How to host a ‘home hen party’
There are no limits to an at-home hen party.
Image source: Shutterstock
Unique, fun, and perfectly tailored to suit your bride’s every wish, a home hen party is the ultimate send off.
Read our inspirational guide, filled with ideas and tips, to make your hens’ night in a roaring success.
Decorating
Pictured above: Summer Meadow Party Lights - Was £19.95, Now £4.95
Whether you choose a theme special to your bride, or just go wild with pretty bunting, banners and balloons, dress your home for the occasion – no matter how small the entertaining space.
As wedding creative Kirsten Butler says on Bespoke Brides:
‘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’!
Bring the outside in with some summer meadow bunting. Or, choose love for your theme and hang heart-shaped decorations and lots of framed pics that tell the story of the bride and groom-to-be.
And don’t forget to give the space some ambience. String lights are an easy way to add instant atmosphere. Glamourous groupings of candles will make everyone look good, although tea lights might be the safest alternative once the Prosecco is flowing! These pretty iridescent tea light holders will provide the perfect chillout glow.
Dressing up
A great hen party deserves some great outfits.
Image source: Shutterstock
Getting all glammed up – whether in fancy dress or your fanciest dress – is part of the fun of a home hen do. As the Hen Box says:
‘if you are in the comfort of your own home you can go all out with your outfits. After all, there’s no pesky doorman around to not let you in!’
With this in mind, think about the dress code you put on the invitations. You could specify cocktail dresses, Gatsby-style gowns, a white theme, or girl power. While you’re at it, why not go big on the accessories? We’re talking tiaras, sashes, hats – the whole shebang.
Alternatively, go to the opposite extreme and invite your hens to a grown-up pyjama party. Grab your PJ's, ice cream, a few bottles of wine and a great film for a good old-fashioned girl’s night in. Truth or dare optional!
Drinks
Pictured above: Set Of 6 Large Classic Cafe Glasses - Was £5.95, Now £2.95
Set up a DIY bar with the bride’s favourite drinks so people can help themselves during the party – just don’t forget the corkscrew! And for added flair, hang a vintage sign above the table.
Or throw a cocktail-making party. Companies like Hens and Cocktails will come to your house and teach you and your friends to make your favourite cocktails. All you need is space to set up a bar, a few thirsty friends, and you’ll soon be mixing mojitos like a pro.
Whatever you do, give the party some Parisian chic with these cafe-style glasses and classy napkins. Plastic cups don’t have a place here.
Food
An afternoon tea party is a stylish way to cater your hen do.
Image source: Shutterstock
How about a spot of afternoon tea? Keep it traditional, with little sandwiches and plenty of champagne, or customise by serving bite-sized nibbles alongside cocktails served in little teapots.
For all your fingerfood needs, a supermarket delivery keeps costs down and is a massive time saver, giving you more time to devote to detail and decor.
Alternatively, unleash your creativity and use food as one of the activities. A cupcake decorating contest is always a winner. We love the unicorn cupcake tutorial from Lady Berry Cupcakes on the Hen Box website. Make sure you have some of these cute dotty cases in advance to really showcase your creations.
Fun and games
There’s no limit to the games you can play at a home hen party. If you’re stuck for ideas, Bespoke Brides has a watercolour-themed printable pack of games that’ll kick off the festivities nicely.
Activities are great icebreakers, that’s why a crafting hen can be a top-notch idea. You could learn to make soap, jewellery, or DIY floral crowns together. And once you know how, the crowns, like those found on Rock My Wedding, are pretty enough to make again for the big day.
Making a quilt can be really special; The Crafty Hen will come to your house and help each hen make a special square. The company then sews all the squares together and sends the completed quilt to the bride as a unique gift that’ll last a lifetime!
Pampering
The run-up to a wedding is a busy time so taking a moment to relax and recharge is a real indulgence. An amazing way to do just that is to host a home spa party! Spa therapists will come to your house to give treatments like massages and manicures – this vintage ‘do not disturb’ sign is perfect for the door into your ‘spa’ party.
Alternatively, hire a makeup artist or hair stylist to give your hens a makeover. Once you’re all made up, grab a camera with a timer for a photo session with your beautiful bride-to-be.
A homemade pom-pom wall makes an amazing backdrop for photos. As Jenny says over on the B.loved blog, it’s easy and cost-effective. Tissue paper makes really pretty pom-poms or, if you’re pressed for time, just hang this pretty paper flower garland instead!
Have you organised a hen party? If so, we’d love to hear your hints and tips. Let us know over on our Facebook page.
Looking for hen party ideas?
Check out the dotcomgiftshop summer sale to inspire your home hen party. Here are six sale items to get your party started...
Pictured above (left to right): Spotty Fairy Cake Cases - Was £5.95, Now £1.00; Iridescent Tea Light Holder - Was £4.95, Now £1.00; Lights - £14.95
Pictured above (left to right): White Heart Place Setting - Was £1.95, Now 50p; Set 4 Glass Carafes and Carrier - Was £19.95, Now £4.95; Summer Meadow Paper Bunting - Was £4.95, Now £1.95.