Written By: Bec | Last Updated: 31.07.2024
Just think... how fun would a ‘back to school’ party theme be for a hen do?! Set up like a normal school day ('class schedule' and all), you could make your way through different subjects, eat your way through delicious food, and, of course, drink you way through refreshing bevies! If you like the idea of a back to school themed party for adults (or you’re intrigued by the idea), read on. 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: 90+ Theme Ideas
Check out our favourite ‘Back to School’ party ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view the hand-picked collection ★ It All Begins With a Class Schedule
Ah, the 'class schedule'.
It ruled your life during school season - it's only fair we bring this bad boy back for some pre-wedding shenanigans! To help you put together your schedule for the day, we've provided some 'class/subject' inspiration below. Include three or more of the following classes to guarantee an amazing celebration. Hot Tip: We have provided activity ideas and back to school party games inspiration for each class. You don't have to do every single one of these suggestions, just choose the ones that you like/suit your party best and go from there. Happy planning :-)
Drama Class
Dinner and a show, anyone? Take this opportunity to see the professionals in action! From musical theatre and circus acts to male revue shows and stand-up comedians, there are so many fun, unique, awe-inspiring and amazing ways to appreciate the art of performance. Rather have the show come to you? Why not hire yourself a comedy hypnotist? Not only a hilarious performance by a professional, but also a way for your guests to become the stars of the show (under the spell of hypnosis).
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'DRAMA CLASS':
DRAMA CLASS GAMES: Drama class calls for some fun, interactive games that get everyone involved. From capturing hilarious moments on camera to discovering hidden talents among fellow party-goers, below are all the ways you can add some drama to your games: CAPTURE THIS Capture hilarious poses and moments on camera with this fun game. Click here for instructions. CHARADES Split party guests into groups and, staring with the bride's group, have one person act out a phrase/object. If their team guess what it is within a certain time-frame, they get one point. The group with the most points at the end of the game wins. Handy Tip: Use 'back to school' related phrases for your charade cards. Examples include 'teacher's pert', 'detention', school reunions', 'summer break', or even particular school supplies. NAILED IT Experts show off their hidden talents and then groups have to try and replicate it. Click here fore full game instructions. Art Class It’s time to get those creative juices flowing! From paint and sip classes (where you can create beautiful masterpieces, wine in hand) or creative workshops (such as terrarium making and terracotta pot decorating), to nude drawing lessons (hello, naked friend!) and body painting workshops, there are back to school crafts for adults to suit all types of personalities. Would your 'school friends' prefer to sit this class out (literally)? Bring the creative in instead. Hire a caricature artist who can draw each party guest in the most unique and memorable way. This will not only be heaps of fun (imagine watching the caricatures take form, right in front of your eyes), but a cartoon portrait will also make for a memorable and treasured favour.
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'ART CLASS':
And for those after an art class with a naughty twist, check out these hilarious pecker sculptures!
ART CLASS GAMES:
From hilarious drawings to unique photographs, below are all the ways you can incorporate art in your hen party games: DIRTY PICTIONARY (Or Bridal Pictionary if you're after a cleaner option) Come up with a list of words related to weddings/hen parties (these can be dirty or clean). Individuals then take it in turns to draw a chosen word/phrase, whilst their team members try and guess what it is. Click here for full game instructions. DESIGNER GOWN On a computer, paste an image of your hen’s face at the top of a blank A4 page and print off enough for each guest. Party-goers then design bridal gowns by drawing a dress, veil, shoes, etc. onto the page with your hen’s face at the top (this means they have to draw arms, legs, bodies, etc.). Best dress wins. DIY GOWN Teams create designer wedding dresses (within a 10 minute time-frame) using ONLY toilet paper (you can find bamboo and recycled toilet paper here). This is achieved by wrapping, throwing, twisting, etc. toilet paper all over one team member's body. Bride-to-be chooses the winning team once they've all shown off their designs. TRACING TRUTHS Place a piece of paper on the ground and, one at a time, ask the girls to trace around their hands WITHOUT bending their knees. Write down all of the funny things they say whilst drawing (e.g. 'This is SO hard!'). Prepare for giggles as you announce that, thanks to them, you now know what your bride-to-be will be saying to her husband on their wedding night (i.e. 'This is SO hard!'). Click here for full game instructions. SNAP THAT A fun way to get photos from your special day. Before the celebration, type up a checklist that includes different types of group and portrait shots. 'Funny faces', ‘laughter’, ‘dancing’, 'the hen and her family', and ‘a selfie’, are all great options. Hand each guest a checklist and ask that they capture as many items from the list as possible. The person who ticks off the most is the winner. Click here for full game instructions Health And Physical Education Physical Education is all about, well, getting physical! If you’re hosting an event at home, why not hire a dance instructor to get those bodies moving? From vintage to pop, twerking to lap dancing, it’s going to be a good time. And if you’re out and about? Dance classes are still an option, as are other physical activities such as canoeing, bike riding, zip-lining, stand up paddling, surfing, rock climbing, bubble soccer, laser tag, and more. For those after a cheeky PE class, this subject also happens to be where you learn all about the human body. Well, ladies, there’s no better way to gain an understanding of the male form than with a stripper and/or topless waiter! The perfect surprise for that naughty student of yours.
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'P.E. CLASS':
P.E. GAMES:
P.E. is the perfect time to play games that focus on the human body (in ALL its glory!). See below for some hilariously cheeky ways you can bring the 'physical education' to your hen party games: PIN THE JUNK ON THE HUNK Print off a LARGE photo or poster of your hen’s crush (for example) + enough cartoon peckers for each guest. Guests can then take it in turns to be blindfolded and spun before tying to ‘pin’ the junk in the correct position. Write guests’ name's on their particular penis so that you can keep track of who is winning. This game also works using a picture of your beautiful bride-to-be and printed off bouquets (guests can then try to pin the bouquet in the correct spot). PLAYDOUGH PECKERS Each team/individual is given some playdough and asked to mould a penis within a certain time-frame. The bride-to-be then gives prizes out to one or more of the following categories: best shaped pecker, biggest pecker, funniest pecker, etc. Don't want to mould a penis? Teams could mould a man, mould parts of a man, or mould the bride instead. Handy Tip: After a fun alternative to playdough? What about some naughty plaster moulds?! If this suits your party better, we suggest taking a look at the 'Phallus Picasso' - they deliver hilariously naughty canvases ready to be painted from your location! PUMP THE PECKER Ask guests to get into pairs and give each team one balloon pump and one LONG balloon. One person from each pair then sits on a seat, balloon pump held tightly between their thighs; hands behind their back. On 'GO!' the other person in each pair must place the balloon over the top of the pump, kneel down and pump it up as fast as they can! First team to inflate or pop their balloon wins. Click here for full game instructions. THIS OR THAT? Pick a particular category (for example, 'porn or singing', 'boobs or butt', etc.), search for some hilarious images and create game cards from your stash of piccies (click here for example layouts). Guests must then guess if it's one or the other. The person with the most right at the end wins. WHO'S YOUR MAN? Ask the groom and each of his groomsmen to take pictures of body parts: nose, eye, foot, hair, hand, chin, bicep, etc. Print each of these photos off big enough that everyone can see them (or load them onto a slideshow and use a TV for viewing). On the day, make your way through the body parts; asking the bride-to-be to pick her husband’s photo from the rest (i.e. if the groom has three groomsmen, hold up four images of feet and ask her to point to her groom’s. Do the same for the rest of your pictures). Every wrong answer? Your lovely hen must drink. History Class Step back in time and celebrate Vintage style with this fun and unique History class. From swing dancing, burlesque or Vintage hair/makeup to pin-up photoshoots, there are countless ways to engage students. After a more settled session? Drive in movies, catching a favourite flick at a vintage theatre, or enjoying the best of the 70s and 80s (via TV or projector screen) are all great options. Wine, chocolate, popcorn and other party food in hand, of course.
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'HISTORY CLASS':
HISTORY CLASS GAMES:
History class calls for some fun games that take a sneak peek into the past. From funny stories to trivia, below are all the ways you can bring the history to your hen party games: EMBARRASSING STORIES This is where you really need to dig up those hilarious stories that are, well, history! Have each guest anonymously write down an embarrassing/funny experience they’ve had. Collect the stories and place them in a bowl. One by one, your hen can read them aloud to the group; attempting to guess who each story belongs to as she goes. TRIVIA Create your own trivia night. Simply search the internet for some hilarious questions (these can be naughty or nice depending on the type of party you're hosting). Write your favourites onto a question sheet. At the party, separate guests into teams and slowly make your way through each of your questions. Team with the most right answers at the end wins. Handy tip: use questions about your bride-to-be's life instead (e.g. how old was she when she first kissed a boy? Who was her first crush? etc.). WHAT AGE WAS THE BRIDE? Print off at least 5 fun photos of your hen from different points in her life. Write down her actual age in each photo on a piece of paper - keep this info safe from prying eyes! At the event, display the pictures as you wish (bluetack to the wall, pinned to a board, etc.). Guests can then guess what age they think the hen was in each photograph by writing their answers on paper. The person who gets the most right wins. Click here to view 'what age was the bride' game card printable. A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE Each guest writes down a special memory they have with the bride-to-be and places it into a bowl. One by one, the hen reads the stories out to the group; trying to guess who each memory belongs to as she goes. Take the game up a notch by asking your hen to take a swig of her drink, or even do a pre-prepared dare, for every wrong guess she makes. Alternative: Ask guests to write down a school tradition from back in the day. As above, the beautiful bride reads each message out before trying to guess who wrote it. Maths Class
Maths is all about problem solving. And what better way to get your mind's ticking than with an escape room experience? Whether you take part in this activity at a venue dedicated to Escape Rooms, or create a DIY version for your home, this exercise will have you cracking codes and piecing together puzzles as a team in no time!
Like the idea of problem solving with a time limit? You may also enjoy 'minute to win it' style puzzles. Not only will they tie in perfectly with this lesson, but they are also a great ice-breaker (the laughter will be real). Some examples include: ACTUAL MATHS FACTS Print off some simple equations and see who gets the most right within one minute. CHEEKY PUZZLES Print off some hilarious photos of your bride to be (or, if it's a cheekier soiree, male body parts!). One by one, cut the photos up into small, puzzle style pieces and place them into bags (one photo - or all the little pieces of the photo - per bag). See who can put together their photo within one minute. DIRTY RIDDLES Print off some riddles that sound dirty but actually have a very clean answer (click here for ideas). See who can get the most right within one minute. If you want to keep this game clean, use G/PG rated riddles instead!
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'MATH CLASS':
Music Class There are SO many fun ways to bring the music to your day, it’s hard to know where to begin. For starters, you could set up a karaoke machine and let your gals go crazy singing their favourite old-school songs, group ballads and more. Interactive African Drumming is also a great way to bring rhythm to your day, as is a dance class (that could be filmed and turned into your very own music video clip). If you’re heading out for your celebration, a mobile silent disco is an amazing way to party. As you shimmy through the streets and sing at the top of your lungs, you will not only feel free as a bird, but you will also put on the most hilarious show for those passing by! Then there is also the option of attending a live gig if one of her favourite artists are in town, or simply taking in some tunes at the local pub.
HEN PARTY ACTIVITIES THAT SUIT 'MUSIC CLASS':
MUSIC CLASS GAMES:
Music class definitely calls for some musical games! See below for some ways to bring the song and dance to your hen party games: LET'S DANCE Everyone stand sin a circle and waits for the bride-to-be to get the dancing started. How? By making up one simple dance move (e.g. twerking). Starting with the person to her left, each guest then takes it in turns to repeat the bride’s dance move (that is, they twerk). Once the entire circle has had a turn, the next player (person to the left of your bride) twerks before adding in their own move (e.g. a star jump). Each guest then has to twerk and do a star jump. Keep playing until everyone has added one move. The game finishes with the group performing their entire routine together! Click here to view full game instructions. Recess/Lunch Time
Recess and lunch means three main things. Eating all the food, drinking all the drink, and letting loose with your friends!
Make this easy for your guests by setting up all-you-can-eat food tables (where they could stock up their ‘lunch boxes’ or ‘food trays’), a drink bar (complete with water, punch and a mix of alcoholic beverages/mixers for those DIY cocktail enthusiasts), and a lunch area (somewhere guests can chill out, eat, drink and chat for a while in-between classes). If you feel like splurging, there is also the option of hiring a food truck or a private chef. Want to make lunch/recess an activity in itself? Why not try out some cocktail making classes, a cheeky baking class (learn how to create some 18+ biscuits or cakes), chocolate making lessons, a high tea, wine tasting (that includes a luncheon as well) or even a surprise picnic in a stunning location? Schoolies/School's Out Woohoo, you DID it! You go through your entire 'class schedule' AND passed the final exam! Now it’s time to celebrate all that HARD work and PARTAY. Do this by hitting the town (or your lounge, music blaring), downing some of your favourite bevs, and dancing the night away. Handy Hint: Actually organise a 'final exam' before guests can officially attend 'schoolies'. Make it a simple yet fun task that everyone can complete together (e.g. take a shot, pose for a class photo, sing a group song, etc.). What Else Can I Add to My 'Class Schedule'?SCHOOL RULES: Create a sheet of strict ‘school rules’ that are to be followed throughout the celebration. These could be anything from ‘Don’t say the word wedding’ to ‘Don’t drink on campus’ (meaning every guest must take a swig of their drink when they think no-one else is looking! Those who get caught get a warning – 3 warnings and it’s off to detention). Whether or not you decide to follow these rules to a tee doesn’t matter, it’s a great way to get everyone laughing and in the mood for a ‘school yard party’ as they walk through the door. Fun Tip: Nominate a school principal and teacher at the beginning of the party (these roles can change throughout the day). They can be in charge of enforcing the rules and giving out warnings/hilarious punishments when required.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS
You know those 'first ady of school' boards that the preppies hold? Stating their age, what they want to be when they're older, their favourite colour, etc.?
They (or a DIY version of) would be perfect for this! Snap a pic of each guest as they arrive for a great memento. If you can, use a polaroid camera to take these photos. You can then stick them under a '[insert bride-to-be's name]'s class of 2022' sign on the wall (and transfer to a 'year book' once the event is over). CLASS PHOTOS: Photo day is a big deal. Hair sleeked back, outfit on point, beautiful smile (or, if you’re THAT guy, the random crazy face). With everyone looking their best, make time in the day to get a ‘class photo’. Following the party, whip up a template on your computer that includes this pic, a heading (such as “school” name or ‘[name]’s hen’s party 2022’) and a list of everyone’s name’s in the “class” (in other words, make it look like an actual school photo). Print it off at your local photo printing store, frame and gift to your bride-to-be. DETENTION: Guys, it’s not ok to be breaking the school rules, ok?! For those pesky gals who just won’t listen, make sure there are some cheeky games, 'punishments' and other shenanigans in the ‘detention hall’ ready when they are. Back to School Theme Party Costume Ideas
If you’re hosting a back to school party for adults, there 100% should be a ‘school dress code’ as well.
Your back to school party outfits could be anything from specific (such as white blazers, long socks, tartan skirts) to a little less strict (i.e. you must wear the colour ‘pink’). The other option is to give guests the freedom to interpret the theme as they wish (just ask that they dress appropriately for a ‘back to school theme party’). This could result in anything from sexy schoolgirl outfits and giant pencils to stern principals – the surprises will be priceless on the day! This begs the question, how should you ask your hen to dress? If you want to keep the whole theme a secret, you could ask her to arrive decked out in white (she won’t have a clue with this colour palette, as white is traditional bride-to-be). On the day, you can then add some fun school-themed accessories to her outfit (e.g. a ‘teacher’s pet’ badge, a tartan tie, etc.). Alternatively, let your beautiful bride-to-be in on the theme (but not the happenings of the day) and have fun looking through back to school party costumes with her until she settles on a fave. Back to School Party Decorations
And finally, it's time to decorate! If you're hosting the event at home or at a hired venue, you can easily bring this theme to life using the following ideas.
BLACKBOARDS: Great for labelling different areas/tables (such as favours, food - or school canteen - table, teacher's lounge, detention hall, etc.) whilst simultaneously bringing back ALL those classroom feels. If you have a board that's big enough, you could even write your 'class schedule' up for everyone to see. LEARNING CHARTS: Times tables, ABCs, handwriting, you get the idea. Pop them on the walls and your guests will be transported back to those primary school days. Ah the memories. PHOTOBOOTH: If you're the crafty type (or someone on the guest list is), consider creating a 2D School bus (with the windows cut out). Then your guests can hold the 'bus' up in front of them, appearing as though they're taking a ride to school! Other fun photobooth ideas include 'Student of the Week' signs (make and print certificates from your computer, with different reasons for winning - e.g. 'Best table dancing the school has ever seen', 'Class clown' etc.). PREVIOUS SCHOOL PHOTOS: Unearth those hilarious, cute, hideous school photos of the guest of honour (and, if your guests are willing to get involved, have them send their funniest snaps in too). Create a class wall of fame and stick them there to be viewed throughout the party. Handy Tip: If guests submit their piccies, you can turn it into a unique 'Year Book' guest book. Each person can write a note to the bride next to their image - wishing her well in the future. Alternatively, you could turn the photos into a game. 'Match the guest to their school photo'. The person or team with the most correct guesses wins. TEACHER'S DESK: This doesn't have to be an actual desk, any table and chair will do. Decorate appropriately (pens, pencils, paper, little sign saying 'Soon-to-be Mrs [insert name], etc.) to tie in with the overall theme. Once ready, this can be where your bride-to-be sits for any games that require her judgement (there's nothing like a teacher watching over you to make you work harder!). And apples. Not quite sure why everyone associates them with teachers, but there you go. Related to This 'Back to School' Theme Party
Final Thoughts on Back to School Parties... For Adults!
I hope this back to school theme party for adults article has given you ALL the inspiration you need to host a wicked celebration! From costumes to class schedules, this theme has SO much going for it, you're bound to have an incredible time! If you decide to go ahead with the schoolyard theme, let us know in the comments - we'd love to hear ALL about it!
Cheers to an AMAZING party where the students run wild, and detention is the best place to be! Much love, keep smiling - Bec x ( Click here to find us on Pinterest! )
4 Comments
Nunye Rainer
11/12/2022 04:25:01 am
I'm really glad you shared this. I saw some pictures of a similar theme..So I decided to host my friend a birthday class in session..search the website could not find anything about back to school adult party..Your ideas was very helpful..Thanks for sharing
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13/12/2022 03:17:12 pm
Thank-you for your lovely feedback, Nunye!
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16/2/2023 04:11:24 pm
The "Back to School" theme party for adults sounds like a great idea! It's a unique and fun concept that could be perfect for those who want to relive their school days. The article provides some great ideas and tips for organizing such a party, from decorating the venue to planning games and activities. I especially like the idea of serving school-themed food and drinks. Overall, this is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to host a creative and nostalgic party.
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18/4/2023 02:41:14 pm
Thank-you so much for your wonderful feedback, it's much appreciated :) We just LOVE a nostalgic party!
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