HOST AN EPIC PIRATE THEMED BACHELORETTE WITH THESE BRILLIANT TIPS!

Written By: Bec  |  Last Updated: 26.10.2023
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Ahoy, me hearties! Arrgh ye ready for a night of sea shanties, rum drinking and ship faced shenanigans?!

Then assemble your best crew and don your favourite sailing threads, for this will be a pirate themed bachelorette party to remember!

Find all of the inspiration needed to pull it off below.
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Related: 90+ Impressive Hen Do Theme Ideas
​Related: Epic Pirate Printables (Instant Download)

Pirate Party Ideas (Quick Overview)

Ahoy me hearties! Are ye ready for an event to remember? A pirate party is ALL about the presentation. Set an eerie and adventurous tone with wooden items, twinkle lights, pillar candles, nautical treasures, trinkets and lanterns. Pair this with some pirate themed bevvies (rum, anyone?), a banquet of food, some exciting games/activities (such as a 'treasure hunt' or photo booth) and your best piratey getup. Once the ship has sailed, send your scallywags home with their very own loot (chocolate coins, mini bottle of rum) and memories of one incredible paarghty!

Check out our favourite pirate party ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★

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Dress for the High Seas

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CREATIVE TOPS

★Click here to view a range of funny pirate t-shirt inspiration★

Add a bit of fun to the costume department by requesting that funny pirate or sea-inspired slogans are somehow included in each outfit. Creativity is key here. Guests could wear anything from an embroidered t-shirt to a white top with handwritten words (or a hand drawn treasure map) added to it.

​Example slogans include 'Pirate costume loading... please wait', 'Time flies when you're having rum', 'Last sail before the veil', 'I'm the reason all the rum is gone' and 'Ship happens'.
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PIRATE HATS
A low-key costume is that of pirate hats. Either ask each member of the crew to source and wear their own, or provide them with options on arrival. Pair with the colour-block idea mentioned below for a more coordinated look.



COLOUR BLOCK PARTY
For those after a simple dress code, why not ask guests to arrive in either red or black, and the beautiful bride-to-be in white. This colour scheme will not only give your event instant pirate vibes without putting pressure on attendees, but will also make your hen stand out.



PIRATE PJ PARTY
Abandon ship! Rather than hitting the high seas, blend your pirate party with a sleepover bash for the ultimate cosy occasion.

With PJs in a particular colour theme (e.g. red, black and/or white), pirate prints, funny sea-inspired slogans, or full blown pirate outfits more than welcome, ye matey's comfort level will be off the scale.

Slippers and dressing gowns also recommended.

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SEXY PIRATES
Some view pirates as daring, mischievous and rowdy. Why not channel this energy with a cheeky ensemble? From black bathers and seductive corsets, to mini dresses in the pirate theme; it's all about being bold and having oh so much fun. Pair with a couple of racy activities for one naughti-cal affair!
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Related article: Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Naughty Hen Do



OTHER OPTIONS
Still umming and arrghing about what to wear?

There are also the options of Pirate Movie characters, or a blanket 'pirate' rule (where guests may arrive as anything from wenches to bottles of rum, cannon balls and loot). After a truly unique celebration? A 'Yo Ho Ho Down (and a bottle of rum) is a pirate party with a farmyard twist!
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DIY ADULT PIRATE COSTUME IDEAS:

• Pirate colours: wear red, black, white and brown clothes or materials. Red and white striped material/clothes also works a treat
• Pirate costume accessories: bandanas worn around your heard, waist or ankle will give instant pirate vibes. As will feathers, pirate hats, eye patches and large hoop earrings
• Pirate inspired outfits: ripped shorts, skirts or pants are ideal for this theme, as are white tops or blouses, and black or brown boots.
  

​SAVE CASH BY UPCYCLING:
​This theme is perfect for upcycling (making it a dream for any crafty person)!

Give old clothes and material new life by turning them into bandanas, ripped skirts/dresses, belts and tops. The 'worn' look will only add to your outfit. Similarly, earrings, jewellery and in many cases, pirate hats and eye patches, can be borrowed from friends or family or purchased second hand.

It's Time to Get Ship Faced

Pirate themed bevvies, is there anything better?


PARTY PALETTE
Serve drinks based on your colour palette (that is, beverages with red, black, white and/or brown hues). Boozy hot chocolates, cosmopolitans and black martinis are ideal for this.



PIRATE INSPIRED LABELS
There is also the option of labelling your drinks selection. 'Pirates Punch', 'Dirty Pirate', 'Fool's Gold', and of course 'RUM!' are all quite fitting of the theme. If you'd rather not label individual refreshments, set up a sign to spark interest instead. 'Pick Your Poison', 'Grog', or 'Let's Get Ship Faced' all work well for this purpose.



PART OF THE DECOR
For the wine lovers, why not blend your décor with the vino? Wooden self-serve barrels will add to the atmosphere whilst simultaneously allowing ye mateys to enjoy drinks on tap.


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DRINK STATION
And finally, a drink station is the perfect way for the host to offer variety without a whole lot of prep. Simply leave an assortment of liquors and mixes with a few themed cocktail recipes. Fellow pirates can then choose to make the mix or create a random concoction from scratch!

↑ Click here to view this 'Drink Up' pirate party sign ↑

DIY PIRATE-INSPIRED DRINK CHARMS:
Offer reusable jars, champagne flutes, goblets or tankards; each with their own funny slogan so that guests can keep track of their drinks.

Instructions:
Write fun slogans and sayings onto kraft tags - ensuring that each tag is unique. Some example sayings include:
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• Ahoy matey!
• Nobody likes a shady beach
• Boozing with my beaches
• I'm actually a pirate
• Time flies when you're having rum​

• Curse like a sailor, drink like a pirate
• Boat hair, don't care
• I'm the captain, I make ship happen
• Beach please
• Shiver me timbers!

​​Using twine, attach these tags to your choice of cup. Now guests can keep track of their bevvies by looking out for their unique tag!

Set the Scene with Pirate Party Decorations

★Click here to view a range of pirate party decoration ideas★

From twinkle lights, pillar candles and woven placemats, to wooden boxes, trinkets and lanterns; there are so many everyday items that, when combined, will set a truly remarkable and eerie scene. Some of our favourite DIY party supplies include:

• Drinking accessories: oversized goblets, mugs or tankards. If you don't have these, wine glasses and champagne flutes can be used.
• Large display items: pirate flag/s, telescopes, or even a large pirate/treasure map (if it's big enough, this would make a great DIY photobooth backdrop)
• ​Nautical items: ​fishnet table runners, nautical rope, sea shells
• Pirate inspired decorations: compasses, feathers (great for costume accessories or as pirate pens), beaded necklaces (draped over items), trinkets and costume jewellery, 
• Printed signs: such as pirate slang, funny pirate facts and/or interesting pirate facts.
• Scrap wood: can be used to create rustic signs, or to display candles, wine bottles, etc. Drape with fishnet for added effect.
• Upcycled materials: empty wine bottles (labels removed), fake gold (gold painted rocks), glass bottles with rolled up paper inside, mason jar candles
• 'Weathered' decorations: such as old, large kegs, burlap table runners or table cloths, large keys (rusted keys look fab!), wooden items, oil lanterns, trunks, wine barrels, pillar candles, and old books.
• Wooden boxes: great for stacking and displaying items. You could also use a wooden box as a treasure chest.
• Other ideas: black table cloths, kraft wrapping paper (used to cover tables or create backdrops), twinkle lights, wax stamps and woven placemats.

SOURCING DECORATIONS:
Most of these items can be sourced from op shops and your very own home. So check your cupboards (and those of family and friends) for images, furniture and other goodies that wouldn't be out of place on ye actual pirate ship.

Handy Hint:
After a truly authentic look? Combine natural products and fabrics with neutral colours.
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STRESSED ABOUT CREATING THE 'PERFECT' PIRATE ATMOSPHERE?
Decorating for an event can be quite overwhelming at times. Here are some tips to help you get started if you're feeling the pressure!
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• A little goes a long way: you don't need every single item on the list for your event to look the part. When it comes to decorating, we suggest thinking about the type of party you're hosting, and then getting creative with what you've already got/managed to source.​
• If you're hiring a venue or partying at home: rather than decorating the entire venue, focus on particular areas instead. You might choose to decorate the food table, drinks table and a section for photos. This alone will transform the space. Think it needs more? Once you've got the basics covered, you can add décor to other areas if you wish.
• If you're hosting a pirate theme dinner party: put your effort into the table and its surrounds. This will make the biggest impact as that's where guests will be spending the majority of their time.
• Bringing your theme to life: more than anything, it's the outfits that bring this theme to life. As soon as the room is overflowing with real-life pirates, any décor-related stress you may have had will disappear!

↑ Click here to view this 'Enter if Ye Dare' sign ↑

Game On, Buckaneers!

​​BEST DRESSED COMPETITION
An oldie but a goodie! Play sea shanties or nautical ballads as your sea dogs and scallywags strut their stuff. The captain (a.k.a. bride-to-be) can then pick her favourite ensemble, awarding the winner with a prize.

Have more pirate loot to unload? Prizes can also be given to 'the most creative outfit', 'the funniest outfit', or even 'the most realistic outfit'.

Handy Hint:
Give party-goers a heads up on their invitations that this game will be happening; it will encourage them to arrive in (hopefully) some epic costumes!



SNEAKY SCROLLS
Write down some fun pirate inspired tasks on pieces of paper. For example 'greet four people with 'Ahoy, Me Hearties!', or 'When ye have a drink, yell out 'Down the Hatch! before taking a sip'. Roll each scroll up and place it into a wooden box or container.

On the day, allow guests to take one scroll as they arrive. Ask them not to let anyone in on what's written inside, and, most importantly, not to tell the bride about this activity at all!

As tasks are completed, and giggles are had, award the successful scallywag with some loot. When the bride-to-be catches on, award her with some loot, too.

Fun addition:
Only let a random selection of guests in on the game - and ask them not to mention it to anyone else at the party. This way it's not just the bride-to-be in shock at the sudden use of pirate slang, but other party-goers as well!



WHAT'S YOUR PIRATE NAME?

Quick and easy - this game will help ye mateys find their pirate alias.

To play, start by creating or purchasing a 'What's Your Pirate Name' sign.

Click here for an example to get you stated.

​ Print this off and frame, ready for the party.

On the day, pirate pals can view the sign; discovering the nicknames of themselves and fellow wenches. Will they stick? Only time will tell!

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WOULD YOU RATHER - PIRATE EDITION
This game is based on asking your group of friends a ‘would you rather’ question or two. For example, ‘would you rather give or receive a lap dance?’ A really fun way to break the ice at any event.

And the best part? Questions can be tailored to your theme.

So rather than using hen/wedding related options, opt for pirate slang instead. For example, 'would you rather be referred to as an Old Salt or Landlubber?'. 

Related: How to Play the Would She Rather Game



X MARKS THE SPOT
You've probably heard of 'pin the bouquet on the bride' or 'pin the junk on the hunk'. What about pinning the X on the map'?! A twist on the old fave, this game requires guests to be blindfolded and spun before trying to pin X on top of the treasure.

Alternative:
Rather than spinning guests, see if they can 'walk the plank' blindfolded before pinning X on the right spot. We suggest using masking tape to create the 'plank' outline; an actual plank may cause injuries to the uncoordinated (#raiseshand)!



MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
Similar to the 'Date Night' game, 'Message in a Bottle' results in a range of sweet notes for the bride and groom-to-be.

To play, set up a large see-through bottle, scrolls (pieces of kraft paper), twine, scissors and pens. If you want to go the extra mile, create a couple of feather pens to pair with the game. Using worn or kraft paper, write/print out instructions asking guests to take a scroll and fill it with messages, advice, date ideas, sweet memories + more. Request that the scrolls are rolled up, fastened with twine, and added to the bottle.

After the party, gift this beautiful message filled bottle to your guest of honour!

Related: How to Play the Date Jar Game
​Related: 40+ Hen Party Game Ideas

​​OTHER GAME IDEAS
Want to have a few more games up your sleeve? Just in case they're needed? The following options are easy to set up and super fun to play!
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• Charades: the usual game, but with pirate-related words instead (walking the plank, . The actions are sure to bring on fits of laughter!
• Guess the drawing: split guests into teams and have them take turns drawing pirate-related items (such as pirate ships, skull and crossbones, wine barrels and more). Teams have to guess the picture being drawn before the timer goes off​
• Pirate ship building: provide art materials and let guests get to work creating the pirate ship of their dreams! You can assign categories prior to playing (e.g. 'the wedding ship') or simply award prizes for categories once everyone is finished (best ship, funniest ship, naughtiest ship, etc.)​
• Pirate vocab: at the start of your event, hand out pieces of paper featuring common pirate phrases. Once everyone has had a chance to go through the sheet, the countdown timer starts (30 minutes, for example). During this time, if anyone is caught not talking like a pirate, they complete a pre-prepared punishment (such as 'walking the plank', taking a shot - or sip of their drink, etc.).
• Pirate word search: be first to find all of the pirate-related words to win
• Rum pong: beer pong, but for ye crew of scallywags!

HANDY GAME TIP:​
Games can either be right on theme (such as the options mentioned above), traditional hen party games (with a touch of the high sea spirit, as pictured below), or a mix of both.

​↑ Click here to view these pirate inspired 'Advice' game cards ↑

​Pirate Inspired Activities

​ COCKTAIL MAKING CLASS (RUM THEMED)
Does the bride-to-be love herself some rum? Why not treat her to a wicked fun mixology class where she can learn how to create the most delicious pirate concoctions around?!



HIT THE WATER
The pirate theme lends itself to so many water based activities. From river cruises and luxury yachts to boats that resemble actual pirate ships. Beach shindigs and poolside parties to white water rafting. If the activity is in, on or around water, the picaroons will come.



PUB CRAWL (TURNED TREASURE HUNT)
You've got the threads, now it's time to hit the town. Hit up your local party points and pubs; satisfying your craving for rum.

Want to up the ante a bit? Turn this into a 'treasure hunt'. Where each stop on the 'map' gets you closer to the gold at the end.

Be sure to include fun tasks to complete along the way, and then award party-goers at the final stop with some form of treasure (this could be a gold coloured cocktail, funny x rated items - for x marks the spot, or even chocolate coins). Get creative and have fun with it!



PIRATE KARAOKE
Set up a karaoke machine with a playlist of pirate-themed songs and sea shanties. The more of ye crew to join the tunes, the better this will look (and sound!).

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PIRATE TRIVIA NIGHT
Does ye hen enjoy a bit of trivia?

​Research pirates and your bride's fave nautical flicks; keeping track of interesting, bewildering and fun facts as you go. Turn this information into questions, plan a few mini games to play between rounds, and blow me down, Pirate Trivia Night is sorted!

Fun Tip:
​Following the trivia, why not sit back, relax and take in your hen's favourite pirate flick. The perfect opportunity to enjoy some delicious treats, popcorn and drinks, whilst also taking part in a cheeky pirate game or two (e.g. when the words 'Down the Hatch' are muttered, everyone downs some rum!).

Side note: If you know someone with a projector (or have the funds to hire), this could be set up outside; resulting in a beautiful moonlight 'cinema'.

PHOTO BOOTH
Blimey, look at those costumes! Photos or it didn't happen.

When it comes to a photo booth, you can either hire professionals, or DIY it. Interested in the latter? The following tips will ensure everyone is footloose and fancy free when striking a pose!
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• Source some props: pirate costume accessories, fun printed signs/slogans, pirate themed photobooth props, or even wedding related items are all ideal.
• Find a backdrop: you may like to set up in front of a plain wall, pirate flag, large treasure map, or even a beautiful section of your garden.
• Decide on a camera: will you provide a polaroid camera? Encourage guests to use their phones? Or will a camera, complete with timer, be set up on a tripod?
• A sign to draw attention: optional, but definitely helps get the ball rolling in the picture department!

↑ Click here to view a pirate themed 'Photo Booth' sign ↑

Pirate Party Favors & Prizes

This list of sophisticated and entertaining favors will ensure that your shipmates not only leave the event with incredible memories, but also with a treasure they'll love!

• Mini rum or whisky bottles: a nod to the pirate theme that can be enjoyed at home or at a future event
• Mugs: adorned with playful pirate puns or subtle pirate images. Pair with a bag of pirate-themed biscuits and some gourmet tea or coffee for the ultimate 'wind down' gift
• Personalised flask: present your crew with special, engraved (or personalised) flasks. For added flair, pre-fill with rum or whisky.
• Playing cards: a playful favor that can be used for years to come; treat each guest to a deck of pirate-themed playing cards
• Pirate biscuits: delicious, pirate-themed biscuits (or other treats, such as pirate inspired cupcakes)
• Vintage compass: wrap up your special day with a touch of adventure by gifting fellow pirates a beautiful, vintage-style compass. 
• Wall art: small, tasteful pieces of pirate-themed prints or wall art make for beautiful take-home favors.
• Wine stoppers: elegant wine stoppers featuring pirate themed designs or symbols make for a practical and fun memento

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A HALLOWEEN HEN DO:

Hauntingly beautiful food, spooky games, fancy dress … a Halloween bachelorette party would be one to remember.

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A Pirate Themed Party for the Memory Books

Whether ye be celebrating a wedding shower, bachelorette, or a themed birthday party - this epic list of inspiration is guaranteed to make your special day one to remember! So prep that 'ship', source that rum, and channel that inner seadog .The time has come to party, pirate style ;)

Love the ideas in this article, but want to add to the list? We would love to hear all about your piratey visions, DIY party tips and more! Please do share in the comments below.

- Bec :)

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P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share these epic pirate theme party ideas - you know you want to! :)