shopping, before heading to the theatre to sing your heart out to your favorite musical or classic sing-alongs.
Watch this to learn about the best musicals showing in London:
3. Go camping (or glamping)
Do you love spending time in nature and enjoying an activity-filled weekend away with the girls? If so, camping can be an out of the box hen do experience you’ll never forget. You can sit around the campfire in the evening and share stories, go for lovely walks during the day and stop by the local pub for lunch.
But even if you’re not feeling a roll-out bed on the floor, that’s OK too. There are also plenty of glamping options out there for you to choose from. For example, you could stay in a yurt, treehouse or state-of-the-art cabin. Many even come complete with a hot tub!
4. Pay homage to your favorite movie or series
If neither cocktail-making nor camping is your sort of thing, why not pay homage to your favorite movie or TV series instead? And no, this doesn’t mean having to dress up and head out to the club like your typical group of hens.
Instead, you could enjoy a small, themed celebration at home or visit one of the key locations from your chosen film or franchise.
Harry Potter is one of the more obvious examples as you can visit the Warner Bros Studio for the full tour, but you could also spend the day following in Julia Robert’s footsteps in Notting Hill or go to Highclere Castle to reenact your favorite Downton Abbey scenes.
These are just a few ideas, but you get the picture.
5. Challenge your friends to a game of paintball
If you like games, physical activities and the chance to shoot your friends with a paintball or two, then a paintball skirmish can be great fun. Round up your closest friends, practice your best Charlie’s Angels poses, and head out for a paintball session.
Watch this to see what you can expect:
6. Get lost on a treasure hunt
If you’re planning a hen do for your sister or best friend, a treasure hunt can be a unique and fun way to get everyone involved, solving puzzles and taking on fun challenges. You can also include sweet and sentimental gifts along the way, as well as a final prize for the winner or winning team.
Of course, if you’re the bride-to-be, you could organize a treasure hunt yourself, but that’s less fun as you want to be a part of it! So, in this case, you could choose an event company to plan the adventure for you and your bridal party.
7. Escape room
Do you love puzzles and working as a team? There are loads of exciting escape rooms out there that can put your sleuthing skills to the test.
Nowadays, lots of venues host these types of events with a variety of gripping themes. Whether you want to release your inner Sherlock, save the world from destruction or take on The Crystal Maze, there is an escape room for every interest.
8. Hot air balloon
If you’ve always dreamed of going in a hot air balloon, what better way to make this dream a reality? This is a truly unforgettable experience with some pretty unbeatable views, so choose to share it with your girlfriends.
Watch this to see if a Hot Air Baloon is the right adventure for you:
Plus, you can book different packages. For example, you could have a champagne breakfast before your climb or arrange to have a drink at altitude to toast your upcoming wedding. This allows you to extend the experience and spend more time together.
9. Go to a festival
There are thousands of festivals taking place around the UK every year, and no, we don’t just mean music festivals.
Of course, you can attend a music festival if that is your thing and you’re sure to make lifelong memories. However, there are also food, film, beer, folk and comedy festivals, to name just a few more.
So whether you prefer BFI London Film Festival or The Edinburgh Fringe, there is a festival to suit every personality and mood somewhere out there. So make a weekend of it!
10. Plan a day at the races
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a horseracing aficionado or you just love dressing up and having a little flutter, a day at the races can be a glamorous way to celebrate with the girls.
There are several different events that take place throughout the year, and you could even take it one step further by arranging VIP packages to make it an extra special experience for you all.
11. Enjoy a yoga or spa retreat
The final suggestion on our list is quite the opposite of a rowdy hen do. Why not prepare for your big day in style by unwinding at a yoga retreat and spa?
This weekend away will help you to decompress before your wedding whilst spending some quality time with your best friends.
Plus, you have the option to arrange package deals or to hire private instructors. You can also enjoy other amenities like hot tubs and saunas, so you’ll leave feeling truly refreshed and ready to say ‘I do’.
