RETRO HEN PARTY IDEAS WE'RE CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH!

Written By: Bec  |  Last Updated: 26.10.2023
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Has your best friend requested a retro hen party for her ‘final fling before the ring’? Or perhaps you know she will adore such a theme, but aren’t quite sure where to start your planning? From cheeky soirees to relaxed afternoons, here are some fun vintage inspired party options to inspire you!

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Related: 90+ Impressive Hen Do Theme Ideas
Related: Food Truck Party Ideas​

Retro Hen Party Ideas (Quick Overview)

From burlesque classes, vintage dance moves (such as the Charleston) and boutique cinema screenings, to old world tea parties, vintage makeup sessions and Gatsby inspired murder mystery events; these activities are a blast from the past that any retro loving bride will adore! 

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

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​Our Top Retro Hens Night Ideas:

THE BURLESQUE BASH
For the bride-to-be with a cheeky side, a burlesque inspired hen’s night is sure to impress.
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• Setting the Mood: mood lighting, sultry tunes, decadent desserts and luxe beverages will make this theme; as will costumes and props (such as corsets, satin gloves and ostrich feather fans, all of which can be hired).
  
• Entertainment at your venue: when it comes to entertainment, there are a variety of options. Find dance instructors who come to your home, for instance; giving the group a chance to learn those famous vivacious moves without leaving the comfort of your living room. Pair your dance steps with DIY games like ‘tease me’ (have everyone bring one item of clothing, such as gloves, to slowly strip out of at some point during the evening) and you’re set for one exciting event!
  
• Heading out & about: Take part in flirtatious activities such as learning to dance burlesque at a dedicated function space, or watching professional performances at a venue or on a cruise.

​THE DANCE OFF
For the bride-to-be who loves to bust a move, a vintage dance class is the way to go.
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• Choosing a dance style: with fun options such as the Charleston, swing dance and jive to choose from, the hen and her girls will be giggling their way towards mastering (or at least trying to master!) the art that is vintage movement and rhythm.
• Caught on camera: make sure you capture the class on camera (the very first and last attempts in particular) so that your hen can fondly look back on the fun for years to come.
• Flash mob fun: when the session is over, why not make the most of your new skills? Put on a once in a lifetime performance for anyone lucky enough to be in the same room/location as you. Imagine... fifteen excited girls nailing a vintage inspired routine in the middle of a pub, club or even restaurant. ​Flash mob? Challenge accepted!

THE FILM SCREENING
For your film-buff best friend, why not host the ultimate movie night?

• The location: book your local boutique cinema and enquire about screening one of your bride-to-be’s retro favourites!
  
• The dress code: whilst little to no décor will be needed (the location itself should set the scene perfectly), the addition of a dress code will truly bring this party to life. Whether it be ‘the Roaring 20’s’, ‘Simply Vintage’, ‘burlesque’ or even characters from the movie that’s being screened; guests arriving dressed to impress will not only make for fantastic photo ops, but will also have the girls convinced that they’ve travelled back in time (especially once the drinks start flowing!).
  
• After the movie: once the movie has finished, continue the celebrations by heading to a vintage inspired bar. Here your group can enjoy sipping on cocktails, picking at platters and playing a few traditional hens' night games; before moving the party to a local retro club and dancing the night away!

THE MAKEOVERS
​For the lady who enjoys a bit of pampering, a vintage beauty class or makeover could be the ideal option.

• Find a professional: pull off this glamorous affair by hiring a professional hair and makeup artist specialising in past eras; and watch in awe as she transforms your beautiful best friend into a vintage vixen! Depending on budgets, guests can either pay to have their hair professionally styled, or use tips of the trade (learnt during the hen’s makeover) to DIY their vintage look. Either way, everyone will be at their most fabulous!
  
• Dress the part: once the initial pampering is over, complete the transformation by trying on vintage dresses. These can be borrowed from friends/family or purchased from your local op shop. Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon of tasteful games, champagne, sweet treats, laughter and happy snaps.
  
• Other activities: ​depending on the preferences of your bride-to-be, you could kick on at home, or continue to celebrate in style by enjoying a bottomless brunch with live music, vintage accessory making (to pair with your new look), dinner at a chic venue, hitting the dance floor at an elegant club, and/or taking a ride around town in a retro limo!

THE OLD WORLD THEMED PARTY

​For the bride-to-be whose favourite era is the 1920s, a a vintage themed hen night is sure to impress.
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• The decorations: bring old-world charm to your venue with flickering pillar candles, coupe glasses, fresh flowers, vintage jewellery and classy outfits.
• The food & drink: celebrate in style with a lavish 3-course meal (bonus points if it's in a majestic dining room), elegant cocktail soiree, or a delectable afternoon tea.
• The entertainment: when it comes to entertainment, you may like to dabble in a bit of cocktail making; learning the ever popular recipes of this time. Vintage dance classes, card games and live music would also be rather fitting for this occasion.
• Heading out & about: a great way to keep the theme alive is by embarking on an epic scavenger hunt. Dedicated to all things vintage in your area, fun photo and video challenges, mixed with a few party games, will make this activity a firm favourite.

THE MURDER MYSTERY

★Click here to grab a DIY Murder Mystery pack for your event!★

For the bride who loves to solve puzzles, a murder mystery party is bound to make her day!
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• Give it a vintage theme: with the ability to set the scene in a range of different eras (1960s hippies, 1980s music and 1920s fun, for example), it's the perfect activity and retro theme all in one.
• Puzzles & more: clues, mysteries, food, drinks and fancy dress will fill your day. And once you've all had a killer good time? Continue the party with some killer tunes and dance moves!

Other Retro Bachelorette Party Activity Ideas

Loving the idea of retro Bachelorette and after MORE activity ideas? The following list can be applied to a range of eras and vintage themes:
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• DIY craft station: set up a crafting area where guests can create beautiful keepsakes from a particular era. Tie-dye t-shirts, retro themed jewellery and friendship bracelets are just some of the handmade wonders that are just PERFECT for this theme!
• Karaoke night: this activity is ALL about the music. Set a playlist that compliments the theme you've chosen (e.g. 80s, 90s, burlesque) and belt out your favourite tunes from years gone by
• Photo booth: set up a DIY photo booth with vintage props and clothing items. A polaroid camera can be used to capture the moments!
  
• Retro gaming night: the bride-to-be a bit of a gamer? Why not host the ultimate gaming night? Classic video games and consoles are a great choice, and if budget permits, you could also hire a few arcade games as well. After all, who can say no to a friendly game of Pac-Man or space invaders?!
• Scavenger hunt: each team is provided with a polaroid camera, film, and a list of landmarks and challenges to find and complete that relate to the era you're celebrating.

Articles Related to These Retro Hen Party Ideas

HEN DO THEME IDEAS:

From outrageous fancy dress to beautiful bold colours, there are bound to be hen themes that suit your bride-to-be’s personality perfectly! Check out the options in this article for instant inspiration.

​Click here to read the article now.

90+ HEN DO ACTIVITY IDEAS:

With a list SO long you'll soon be struggling to decide what NOT to do, you've definitely come to the right place if you're after hen party activity ideas! See this article for a vast array of options catering to all party styles and personalities.

Click here to read the article now.

Party Like Old Times!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

This retro themed hen party effortlessly covers all of these things and more!

So dust off those vintage outfits, glam up and get ready to party like old times. Because this celebration will truly be one to remember.

As always, we LOVE hearing your ideas and real life experiences. Please do share your vintage hen party photos, tips and more in the comments section below.

We hope you have a great time (and a good laugh) at your upcoming event,

- Bec :)

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