Hen Party Gift Bag Ideas

Hen Party Gift Bag Ideas

Designing the ultimate hen party gift bag full to the brim with thoughtful, fun and lavish surprises and handing them out to the bride’s hen groupl is the perfect way to start the special occasion. The gift bag acts as a personal way to thank everyone for attending the bride’s hen party and gives them all of the essentials they’ll need to take part and enjoy both the relaxing and mischievous hen do activities. 

In this blog you’ll find a list of accessories, fun miscellaneous items, and little memories that can be added to any hen party gift bag, regardless of whether you’re planning a luxury trip abroad or celebrating at home with your nearest and dearest. 

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Hen party bag ideas

Before you begin to think about what essential items to present your fellow hens, you need to decide on the type of gift bag to hold everything in. The main three things you need to consider are style, size, and price! 

Eco friendly paper gift bags (See example here)

One of the most popular hen party gift bag ideas are the eco-friendly paper bags made out of recyclable kraft paper. These come in different shapes and sizes but the best thing about them is that you can print your own text or designs onto them. This could be something like “Sarah’s Hen Do” or for all of you pranksters, a close up shot of the bride to be’s best face. If you’re feeling extra crafty you can add your own sparkle and ribbon to them after they’re printed for that extra magical touch. 

Hen Party Tote Bags (See example here)

Tote bags are an increasingly popular choice of hen party bags because they’re cheap, light and durable, and a gift that you can keep long after the celebrations. You can choose from a range of colours and print your own message or design onto the bags. Consider printing individual names for all of the hens to make them feel extra special. 

View: UK Hen Accommodation

Hen Party Beauty Gifts and Accessories

Your hen party gift bag is going to be full of little treats for the entire group. You’ll want to include cute matching accessories to wear when you’re out and even a few pampering gifts to apply in the getting ready phase before you hit the dance floor.

Beauty face masks and bath bombs 

Who doesn’t want to feel a million dollars before a night out? Pop a little face mask into your gift bags so that everyone’s skin can feel soft and look radiant. If you’ve rented a self catering house then why not really relax by adding in some lush smelling bath bombs to help your skin feel extra nourished and moisturised.

Glossy lip balm and glitter galore 

Hen parties are a no cracked lip zone so don’t forget to put some glossy flavoured lip balm into the bag. Add a couple of sachets of glitter too so that you can really glitz up for the party! 

Handcrafted jewelry 

There’s loads of room for creativity with personalised bangles, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Handcrafted accessories are a really nice and personal gift that the bride and her trusty brunettes are going to adore.

Hen Party Face masks (See example here)

This is a classic and essential accessory that is the absolute definition of hen parties. You have to choose whether to print out the face of the groom so that the queen hen can’t look anywhere without seeing her bethrothed’s dazzling face. Or you can make sure that everyone who gazes upon your group knows exactly who’s tying the knot by printing the hen’s face. If you’re ordering these you need to make sure they’re going to fit in your hen party gift bag!

Headbands, hats and hen do sashes

If your hen party has a theme then hats are an important accessory to finesse any outfit. Cowboy hats, bridal veils, floral headbands, or sparkling crowns so that all the hens feel like royalty for the day. A hen party isn’t complete without a glammed up sashe so don’t forget to order and personalise the entire groups online in advance. 

Hen Party Sweet Treats, Drinks and Fun:

Sweet Treats

Sweets and chocolate are delicious and cheap gift bag fillers and there’s plenty of choice! Little bags of prosecco and gin flavoured jellies always go down a treat, or chewy strawberry bonbons because who doesn’t love a bonbon! Heart shaped lollies are a win or for extra friend points you could pick out just the haribo rings and bag them up especially for the bride. 

Head to your nearest luxury chocolatiers and pick out some cheeky chocolate treats. Make sure you sample the goods on offer because it’s important to pick the right type of chocolate for the occasion. Little fairy cakes are another delightful option and something you could bake in your own kitchen for just a few pounds. We hope your cake decorating skills are up to scratch because it’s all in the detail when it comes to the icing. It might be a good idea to practice your icing on a few test cupcakes for pristine presentation skills.

Cocktails for the Hens

Pop into your local supermarket and grab an on the go alcoholic drink. You’ll find quite the selection from fruity gin and tonics, summer time PIMM’s, and cocktails in a can like passion fruit martinis. Or just stay classy with a classic WKD. 

Willies for the Hens

If there isn’t a willy in your hen party gift bag, is it even a hen party? Willy drinking straws, wind up racing willies, willy keyrings, stress willies, mini willy hoopla, willy water guns, jelly willies, need we go on? 

Hen Party Gift Bag Momentos 

A hen party is a celebration of friends, love and an experience you’re going to want to remember for years to come. Give all of the hens an adorable little gift that they can keep as a memento. If you all live in different areas, who knows the next time you’ll all be in the same place.

Group Hen photo

If you’ve already got a group photo of everyone attending the hen party, print it out on some nice glossy photo-paper and make a little frame for it. If you haven’t got a picture with all the hens at this point, add a nice decorative frame into your hen gift bag and make sure you get a few photos taken of the whole group whilst you’re taking part in activities, in your fancy hen pad, and whilst you’re on your big night out. Then send the photo in your group chat so they can all individually print and frame it.

Hen Party Badges (See examples here)

Badge making is definitely not just for kids – have some fun with your design and messaging. Not only can you wear them on your day out but it’s a small memory to keep and smile at on a rainy day. 

The brilliant thing about these hen party gift bag ideas is that there are so many options to choose from which makes for a really personal experience, and if you shop around and get creative, these ideas aren’t going to break the bank. 

If you’re booking a hen party and need some fabulous self-catering accommodation to base yourselves in for the weekend, and want some hilariously fun games to keep you busy, check out our hen party page here. 

10 Classy Hen Party Games

10 Classy Hen Party Games that you must play

Let’s face it, Hen parties have evolved from the tacky affairs they once were, with feather boas, headbands, neon glowsticks and L plates. And while some bride-to-be’s may still want an evening of innuendos and penis straws, some will be looking for something filled with a bit more class and sophistication. After all, just because the ‘Miss to Mrs’ wants a hen do that’s a little less R-Rated, why should it be any less fun?! We’ve put together ten classy hen party games that all the ladies will love and are guaranteed to create an evening that will be remembered for years to come. Read on for some of the best inspiration that your bride to be will thank you for.

1.     Gin and Prosecco Pong

Let’s face it, while the concept of beer pong is great, it’s not the classiest thing to drink – and is usually not so savoured by hens. Which is why a great classy hen party game is Prosecco or gin pong! After all, what better way to break the ice with the group that a shot of gin or Prosecco (or three!) It’s a win-win situation, allowing the group to bond over their competitive spirits, get to know each other and get a bit merry at the same time. Why not add a splash of tonic to the gin? Some of your hens might prefer it being a G&T and a little less strong!

2.     Mr and Mrs Quiz

If you are looking for a fun game to play on your hen night, then a Mr and Mrs quiz is a must. Challenge the bride-to-be to answer as many questions about her partner as possible. Before the day, why not meet up with the groom and record him answering the same questions and see how well they really know each other. Vary the questions and make sure to add some funny questions to get the group laughing!

3.     Balloon Question Time

This game is really fun and simple. Come up with a range of questions, then get your fellow hens to answer different ones about themselves on a piece of paper and put these in a balloon which you then blow up. Place these balloons throughout the room and ask the bride to pop each one in turn. The bride-to-be must then try and guess the person who wrote each answer! This is a game which is sure to bring a few skeletons out the closet and create a lot of laughs along the way!

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4.     Cocktail Challenge

There is one thing you can always guarantee gets a party started and that is cocktail making! The aim of the game is simple, to make the tastiest cocktails in your team. Split yourself evenly and have a list of cocktails for each team to make, then together work out how to make the cocktail and get shaking. Once made, allow the bride the sample each one and the highest scoring team wins. Why not have a forfeit for the worst tasting cocktail? You can also try blindfolding one person from the team who is pouring the ingredients the cocktails so they can’t see how much or just what they are pouring in, relying solely on guidance from their team! This can make it great fun, but can get a bit messy!

5.     Find the wedding rings

This a game which is extremely cost effective but also great fun. Purchase a selection of cheap toy rings – you can normally get these online or from a pound shop – and hide them in a few different rooms around the house. Send your guests off to hunt for them with the person who finds the most winning a prize and the rest a forfeit (maybe a shot of something!) Your guests can either do this in teams or on their own.

6.     The Taboo Words

As far as hen do games go, this is simple to execute, easy to play and most likely to bring out a few laughs. Create a list of words that cannot be spoken throughout the Hen Do – be sure to make them as hard as possible so that people get caught out! If the word is said, decide a punishment for breaking the rules, this could be a drink or a dare – basically anything that will get the group laughing! Top words to avoid – ban the hen’s fiancés name, talking about the wedding or the honeymoon – these can be difficult to avoid so have plenty of consequences!

7.     Who knows the bride best quiz

This is easy to execute and is guaranteed to bring out the group’s competitive sides! You can order “who knows the bride best” quizzes online, or make questions up, which the group have to answer. We’d recommend between 10-15 questions, anything less is too short and anything more gets a bit boring. Questions can be anything from ‘where did the bride and groom meet’, to ‘what is the bride’s favourite drink’ or even as difficult (to some!) as ‘what does she want to name her future children’. Have a prize for whoever gets the most right and a forfeit for whoever does the worst – their fate is up to you!

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8.     Toilet roll wedding dress challenge

While the concept of using toilet roll as the main component of this game may not sound like the most classy hen party idea, we’d actually like to think of it as creative bridal couture. Get your group into teams and have them pick a designated model. They then have to craft a wedding dress out of lots of tape, toilet roll and any other customising bits you’ve got ready beforehand. The bride gets to pick the winning design!

9.     Fill in the blank

Again, simple yet effective, the fill in the blank game is a brilliant way to get everyone involved. All you have to do is write down a series of facts about the bride to be and leave a key word blank. For example, you could say “The bride’s once walked into _____ when on a night out and broke her nose” You could have a prize for the hen with the closest (or correct) answer and a forfeit for the silliest or furthest away!

10.   Wine tasting

We’ve all got that one who pretends to be a fully-fledged connoisseur so why not take it to the next level? Particularly if the bride loves a glass or two of vino! Get each guest to bring a bottle of wine, place a cover over the label then taste each bottle in turn. At the end you can vote for your favourite wine and the person who brought the wine is pronounced the winner and gets a prize. What this is, is up to you to decide!

By following these simple yet classy hen party games, you can guarantee the bride will have the hen do she’s always wanted, while keeping it sophisticated!

20 Great Ideas for a Hen Do in London

The UK’s capital will always be a popular city for hen parties due to its buzzing nightlife and range of quirky, exhilarating activities.

You know you want to spend your hen party in London but what are you going to do while you are there? (more…)

Our Top 10 Hen Party Ideas

Long gone are the days when a hen party was a simple dinner or few drinks down your local. Now hen parties are more and more fun with a whole plethora of options available, no matter what sort of celebration you are looking for. However, all this choice means that when it comes to hen party ideas it can get a bit overwhelming with a market stuffed with so many you don’t know where to begin.

From the adventurous activities such as climbing trees with Go Ape or racing around the city on a group treasure hunt, to the more relaxed such as a spa day or afternoon tea, you are guaranteed to find something, it just helps if you know where to look. And this is why we have put together ten of our top hen party ideas so that you can plan an event that is memorable for all the right reasons and one that will have you wishing you could do it all again…

Go Ape

When it comes to hen party ideas, what could be more fun than taking your party to (quite literally) the next level, with a day at Go Ape? This is a great activity for everyone to get together and have fun, while also getting the adrenaline pumping! You can take the course at your own pace and it’s great fun for cheering each member of your group on and experiencing something a little different. If anyone doesn’t want to take part, they can still follow the course from below – putting them in prime position for watching the action and also some great photo taking! Why not spend the day at Go Ape and follow with an evening cocktail making masterclass for a fun-packed day from noon until night…

Cocktail Making

Let’s face it, what would a hen do be without a few drinks at least? And what better way to get there than to make your drinks yourself with the group? A cocktail making masterclass is a great way to mix your own tipples with friends whilst also indulging in a few fun bar games and challenges to really get the party started. Learn to mix and muddle the drinks, how to properly shake the ingredients and what exactly it takes to make a drink taste truly delicious (and yes, there is more to it than just alcohol!) This is a great activity to start your night on the town and get everyone in the party mood and excited for what the rest of your night has to offer…

City treasure hunt

Whilst you may regularly explore cities with friends, girlfriends or your other halves, a hen do is the perfect time to take a mundane walk and turn it right on its head, creating a game from the everyday scenes, sights and destinations around you. Introducing the city treasure hunt! It’s ideal if you’re staying in the city and don’t fancy foraying far. The day will consist of you being split into teams where you have to race to beat each other, solving clues and puzzles using skills and persuasive negotiation which will lead you all around the city. Not only is it exciting but it’s a great way to spot potential bars, clubs and restaurants for your upcoming night out on the tiles! The minimum group size for this is ten participants, so it’s ideal for those with a slightly larger group to all get-together.

Escape room

Hen dos are a great way to mingle with old friends but also to meet new ones. There’s no better way to induce friendship than to lock a group of you in a room together where you have to work as a team to get out. An ‘escape room’ is a fantastic hen do idea, not only due to this, but also as it’s super memorable and not something you’d do every day, or are likely to have done before, making your special weekend that little bit more so. If you are a larger group you are split into smaller teams and you can compete against each other to see who manages to get out the fastest! Why not do this in the morning then follow with a vintage afternoon tea to round off the day where you can compare stories and regale tales of the afternoon?

Afternoon tea and games

After a morning spent doing something competitive, it can be nice to get together and have a delicious afternoon tea. Why not hire a space in a vintage tea room and decorate it with different pictures of all the guests and the bride to be? (Be sure to call up first to check you can, of course!) During the tea you can also play games such as a Mr & Mrs quiz (testing the hen on her knowledge of her other half) or see how well all the hens all know her themselves in different team quizzes. Feast on delicious scones, sip tea and pop champagne and watch the afternoon fly by in a really fun and special way.

Spa day

Wedding planning can be stressful, so give the bride-to-be a chance to unwind and relax before the big occasion with a spa day. Whether you decide to get a treatment or just to all relax in the spa, it’s a brilliant way to gossip, catch up and discuss both the hen do antics and also the excitement of the impending big day! There are a variety of spa options all around the UK, from Center Parcs to hotels and independent ones. It’s important to do some research before you go. Some also do special offers for hen parties which can include extras such as champagne or manicures, so be sure to do your research before you go! Why not follow this with an evening of wine tasting for a classy way to finish off a more sophisticated experience?

Bar Crawl

The best hen do memories are often made (or willingly forgotten) on bar crawls, with the antics and laughs spoken about for years to come. So why not make it one really remember? Do your research before heading on the hen do and pick a number of bars you want to head to on the night. You can also turn it into a game – from bar crawl bingo (how many can you spot in each location) to bar crawl monopoly, to a drink and a shot in each one – you can be prepared for things to get a bit wild!

Wine Tasting

For a classier night of drinking why not indulge in a wine tasting evening? Wine tasting events are great for all socialising together, learning a bit more about your favourite wines and also getting a bit merry if you’re heading out to the town after. They are a great way to introduce you to understanding wine and the different varieties and with a taste of three reds and three whites you can all find your favourite. If your hen party has a preference, this can be arranged and an addition of champagne, canapes and even food can also be added if you’re really looking to make that evening a little bit more special.

Games Night

Sophisticated nights aside, there are also a number of games designed for a more wild hen night! Why not rent out a space or all get together in one of your hotel rooms (if you’re a smaller group) and spend a night in with some prosecco and hen do games? (If you have a self-catered accommodation with a lounge area or games room it is perfect for this!) From hoopla and snakes and ladders to Twister and truth or dare the world is your oyster when it comes to hen party versions of classic games! Why not order in some pizzas, gather some snacks and enjoy a chilled (or maybe not so chilled) night in together!

Chocolate Making Party

Indulge in your sweet side with a chocolate making masterclass at your hen party. Gather your group to learn all about the history of chocolate as well as sampling different flavours along the way. You will then get the chance to make your own chocolate treats such as a giant chocolate button and chocolate truffles – and there are even competitions along the way for the best design! Take home your creations in a ribbon tied box (if they make it that far without you resisting temptation!) and show them off to your family and friends. Why not indulge in this masterclass during the day and round off the hen party with a games night in where you can nibble on your creations as you play?

No matter which hen party activities you choose for your hen do, it’s important to keep the main goal in mind- making sure the bride-to-be has the best send-off possible! Plan as much as you can before you go and try to team together activities for day and night so each day of the itinerary runs smoothly and has plenty to do.

6 Girls Weekend Away Ideas

You don’t have to dig out your passport and board a plane to ensure the perfect girls weekend away – there are plenty of places to visit and explore right here in the UK.

Whether you are planning a hen party to celebrate your best friend’s upcoming nuptials or you just fancy some girl time and a chance to gossip – a weekend away is the perfect way to do it.

The first thing you need to do is decide where you are going to go. If you don’t already have somewhere in mind then ask yourself the following.

Firstly, what do you want out of the weekend? Would you like to be in the heart of a city with bars and clubs right on your doorstep? Perhaps you would rather breathe in the fresh air of the countryside? Or maybe you would like to watch the waves crash against the shore from your hotel window?

Ultimately you want it to be somewhere that is within easy reach of everyone going, has suitable accommodation, and plenty to keep you all entertained.

Here are just six places you might want to consider – each with girls weekend away ideas, so you know how you might spend your time in the destination. Every location has something different and unique to offer you, but all of them guarantee you will make memories that last long after the weekend comes to an end.

Bath

This beautiful city, set in the rolling Somerset countryside, with 18th-century Georgian architecture lining the streets, is perfect for those looking for a more civilised weekend away. It is the only destination in the UK in which the whole city is designated as a world heritage site and came out as the UK’s most relaxed city in one survey.

Accommodation

There is plenty of accommodation to choose from in the heart of the city – just a short distance from the main attractions and suitable for a large groups. If you are looking for luxury then how about this gorgeous seven-bedroom Georgian town house? It sleeps up to 18 guests and is located centrally.

Food and drink

There are a variety of cosy cafes to stop at during the day – including Sally Lunn’s which, as it says above the door, is ‘The oldest house in Bath and home to the world famous Sally Lunn bun’. For dinner, book yourself a table at Aqua. It is located in a fine former Arts & Crafts church and stained-glass windows light up the large dining hall while you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.

Entertainment

Why not start your weekend exploring the city? We recommend the historic Roman Baths, 13th Century Bath Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa – where you can bathe in the hot, bubbly waters. Once you are feeling completely relaxed, pay a visit to the Jane Austen centre and visit the lanes of independent shops.

Then, once the sun goes down head out to the pubs, clubs and bars – with a good mix of independent options as well as well-known chains. If you would like to sip cocktails and dance the night away, The Cork is the place to be – here you can hire a party pod for karaoke or watch a live band, comedy acts, DJs and magicians.

Oxford

Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ and famous, of course, for its prestigious university – historic Oxford is the perfect setting for your girly weekend.

Accommodation

Located right in the heart of the city, next to Oxford castle, Malmaison is a converted prison that makes for a unique stay. You might be sleeping in a cell on A-Wing, but this quirky hotel is far from basic. Prices start from £159 a night.

Food and drink

You will be spoilt for choice when looking for places to eat and drink in Oxford. If you are looking for cocktails then Freud’s is a great setting – a converted Greek revival church with high ceilings and a long, bronze bar.

Entertainment

If you fancy a cultured weekend then this is the perfect city, full of stunning architecture to discover as well as fascinating museums and galleries. If you don’t fancy exploring by foot then jump on the hop-on and off bus tour or take a trip on a punt. A visit to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without climbing the Saxon St George’s Tower at Oxford Castle – the city’s oldest building.

By night, sip your pint in the same spot as CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein with a trip to the Eagle and Child, one of the city’s oldest pubs. However, if you are looking for something a little livelier then there is something for every taste, including independent music venue The Cellar and Raoul’s Cocktail Bar – which has won awards for its drinks.

Manchester

This city, known as the ‘capital of the north’, is famous for its club scene and has a rich musical history – being the birthplace of bands including Oasis, The Smiths and The Stone Roses. Both diverse and energetic, you are guaranteed to have fun here.

Accommodation

Self-catering apartments are ideal for a girly weekend and this Grade II listed building offers both style and comfort, making it an ideal choice. Plus, being located close to both Chinatown and Manchester Piccadilly station makes it super-convenient.

Food and drink

If you are looking for something a bit different, the Dog Bowl offers bowling alongside a cocktail bar and a menu of Tex-Mex dishes, burgers and grills. If you aren’t sure what you fancy, head down to the Corn Exchange where you will find mix of restaurants and cuisines – from Wahaca, Pho and Cosy Club to Banyan Bar and Grill, Pizza Express and Tampopo.

Entertainment

Once you have filled your bellies and lined your stomachs, it is time to experience the incredible nightlife that this city has to offer. Visit the northern quarter for cool, independent bars such as Hula, The Mint Lounge and Soup Kitchen. Deansgate Locks is a row of swanky chain bars in converted railway arches or, of course, there is always Canal Street – the cobbled street at the heart of Manchester’s famous Gay Village.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth, a seaside resort known for having seven miles of golden sandy beaches as well as 2,000 acres of gardens and parks. These are split into three areas – starting with the lower garden adjacent to the sea, up to Central Gardens in the town centre followed by the Upper Gardens. A weekend here is the perfect way to unwind and relax with your favourite girls.

Accommodation

You will find many hotels located on the magnificent coastline, with something to suit every budget. Two, three and four star options offer sea views and are within walking distance of the town centre, seafront and main attractions. For those that love the outdoors, why not try glamping and stay in a yurt, shepherd’s hut or beach lodge.

Food and drink

Being located on the coast, Bournemouth provides some of the best seafood in the country. Tasty prawns, lobster and fish are caught locally and then served up beside the sea. Urban Reef, located right next to the beach on Boscombe Promenade offers panoramic views of the bay and provides locally sourced, seasonal food and drink.

Entertainment

Nestled beneath an impressive cliff line, you will find some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and views of the award-winning beach. Sunbathe on the golden sand and splash around in the turquoise sea and you will quickly forget that you aren’t in the Mediterranean. In the middle of the seemingly never-ending beach you will find the pier, where you can ride the ‘pier to shore zip wire’ – a new way to take in the stunning scenery.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy here, both in and out of the sea, from hiking and cycling to climbing and paddle boarding.

New Forest

If you are looking for a rural retreat where you can curl up with a glass of wine next to a log fire after a long day of walking through the countryside – and enjoy leisurely lunches in country pubs – then this is the location for you and the girls.

Accommodation

A cosy cottage is the perfect place for you to stay during a trip to the countryside. Situated at the end of a quiet lane within the oldest part of a village, this secluded self-catered holiday cottage is set within a large garden surrounded by high hedges and tall trees. Perfect for those who are looking for a little privacy but would still like to be within walking distance of the local pub.

Food and drink

From quaint tearooms to cosy pubs, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in the New Forest. These pubs are located in ancient buildings, some of which are more than 500 years old. In the winter you will be welcomed by a roaring fire and in summer you can enjoy the view from the gardens. Much of the food is sourced locally and sustainably. Visit The Pig in Brockenhurst, for example, for dishes straight from the garden, inspired by the forest and coast.

Entertainment

This area is known for its forest trails and native wild horses, so spend your day exploring them by bike, on horseback or simply by walking. There are plenty of activities on offer from archery, rock climbing, and clay pigeon shooting to paintball, abseiling and watersports.

After a day in the great outdoors unwind at the spa and treat yourself to a massage before you relax in the sauna – you are guaranteed to leave feeling rejuvenated.

Bristol

Bristol, a city that has been named the best place to live in the UK, is a diverse and colourful place famed for its graffiti walls and pastel houses. It is a quirky and unique city with a focus on individuality – here you will find independent shops and unique eateries as well as a vibrant nightlife. It provides the perfect mixture of both city and countryside, with some breathtaking views. If you are looking for something a little different, then this is the place for your weekend.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels situated right in the heart of the city, just walking distance from the main attractions. If you are on a budget then why not stay in the The Lanes – a quirky backpackers hostel with a 10-pin bowling alley. Price start from just £10 per night. If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, a short distance across town you will find The Marriott located at the bottom of Park Street – perfectly placed no matter how you plan to spend the weekend. Prices start from £97 a night.

Food and drink

You can’t visit Bristol without having a cider and The Apple is the best place to do it. Located in the heart of the Old City, The Apple offers a range of the world’s finest ciders on a converted Dutch barge. Then, if you enjoy your dinner with a view, it is time to head up Park Street to Clifton, where a meal on The Avon Gorge terrace comes with the suspension bridge as a backdrop.

Entertainment

From Love Saves the Day and Brisfest to the Harbour Festival and Balloon Fiesta, there is always something going on in Bristol – so there will be no time to get bored, no matter when you visit.

Swing with the monkeys in ZooRopia – an aerial rope course at Bristol Zoo – learn about Bristol’s past through interactive exhibits at the M Shed, shop till you drop at Cabot Circus, see a show at the Hippodrome or the Old Vic – the UK’s oldest working theatre – and join a walking tour to see more of the city. Once the sun goes down head top Thekla, a world famous live music venue on board a German cargo ship.

With these six locations, you’re spoiled for choice. Pick your favourite and enjoy!

Organising a hen party

If you think organising a hen party is going to be a walk in the park, think again! Think of organising someone elses holiday, trying to think of what they want and taking all the responsibility. That’s where we come in and take the weight off your shoulders.

SETTING THE GOALS

1. Set the end goal from the start – what do you want to get from this stag weekend or hen party? – Memories and fun usually come out on top for the people attending and glory for you, it’s a great feeling when all your friends genuinely say thank you for a great weekend away.

WHO ARE YOU ORGANISING THE PARTY FOR?

2. What’s the bride actually like? Characteristics, lifestyle, hobbies, childhood activities? It’s their party so they should be right at the top of the list of important people. Next who else has to come? And finally don’t forget all sides of the family, after all, you want to make a good impression.

FINDING THE PERFECT LOCATION

3. Where do you want to go, which destination? A city offers party options on your doorstep, however getting out into the country will offer a relaxing atmosphere, if you pick the right location it shouldn’t take too long to drive too. Think location location location. Very important, spend some time on this one.

 WHO TO INITE

You’ll need to work with the bride on this one. A good starting point is the wedding guestlist as you usually invite those who are invited to the wedding – closest friends, family and of course the bridesmaids!

Some brides will want their Mum or Gran there, some won’t. You’ll need to adjust the hen party plans accordingly to accommodate the age range. It might be that you choose to do an activity during the day for the ‘younger’ contingent and then have a meal and drinks in the evening where any ‘oldies’ can join in.  Or why not have 2 dos! Go away for a weekend with the girls and then have a second do somewhere local maybe in a restaurant so that the relatives can join in.

When putting the hen party invite list together, think about group numbers. Too small and it can be difficult to book the best activities as there are minimum group sizes. Too large and it can get a bit of a nightmare trying to co-ordinate everyone.

If there are people that you have to cross off the list, then just send them a quick note to explain why. That way there’s less likely to be any awkwardness at the wedding when you see them.

STAG AND HEN PARTY IDEAS – WRITE IT DOWN

4. Budget budget budget, be realistic, when you start perusing the interweb for hen ideas, jot down costs. You have to decide which way the events are going to go: novel, original, traditional, unique, themed, refined, tranquil. The list is not exhaustive and it’s not meant to be, you’re the maid of honour – it’s up to you. You don’t have to decide straight away, so, for now, its surf time.

THE ILLUSION – DO YOUR HOMEWORK

5. A picture paints a thousand words and a good website will purvey the quality, but do your homework, websites can be ambiguous, how do you know they are the best available, are they competitively priced for their services. Search for sailing in Brighton on google and you will have a host of websites to choose from, which one would you choose?

They will all say they are the best, but which one should you trust? Which one has the correct insurance, offers an impeccable service and high-quality equipment? This applies to every activity, hotel and service available on the web. We have collated a list of trusted, experienced and quality tested providers during our 17 years of service, so rest assured that we know you’re going to have a good time!

KNOW YOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

7. So now you have a good idea, the costs, you have put it to the vote and finalised the plans, now for the invites. As a suggestion take some money from people, you will have to outlay a deposit (check companies terms), don’t get caught, if your friends say that they want to come along then they will be happy to give you some money. A flexible company will have a user-friendly booking system, not all though.

When your friends give you the money remember to mention “‘ this is a non-refundable deposit, I will not be able to give you this money back if you decide not to come, is that ok?”. Also give them a deadline for the rest of the money, the balance. Make sure you allow time to collect and you will always have stragglers.  Tell them straight from the start and then they understand the situation. Be fearless otherwise you will be accountable.

Keeping it a secret

You could keep the whole weekend a secret but you need to be really good at keeping secrets and probably a bit brave as it puts all the pressure on you to get everything right! Also, there’s always a chance someone else in the group might let something slip! In true ‘Surprise, Surprise’ style, you could get a really close friend that the hen or stag hasn’t seen for a long time or that now lives abroad to turn up at the party.  This is sure to be a real tear-jerker!

CAN YOU KEEP STUM?

You could just keep certain elements of the weekend hush, hush. So maybe the hen or stag knows the location plus one or two of the activities, but you could leave out the details of the main activity you’ve got planned.

Of course, there are some easier bits to keep stum about. For example, what you’re going to make the hen or stag dress up in! You might be kind and make the whole group dress up in a theme or you might make the hen or stag stand out in a funny costume!

Also, a great thing to get the whole group involved in is coming up with forfeits for the hen or stag to do. They’ll have no idea what you’ve got in-store for them as you choose key moments during the weekend to get them to do a dare or challenge!

 Second Time Round

The UK is a nation of hopeful romantics, just look at the figures – four out of ten marriages in the UK are to second timers. So how do you go about organising a UK-based hen weekend for friends, possibly including teenage daughters and relatives, as well as a possible healthy selection of older ladies from your accumulated extended family?

So you’ve arrived at your lovely hotel late Friday afternoon. You head for the spa area, have a swim and freshen up before sitting down to enjoy a lovely meal at the hotel restaurant.

Saturday morning after an early breakfast – what’s on the menu for the rest of the day? For a mixed age group, why not engage in some serious chocolate making? Fun and informative for everyone, you’ll learn about the history of chocolate and the journey it makes from bean to bar whilst tasting sumptuous samples of coca butter. You’ll discover how to make some fabulous favourites such as fresh vanilla truffles, dark chocolate fudge and hazelnut praline.  And when you leave, you’ll go away with your very own ribbon-tied box of hand -made chocolates.

If chocolate is not quite your thing, what about the new Cup Cake experience where you’ll make truly wonderful cupcakes, decorate whoopie pies and get to shake your own chocolate Martini?

The Master Chef in charge of your workshop will give you professional insider tips on making the perfect sponge and creating unusual and innovative flavours for your cup cakes and Whoopie pies. Secrets of how to make perfect butter cream frosting and marshmallow fillings will also be revealed.

Tasting is obligatory, sample exotic creations such as lemon and poppy seed or green tea cupcakes and of course a decadent organic chocolate Martini. If you don’t end up munching all your cupcakes, then you get to package them in delectable bags and boxes with ribbons, stickers and bows to give as presents or keep for yourself. You’ll also leave the workshop armed with recipe leaflets jam-packed with cupcake and Whoopie pie recipes and decorating ideas so that you can have a go at recreating your masterpieces at home.

After the workshop, it’s back to the hotel for a rest, a chat in the bar or lounge and leisurely get ready for a wonderful night of entertainment and dinner.  Adventure Connections can sort out the best entertainment for you whether it be a trip to the theatre, a concert or even a very tasteful ladies-only cabaret – the choice is up to you. We can arrange dinner pre-entertainment or after depending on your requirements.

And what to do after a late night out? How about a luxurious and pampered session in a spa where you can have additional specific treatments if you so desire, in addition to the complimentary treatment included in your package that also includes a light lunch.

Create a soundtrack

Creating a hen party playlist couldn’t be easier and is great to play whilst you’re all getting ready to head out, so you can all bop along and sing your hearts out!

All you need to do is get everyone in the hen party group to suggest a song for the list, add some tunes that you know are favourites of the Bride-to-be and some classics from when you were growing up. Then why not add a few tunes that have significance for the upcoming occasion of the wedding! Here’s a few ideas of songs with a wedding theme to get you started:

• White Wedding – Billy Idol
• Wishin’ and Hopin’ – Ani Difranco (from the soundtrack of ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’)
• Kiss The Bride – Elton John
• Marry You – Bruno Mars
• Chapel Of Love – Dixie Cups

The soundtrack to your hen weekend will make a great keepsake for everyone in the group and whenever you hear any of the songs, you’ll remember the fun you had!

Hen Party Games

You can’t always be clubbing, quad biking or in the spa so this blog should help you out with some ideas of some hen party games to play whilst you wait! Whether you are young or mature, naughty or nice, we have the ultimate list of games to play on your hen party that will certainly break the ice between your fellow hens!

True or False

Test your knowledge on the bride to be and find out who should really deserve to be maid of honor in this thrilling yet fun game that will help you extend your friendship and find out some cheeky facts about the bride to be!

Before the big night come up with roughly 20 facts, some true and some false, and then read them out and get the guests to mark what they think the answer is! You can keep them simple, such as “who was her first kiss” or maybe something a little naughtier that the bride to be may not want others knowing about! (I’ll let you come up with your own examples!) There can also be a prize for the winner and a dare for the loser to make it really interesting!

Rate Him!

One of the more risqué games of the night but if you fancy a night out then this one is a must! If you’re prepared you can make rating cards and hand them out to the hens, but if not, a pen and napkin will do just fine! The game itself entitles the women to rate the men simultaneously as they enter the bar or as they walk in or previous exes!

Who’s Bag?

Another quizzical game but this time the embarrassment is on everyone! Make all the girls put 2 items from their handbags into a carrier bag and then pull them out 1 by 1 and get everyone to guess whose is what! The naughtier the item, the funnier the game! And another fantastic way to get everyone familiar with each other and once again the opportunity to become a winner or a loser!

Getting Dressy

Some might say that the wedding dress is the most important factor of the day, the most iconic image and biggest surprise! This game gets the girls up on their feet and getting arty! Split the group into teams and then gather a range of random household items like bin liners, toilet roll etc. and then the game is to create your very own bridal dress! Either you or the bride to be can choose the winner!

Scavenger Hunt

If you’re planning on going out then why not treat the bride-to-be with a list of things to do and things to get whilst out on the town! This can be as cheeky or simple as you like (depending on how envious you are of the bride!) This game will make the night a hell of a lot more interesting and guaranteed giggling throughout the tasks! Take a look at our recommended lists:

Things To Get:

• Condom
• Somebodies underwear
• A photo of you and an animal

Things To Do:

• Get a lap-dance from someone
• Get a guys number
• Down a pint

Famous Hen Parties

Elizabeth Hurley

Liz Hurley’s bachelorette party may be one of the most extravagant, but with a budget of £3000 per head it is most certainly one of the most expensive! Forking out for champagne and nibbles to accompany her guests whilst they watched the cat walk (presented by designer Donatella Versace) in which the guests could pick what outfit they wished to wear at the wedding itself! Following the fashion show, they ventured onto an afternoon of beauty treatments and then a private dinner…

Kim Kardashian

On July 23rd 2011, Kim and her infamous booty hit the TAO nightclub in vegas and celebrated what she thought would be one of her last single days… Organised by her equally “famous” sister Khloe, the party featured all of Kim’s friends, family and of course, some half naked hunks… She ended the night by crashing her fiancee’s stag next door in LAVO!