Alternative options to the ultimate Hen Party

Planning a Hen do can be an overwhelming and stressful, especially if you are working out people’s budgets and what everyone wants to do! Most couples want to do something beyond the traditional night on the town for their hen and stag do’s and we’ve come up with some alternative options that’ll suit any bride-tribe. If you fancy something different to the classic hen do, we have some amazing options for you to choose from that won’t break the bank. You don’t need to do the wild Ibiza party if that’s not you! Who says that your hen party needs to be crazy? Remember, your hen do is your celebration and can reflect your personality. It’s your hen, your rules!

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Pizza making class

For the food-loving brides and hens, pizza making is the perfect way to bring everyone together for an evening of dough tossing and Italian pizza making. This hen party is a great way for your hens to bond, especially if they don’t know each other! Even make it competitive and determine who’s the top pizza tossing champion. Pair your pizza making skills with prosecco or cocktails chosen by the bride-to-be.

If your hens have any special dietary requirements, this is a great activity that will be able to cater to all, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

We love pizza making as an alternative to the traditional night out, chilled vibes, funny stories about the couple and you’re able to eat pizza and drink cocktails, what could be better?

Escape rooms

Hen dos don’t need to be boring and escape rooms take the cake when it comes to an adrenaline-packed party. They’re a great icebreaker for those hens who don’t know each other and must work as a team to escape under time pressure! Book your private escape room for just you and your party and choose a theme that suits your vibe and personality.

Your hens could even dress for the occasion. Going for an undercover spy escape room like ClueQuest in London? Why not dress in your best 007 attire and immerse yourself into the experience. Or make it all about the bride and dress as them throughout the years, including those awkward phases!

An escape room is a cool alternative for those looking to do something memorable and budget-friendly for their hen party. There are so many different escape rooms across UK towns and cities, you won’t have to travel far to find one near you.

Sip and Paint

If you’re feeling more of a chilled vibe, sip and paint parties are the perfect hen party for those who want to get creative and have a few glasses of their favourite wine. Ideal for the brides who want to sit back, relax and bond with their hens.

Create a theme like paint the groom or guess the dress (if you’ve kept it a secret!). Some paint and sip parties let you BYOB, so pack your favourite chicken wine and cheers to the bride, whilst you get creative.

The best part is everyone gets to take home their own creations, no matter the questionable talent levels! Add some personalised aprons or wine glasses and set a playlist of your favourite throwback bangers and you’ve got a seriously good time.

boom battle bar

Boom Battle Bar

If you’re all about a bit of friendly competition, Boom Battle Bar is the ultimate hen do playground. With everything from axe throwing, beer pong, shuffleboard and karaoke, it’s a recipe for the best night out. It’s perfect for the hens that want to do something slightly chaotic and fun! Split into teams and go head-to-head in challenges and fuel yourselves with cocktails and snacks between games.

It’s guaranteed to be unforgettable, and you’ll have stories for years to come. Some locations even offer a cocktail masterclass, where you can learn to mix your favourite drinks and sip, learn and mix your way to becoming a proper cocktail pro.

This has to be one of our favourite alternatives! Food, axe throwing and even cocktail making, what more could you ask for.

Spa day

An oldie but a goldie, a spa day is the best way to relax before the big day. Fluffy robes, chilling in the steam room and a deep tissue massage to manage all that stress of wedding planning. A spa day is a great way to bring all the hens together, including Mother of the bride and future Mother-in-Law too.

Why not add a glass of bubbly over afternoon tea whilst you all relax in your fluffy robes. It’s the ideal way to unwind before the wedding day and spend time with your closest family and friends. Add in some matching slippers for your bridal party and even have swimwear that matches your colour scheme, a spa day will be the luxury experience you and your party will remember.

taste film

TasteFilm

Dinner and a movie? Cute. But eating the movie? Now that’s iconic. TasteFilm is an immersive cinema experience, where you don’t just watch the film, you eat along with it! This unique hen party idea is perfect for those brides who want an intimate hen party alongside their nearest and dearest. Think Mean Girls with cheese fries or Matilda and a gooey chocolate cake! So, every time food or drink appears on the big screen, it appears in front of you.

This is hen party gold and a true alternative to a night on the town. TasteFilm is dinner and the ultimate sensory experience into one unforgettable celebration. For the autumn/winter brides who don’t fancy braving the outdoors, this is a great relaxed vibe and more importantly indoors and warm!

The ultimate sleepover

Sometimes the simplest ideas for a Hen Do can turn out to be the best kind of celebration. If you want something lowkey but also super fun, you can never go wrong with a sleepover! All your bridesmaids, close family, and friends in matching PJs, skincare and facemasks, maybe even some corny romcoms and obviously some prosecco or cute mocktails.

If you want to make it feel more like a proper celebration, why not take the sleepover on tour? Book a cosy Airbnb or a hotel and spa to make it feel more like a getaway. You could spend a day lounging by the pool, or book a private chef to prepare a meal for everyone. It's chill, easy to plan and guaranteed to make everyone feel relaxed, spoiled and excited for the bride!

Our final thoughts

In 2025 the rule book has been thrown out the window. You no longer need to stick to traditional wedding colours or matching each bridesmaid in a dress they really dislike. So, whether you’d prefer bold and vibrant autumn colours or a softer, gentle colour palette, there is a colour to tell everyone’s story. If you want to dive deeper into our favourite colours this autumn, check out our Pinterest board for further inspo, perfect for your mood board.

We know that choosing a colour palette for the big day can be tricky, but you know what shouldn’t be? Wedding Insurance. Whether your photographer’s sick, the cake ended up on the floor or the flowers are deader than disco, wedding insurance steps in to save the day. Secure peace of mind and focus on celebrating! Check out which wedding insurance option is right for you.

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