Tried & Tested: 3 Alternative Hen Do Activities!

As much as I do love a good night on the town with the girls and lots of cocktails, I am almost a little sad to admit that some of my favourite parties have been those that have involved girly nights in with a bottle of wine, good food and a jewellery making set. I love the idea of spending time with my dearest friends eating scrumptious food, supping on cheeky cocktails and getting creative which is exactly what today’s bride-to-be did.

Kiki enlisted the help of friend and fellow wedding creative Kirsten Butler, otherwise known as the Little Wedding Helper, to help throw a bridal shower that didn’t conform to the norm. It was such a success, that we asked the two of them to share their thoughts and advice on throwing a unique hen do.

Kiki, The Bride to Be…

I’m not really a conventional bride, in fact on a day to day basis I have to admit that I like to shake things up a bit and do things differently! Planner, Kirsten knows that I’m not the sort of person to go all in for a hen do in the traditional sense so I was really touched that she organised a shoot with a few different activities for me and my bridesmaids to get stuck into. I can’t even begin to explain how excited everyone was at the prospect of just chilling out together and sharing some time surrounded by pretty.

Kirsten, The Planner & Stylist…

A hen-party, bridal shower, or whatever you want to call it, should be about more than getting drunk and ‘butlers in the buff’. For me at least it’s about spending quality time with friends and family and doing something together; so for Kiki’s Hen-do I teamed up with some of my favourite suppliers to create a day that would be fun, glamorous, and really beautiful. Kiki’s mum, sister and bridesmaids joined us on the day travelling from London for a day of pampering and surprises.

Have a Makeover!

Kirsten…

I asked Hair and makeup artist Grace Kingsley to be in charge of pampering our guests on the day, so she gave each Hen a neon inspired make-over. I loved the pink lip and simple eyeliner look that she went for and everybody looked beautiful for the photos.

Kiki’s Verdict…

Now I have to say ladies, every girl needs to have a makeover once in a while, its totally luxurious and it was my first ever time, it left me feeling pampered and pretty! If you’ve not done it before or weren’t planning to before your wedding day definitely do!

Get Crafty!

Kirsten…

My favourite part of the day had to be Stephanie Saunders floral crown and corsage workshop; the Hens got to create their own designs with flowers specially selected by Stephanie with help and guidance where necessary.

Kiki’s Verdict…

I absolutely loved making the flower crowns and wrist corsages which we wore all the way home – regardless of how many looks we got from people who had no idea what we had been up to! Stephanie’s tutorial was so good, its a lovely alternative option and her sea of roses was just stunning and a joy to be surrounded by.

Tickle Your Taste Buds!

Kirsten…

I asked Emma of Bake My Cake to create a selection of sophisticated biscuits to enjoy with the bubbly; these grown-up party rings sat on top of the champagne glasses and can be customised with any message. I thought they were so fun!

Kiki’s Verdict…

Who doesn’t love cake and cookies!

Any last words of advice?

Kirsten…

The venue doesn’t have to be huge, a house or favourite cafe will be perfect, you just need to be a little clever and may have to move some furniture around. Pick a room that gets plenty of natural light, clear out as much furniture as you can, and decorate it for your shoot. We used lots of different bits and pieces to pull together the look together on the day: a sequinned Photo Booth backdrop, paper garlands, pinwheels and giant Love letters (although these might be a little big for your sitting room!)

So get together and have fun and do something extra glamorous for your Hen-do!

Kiki…

I realised hen do’s are about spending time bonding, doing things that make you feel good. Although I won’t be having a traditional hen before the big day this year, it really was incredible spending time doing lovely things I wouldn’t usually do with people I love to bits. Big up the girls!

Super Suppliers – Venue: Paintworks// Photographer: Camilla Rosa// Flowers: Stephanie Saunders// Sequins: Pudding Bridge// Cakes: Bake My Cake// Paper decor: Things By Laura// Stationery: Retro Press// Makeup: Grace Kingsley// Styling: The Little Wedding Helper// Letters: Lighthaus Events//

Author: Emily

https://www.bespoke-bride.com/