So, you've made the decision to host a bridal shower or hen party at home. There are so many positives in this choice; from saving money on food and alcohol, to the ease of getting guests getting to and from the event. Now your next challenge is planning the actual celebration. But what are you going to do? To help you decide, we've put together our favourite hens night ideas at home. So that you can have an incredible party... without leaving the house! This article probably contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link below. Please see our Disclaimer for more info :) Related: The Most Creative Hen Party Ideas Related: Low Key Hen Party Ideas The BEST Home-Based Bachelorette Party Activity IdeasFOR THE ACTIVE HEN Dance Party A great way to kick off girls night - hire a local dance instructor and learn some wicked new moves! Loads of fun, this activity will get everyone smiling, laughing and having and all-round great time. And the best part? The choreography you learn as a group can be used as a surprise 'flash mob' dance at the wedding. Click here to learn more. Inflatable Fun Have lots of outdoor space at your home? Inflatable games, such as bubble soccer, could be the ideal addition to your day. Just be sure to give party-goers a heads up beforehand. You don't want girls arriving in high heels and skirts if they're going to be running around in large zorb balls at some point! Related: Outdoor Activity Ideas Laser Tag For high-tech hide and seek in your very own backyard, hire some laser tag equipment, decorate the area with fun obstacles and have guests attend in their best army inspired outfits. With so many fun games to play, you're sure to have an absolute blast! Related: Laser Tag Bachelorette Pool Party Is one of the bridesmaids in your group lucky enough to have a house with a pool? Then you should definitely use it. Think lounge chairs, cocktails, inflatable pool toys, pool games (i.e. volleyball), music and more! For those after a cheeky touch, consider hiring some topless waiters to serve food and drinks whilst you enjoy yourselves in the water.
CHEEKY ACTIVITY IDEAS
Naughty Sculptures The perfect blend of cheek and artistic flair! This hilarious activity is great for hen groups of all sizes. Unique and incredibly memorable, these masterpieces will not only be fun to create, but admiring everyone's handy-work post activity will also be extremely entertaining. And the best bit? After many photos ops, these cheeky moulds can become unique take-home favours. We love using 'The Phallus Picasso's' cheeky sculptures (that can be transported and painted from any location - including your house). Puppetry Fun If you’re after a cheekier soiree (with a twist), ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ will bring the laughs with an entertaining and creative show – in your very own home! Use it to begin your celebrations (thus providing plenty of conversation for the rest of the night) or as a hilarious surprise for your bride-to-be midway through the event (she definitely won’t see it coming!). Strippers After a little nudity? Consider hiring a surprise stripper. You'll never think of the song 'Pony' or 'Hot in Here' the same way again... ;) Private shows can be easily booked for your house or venue in most locations, and whilst it does cost a pretty penny, it’s a great way get party-goers up and about! Topless Waiters If the bride-to-be isn't keen on strippers, but wants a cheeky edge to her celebration, topless waiters are the way to go. Friendly and helpful, most twill be more than happy to host (or even participate in) games, hand out food and drinks, entertain guests and more. Related: Games to Play with Topless Waiters Twerk It Bringing sexy moves to your living room, this unique experience will have your gals booty popping like nobody's watching! A dance class teaching the fine art of Twerking, here you will learn how to 'drop, shimmy, shake' and more by the masters themselves. Highly entertaining and full of fun, it's the perfect way to kick off the celebration - leaving you with a GREAT topic of conversation for the remainder of the party.
CLASSY ACTIVITY IDEAS
Classic Sleepover
Remember the days of staying up all night with your closest pals? Giggling, talking about boys, watching movies, eating as much junk food as humanly possible, and generally having the BEST time?
Why not re-live these good old days with a sleepover party? Games, chick flicks, food, fun and quality time - bliss!
HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:
Fill your lounge room with mattresses, cushions, blankets, lollies, chocolates, dressing gowns, champagne, wine, board games and more. You might even like to incorporate some pamper activities (click here for great DIY options) or a projector screen and beanbags (for the ultimate movie night). For those happy to take the party elsewhere, why not splurge on a beautiful hotel room (complete with room service) or a house in a stunning location. You can then make a weekend out of it, enjoying the local sites and cafes whilst there. Clothes Swap Party Fun with friends, eco-friendly, and a great way to stock up (and clear out) your wardrobe! This party is entertaining in itself, however adding delicious food platters, wine and other beverages, a million photos, a couple of games to break up the event and, of course, some fashion shows with your new outfits is what makes it memorable!
HOW TO HOST A CLOTHES SWAP PARTY:
For starters, let guests' know that it's happening via your invitations. Provide clear instructions on what to do and what to bring (that is, only clean clothes that are in good condition can be brought along (nobody wants your old rags), and some sort of bag to carry your new party clothes home is also desirable). Now let's fast forward to the party. Once everyone has arrived, hand each guests one token per item of clothing they have brought (in other words, if they have three items for the clothes swap, they receive three tokens in return). Once tokens have been given out and clothes have been placed around the venue for everyone to see, it's time to go 'shopping'! Use a fair system (such as pulling numbers out of a hat) to decide who goes first, second, third, etc. and limit the number of items each guest can swap per turn to one or two (meaning those who don't get to take part in the clothes swap until later will still have the chance to grab some nice outfits as not everything will be gone). Handy Hint: Make cute tokens using your bride-to-be's photo. Simply print off lots of mini pictures of your main girl, and mount them onto card. Easy! Get Crafty in Your Lounge Room
Get those creative juices flowing with a relaxing DIY activity in the comfort of your own home. Whether it's used to kick of celebrations or wind down after a huge day, DIY craft kits will take the stress out of organising whilst simultaneously adding a touch of fun and uniqueness to your party.
Armed with a glass of bubbles and your imagination, surrounded by the chatter and giggles of close friends; what more could you ask for?! Host an At Home Pamper Party With your best friend's wedding just around the corner, she's sure to be feeling all the emotions. And whether she's excited, stressed, or somewhere in between, a little pampering won't go astray. But how will you go about it? With hair, beauty, and massage businesses more than happy to come to you, it's SO easy to put together a professional experience. Whilst it can get pricey, it also means the host doesn't have added pressure on the day of running activities themselves. Then there's the DIY route (which can be just as fun!); brought to life by setting up pamper stations around the house. Nails, massage, facials, and foot spas filled with rose petals are all popular hen party choices. Whichever way you decide to go, we love the idea of asking everyone to bring their own dressing gowns/robes. This instantly sets the mood for your event and looks fab in photos! Then combine your activities with tasty treats, glorious wine, a couple of games and lots of giggles. Finish it all off by gifting guests gorgeous goodie bags filled with chocolates (or chocolate coated strawberries) plus some natural pamper products. Handy Hint: Print off DIY recipes for face masks that can be made as a group (drinks in hand, of course!). It will get everyone mingling, so makes for the perfect ice-breaker activity when you have a number of guests who don't know one another. Related: DIY Pamper Party Ideas Secret Garden Party The perfect opportunity for any lover of the outdoors to showcase the beauty of nature. Not only does this type of event provide a gorgeous backdrop, fresh air and a relaxing atmosphere; but you also don't have to worry about cleaning up any spills (no red wine stains on white carpet!). Incorporate furniture, picnic rugs, platters, and jumbo sized activities (such as giant jenga) alongside some traditional hen party games for a celebration to remember. Related: Garden Party 'How To' Related: Picnic Party Ideas
FOODIE ACTIVITY IDEAS
Cake (or Dessert) Tasting Party For the bride with a sweet tooth, this would be a dream come true! To organise, ask guests to bring along their favourite cake or dessert (whether this be homemade or bought is entirely up to them). On the day, set up some long tables and, as guests arrive, place their cakes/desserts on display. From here on in is your choice. Will it be a free for all (party-goers grab cake or dessert to their hearts content)? Or will it be a little more structured (one-by-one you make your way through each option as a group)? Either way, a lot of sugar will be consumed, and a lot of fun will be had! Pair this activity with a 'sweet as can be' theme (e.g. bright colours, lolly bars, sweet wines, etc.) and you have the basis for a great celebration. Food Truck Party The perfect activity for any foodie - these trucks are a fun and unique way to get your hunger (and thirst) fix. Being replicas or refurbishments of vintage trucks and caravans, they're often quite stunning to look at. They also make amazing backdrops for selfies or any other piccies you may snap during the event! Related: Food Truck Party Learn How to Make Cocktails Cocktail making classes are a mobile activity option for those who want to enjoy delicious, high quality beverages in the comfort of their own home (learning some handy tricks along the way). Working with a tight budget? Instead of hiring professionals, consider setting up a DIY mixing station. Either provide a number of spirits and mixers OR ask each attendee to bring a bottle to share. You can then print off some fun cocktail recipes and let the girls go crazy making their own concoctions! For added flair, make it a 'cocktail party' theme and have guests arrive in their finest attire. Personal Chef What better way to kick off a great night than by having a beautiful meal prepared for you - by your very own personal chef? I mean, who doesn't want to eat restaurant quality food in the comfort of their home?! Related: Personal Chef Party Picnic Party Platters, wine, the outdoors, friends - what more could you want?! For the bride-to-be who appreciates good food and good company, why not set up a beautiful picnic in the backyard? For step-by-step instructions on creating a setup that will make your best friend's jaw drop, check out this article. Wine Tasting at Home Wine tastings provide a great opportunity to not only learn about the different wines on offer, but to have a taste of them too! For a simple yet sophisticated affair, either ask each guest to bring a bottle of wine to share (perhaps one that has meaning to them) and host your own version of a tasting. Or hire a professional to lead you through the activity. Related: Wine Themed Event Related: DIY Wine Tasting at Home
OTHER ACTIVITY IDEAS
Photo Booth If your budget allows for photo booth hire, definitely consider it! Photo booths provide lasting, hilarious memories; and the guest of honour often receives a digital copy of every single picture following the event (plus a guest book). Want to save your cash for other activities? You don't have to go without. Create a DIY booth by putting together a backdrop (such as streamers, fabric strips or even a plain wall) next to a basket of props and dress ups. Guests can then use their phones or a provided instant camera to take happy snaps throughout the event. Handy Tip: If you have a selfie stick, set it up in front of the backdrop so that guests' can easily take photos of themselves on timer. It's also a good idea to link any props to your overall theme (e.g. if it's an Angel themed party, provide props such as wings, wands, halos, white feather boas, white hats, etc.). Op shops are great for stocking up on dress up items.
UNIQUE ACTIVITY IDEAS
Adult Scavenger Hunt A hen party scavenger hunt basically involve teams’ making their way through a list of tasks and completing as many as they can. Tasks may including ‘posing like a statue in the middle of the town’ or ‘finding a man who looks like the groom and getting a photo with him’. If you’re hosting the event at home, you will need to stroll down to the local township or pub to get the most out of this activity (which is perfect if the girls need to stretch their legs or need a change of scenery!). African Drumming If you're searching for unique hen party ideas (that will come to you), take a look at Interactive African Drumming. You will create lifelong memories through the fun, laughter and bonding experienced during this activity. Plus it's something the bride would never expect (and has probably never tried before). Win/win! Related: Interactive African Drumming Caricature Artist Entertainment and souvenirs all in one! Guests will love watching as their friend's are turned into caricatures right before their eyes. And the end result will make for a wicked favour. The perfect option for a G-rated, entertaining celebration. Related: Caricature Artist Party Comedy Hypnotist Most hypnotists are happy to put on hilarious and memorable shows right in your living room. Making it a fantastic activity idea that many don't consider. As Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V puts it, "Seeing your aunt doing a fantastic air-guitar solo can be a life changing experience, and a memory that will stay with you." How can you say no to that?! Related: Comedy Hypnotist Bachelorette Murder Mystery Party Add some riddles and secrecy to the event by hosting a Murder Mystery. It will take a bit to put together, and you'll need a guest list willing to get involved (as costumes are a must!); but the fun you'll have will be worth every bit of preparation.
Murdermystery.com.au specialise in these parties. For more detailed information check out their website by clicking here)!
Intuitive Party If the bride is curious about psychics, chakra healing or mediums, then at at home intuitive party could be just what she's after. Filled with games and activities such as oracle cards, tarot card reading, pendulums, tea leaf interpretation, intuitive trees and more; this is a party where your hen and guests alike will learn so much about themselves and one another. If you would like to learn more about intuitive parties, click here. Already sold on the idea? For some great tips on planning and executing your own intuitive style party, click here. Karaoke Party For the hen who loves to sing, why not hire a karaoke machine and have yourself an in-house karaoke party? For even more fun, set a theme for the celebration (such as the 90s) and have guests come dressed to impress. Handy Tip: Make a competition by including a different character and song on each invite. For example, one invitation might specify: 'Character - Geri from the Spice Girls, Song - Wannabe by the Spice Girls'. That particular guest then has to come dressed as the character on their invitation and sing the song from their invitation. Have prizes for best dressed, best singer, worst singer, best performance, etc.! Fun Decorations for Your At Home Hen's Party
Now that you have the activities under control, it's time to start thinking about the rest of your event (namely decorations, food and drinks). To help, we've listed some handy tips and tricks below:
For starters, create the perfect atmosphere with any of the following decorations:
If you're hosting a themed event, make sure your décor (and food/drinks) tie into it. For example, a 'Cops and Robbers' theme would suit black and white decorations, donuts, milk drinks, etc.; whereas a sophisticated summery theme would be best decorated with gorgeous flowers, greenery, wooden objects, etc. Related: Eco Décor Ideas Related: Thoughtful Party Ideas Party Food Inspiration
There are a few ways you can go about feeding the hoards!
FINGER FOODS If the hen party is in-between lunch and dinner, serving platters of fruits, cheese, crackers and cold meats is a great way to keep the hunger at bay; as is servingeasy finger food such as mini sausage rolls, small sandwiches, fruit skewers, chocolates, mini muffins, cupcakes, hot chips, etc. GRAZING TABLES Similarly, grazing platters or tables are a great way to provide a variety of options for guests (with an added bonus, they also look amazing).
Need something a little more filling?
FOOD STATIONS Consider a BBQ with baked potatoes and salads (you could even set up a couple of food stations where guests can create their own baked potato/salad meals), or delicious take-away from a nearby shop (pizza is always a great option, bonus points if they deliver!). CATERING: If you don't want to stress about food on the day/night at all, there's also the option of hiring a catering company to take care of it for you, getting a wicked food truck to stop by (complete with her favourite food, of course!), or even having a personal chef come in to WOW your bride-to-be and her friends. POT LUCK For those of you who need to stick to a tighter budget (and don't really enjoy cooking for a large group), there's also the option of a 'Pot Luck Dinner'. Simply pick a theme that your bride-to-be will enjoy (say, Italian), and ask each guest to bring along a plate of food that represents that particular selection. To make sure you have a good variety of food, it's best to assign different courses to guests (e.g. two guests could be assigned 'Italian Desserts', two 'Italian Starters', two 'Italian Beverages', etc.). KEEP IN MIND No matter how you decide to do it, make sure you cater for everyone involved (pregnant women can't eat soft cheese for example, whilst other guests may be vegetarian); and, most importantly, make sure you serve foods that your bride-to-be absolutely loves! The Party Drinks
For starters, what is your hen's favourite drink in the whole world?
You should serve that. And lots of it! For everything you do buy, attempt to purchase in bulk as it will save you money. And don't forget to purchase/offer non-alcoholic beverages such as water, juice or even punch. If you want to base the hens party around cocktails, keep an eye out for specials and buy bottles of spirits when they're at their cheapest. Alternatively, work with guests so that everyone brings a different bottle of spirits with them to the party; placing them at a designated 'bar area' on arrival. Provide mixers (such as juice, lemonade and cola) and cocktail recipes, shakers, glasses, etc. for guests' to create their own masterpieces throughout the event! Speaking of spirits, let's not forget shots - jelly shots, normal shots, or shots added to food will all go down a treat. For a wonderful gummy bear pop recipe, click here! Hen Party Games at Home
The games you play will strongly depend on the type of celebration you're hosting. Is it a cheeky soiree? Or will grandparents and young children be part of the party?
Either way, I suggest youclick here. It will lead you to a list of over 40 free games where you are bound to find the PERFECT option for you and your hen. Alternatively, you may wish to play some good old-fashioned lawn games. Giant jenga, connect four and noughts and crosses are all ideal for bachelorette festivities. Related: 40+ Hen Party Game Ideas Articles Related to At Home Hen Party Ideas
Have the Most Amazing Time Partying at Home!
As you can see from the above inspiration, a hen's party at home has potential to be one of the best parties you've been to!
As always, we love hearing your feedback - so if you have any suggestions you would like to share with the For Every Hen community, photos from your event, or comments on the above article, please let us know via the comments section below or social media. Cheers to an AMAZING hens party and/or bridal shower in the comfort of your own home! Much love, keep smiling - Bec x (AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
4 Comments
5/11/2019 08:51:31 pm
This is an excellent blog. These are really amazing ideas to throw a party in home. Thanks for such useful suggestions.
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15/11/2019 05:31:06 pm
Thank-you, Adam! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found the info useful :)
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Monique Bone
31/8/2021 12:00:40 pm
hens night at home - 8 guests
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3/9/2021 10:19:37 am
Hi Monique,
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