HENS PARTY IDEAS & INSPIRATION

 Whether you decide to go for the funny option (such as a carved pumpkin – click here for hilarious inspiration) the scary option (from zombies and witches to spiders and skeletons, there are plenty of ways to get your creep on), or the sexy option (creepy nurse, anyone?), dressing up is a must! Having everyone turn up in costume will not only look great whilst simultaneously creating the perfect ‘spooky’ atmosphere, but will also mean SO many laughs, amazing photo ops and more.
​
Fun tip:  dress your hen as a ‘zombie bride’!

Spooky food can be one of two things:

Normal looking food, with hilarious and disgusting labels! For example, cauliflower ‘brains’, sultana ‘bat droppings’, red grape ‘eyeballs’, lolly snake ‘rat tails’, noodle ‘worms’ etc. If you don’t want to label each and every food item, there’s also the option of putting up a couple of general signs, such as ‘terrifying treats – eat at your own risk’ (next to the sweet section), ‘sickly spread’ (next to a platter of assorted foods) and so on.

Want to get right into the theme? Combine hideous labels with creative food layouts/construction. They could be cute (for example, biscuits decorated as smiling pumpkins) to the downright creepy (such as biscuits made to look like witch fingers). Not sure where to start? You will find some great ideas and recipes on this Pinterest board.

​When it comes to terrifying beverages, the colours and labels are everything! Label red drinks as ‘vampire blood’, clear as ‘spider venom’, green as ‘witches brew’, brown as 'swamp water', black as ‘poison’, dark green as ‘zombie virus’, etc. Alternatively, set out a sign that says 'Magic Potions' with a picture of a skull and cross-bones underneath - then place your drink selection beside it. See how many guests are brave enough to stomach cocktails that sound anything but delicious!

Fun tip: if you have something that resembles a cauldron, fill it will mulled wine and make it the centrepiece of your drinks area!

A Halloween themed hens party is the perfect excuse to create; with the DIY options being endless (seriously, click here for a ridiculous amount of inspiration)!

Think candlelight in every room, cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, sheets hung to make the shape of ghosts in mid air, large sticks/leaves painted black placed in vases - covered in ‘spider webs’, pumpkins carved into scary and hilarious faces – lit up by flickering candles. It definitely doesn’t have to be expensive to bring the scary to your celebration.
​
That being said, if you would like to purchase some items to bring the whole theme together, I recommend visiting your local op shops. You are bound to come across furniture and other products that are IDEAL for such a theme (and if the furniture isn't really your style, it can be taken to another op shop after the party for someone else to enjoy)!

Fun tip: you can make your venue look extra spooky by hanging 'spider webs' in corners and across objects. These 'webs' can be created from cotton balls, and then placed into your compost bin after use! Click here for DIY instructions.

Hen party and bridal shower games are a fun way to make the celebration different to your usual girly catch ups. And there’s something about this theme that makes them THAT much more exciting! Below is a list of my favourite ‘spooky’ games and activities that will work perfectly with your Halloween theme:
​
BEST DRESSED COMPETITION
Encourage guests to come dressed to impress by hosting a competition. All entrants can strut their stuff to some fun music (Thriller by Michael Jackson is a great option!) and then the bride-to-be can pick her favourite. First place gets a prize!

GHOST STORIES
‘Ghost Stories’ is a quick, fun game that works well as an ice-breaker as it gets everyone mingling and laughing.
​
To start, have everyone stand in a long line – bride up front. The party host (I’m guessing that’s you, my friend!) then tells the person at the back of the line a short ghost story. Like ‘Chinese Whispers’, this person then goes on to whisper what they heard to the person in front of them. This continues until the story reaches the bride-to-be at the front of the line; who then announces her version to the room. Most of the time the resulting story is COMPLETELY wrong; causing the party to erupt in laughter/swap their version of events. The host can then let everyone know what the Ghost Story was originally!

HALLOWEEN FEEL BOX
Find some boxes, paint them black and cut a hole in the top (big enough for a hand to fit, but small enough that guests can't see what's inside). Now, place a unique item (or items) in each box. Make them feel as gross as possible - it is a Halloween themed hen’s party after all! Noodles (‘tails’), fuzzy pipe cleaners (‘spider legs’), overcooked rice (‘maggots’), pudding (‘mud’) and fake spiders are a great place to start.

When setting up for the party, place the boxes on a table (covered in a black cloth) in a room lit by one, flickering candle. If you want to go extra creepy, spread 'spider webs' across the boxes/table, and incorporate some Halloween inspired decorations around the darkened room.

 During the party, guests can have a shot at guessing what each box contains – with the winner being the person who has the most correct answers. Prepare for plenty of squeals as the girls touch the unknown!

HORROR MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT
If your bride-to-be loves a bit of trivia (and enjoys the odd horror movie or thriller), this game could be a winner! Google fun facts about movies she may have seen in the past and combine them to make the ultimate Horror Movie Trivia night. Don’t forget to have fun prizes for those who do well!

Fun Tip: Following the trivia, why not sit back with some treats and potions (also known as cocktails!) and watch your hen’s favourite thriller flick. You could incorporate games such as 'when someone is shot in the film, everyone does a shot', for example. Girl’s night in with a twist!

MUMMY WRAP
I'm sure you've played (or at least heard of) the game 'DIY Wedding Dress' before? Where teams use toilet paper to create their own designer wedding gowns (you can find bamboo and recycled toilet paper here)? Just like that game, guests are split into small groups (of 3-4) and given a time limit to wrap their models. BUT, in this case, it's the first to turn their 'model' into a mummy that wins! Make it clear in the rules that there is to be breathing holes left over mouths and noses - but other than that, wrap away!

Fun tip: have a mummy 'fashion parade' after the game! The bride-to-be can then choose her favourite mummy, meaning that team receives a prize as well. Not only will it be hilarious watching the poor girls trying to walk in their getup, but it's always fun to see what other teams have come up with (I've seen toilet paper veils, earrings and more in the past!).

PHOTO BOOTH
Photo booth’s are my favourite party accessory! I’m a sucker for them. And this type of theme allows for SO much fun in a booth that, really, how could you not have one! Save some cash and DIY it with a black backdrop (splattered with red paint and/or ‘spiders’ and ‘webs’ for added effect if you wish). There needs to be light – otherwise your pics will go to waste. Whether you go for dimly lit or bright lights is up to you.
​
As you’ll all be in costume already, simple blackboards and chalk will do the trick when it comes to props. This will allow guests to write their own messages/speech bubbles which will DEFINITELY get more and more hilarious as the night goes on! That being said it’s a good idea to write phrases on some of the boards before the party starts (‘[Name’s] hen’s party’, ‘Creepy as F’, etc.).
​
If you do want to include actual props, you can either go for funny (creating a great contrast to your scary costumes) or stick with the spooky theme. Once again, hit up some op shops for great options that won’t cost a fortune!​

PUMPKIN CARVING COMPETITION
When you think of Halloween, what instantly comes to mind? For me, it's pumpkins! Incorporate the vege into your party by hosting your very own carving competition. Whether you decide to have guests carve actual pumpkins (you may have to put them into teams for this one) or Papier-mâché pumpkins (cheaper and easier to carve), this activity will bring the laughs for sure! When the carving is done, have the host or bride-to-be pick her favourite and give that lucky guest (or group) a prize! Alternatively, set up prizes for the 'Most Hilarious', the 'Scariest', the 'Most Unique', etc.

Fun tip: display everyone's work of art after the game by placing them around your venue, complete with flickering tea-light candle!

TRICK OR TREAT?
On a table labelled ‘Trick or Treat’, have enough drinks for one per guest attending. As guests arrive, ask them to pick a beverage. The twist being that some are tricks (i.e. water, juice, etc.) and some are treats (i.e. cocktails, straight shots, etc.)!
​
Fun tip: this game can also be played in the style of ‘spin the bottle’, however you place shot glasses in a circle and guests spin the bottle, taking whichever shot it lands on. Once again, some shots are tricks and some are treats!

After more options? In addition to the above, you can find a HUGE list of hen party games by clicking here. Whilst they're not 'spooky' in nature, they can be altered to fit in with the Halloween theme (for example, use black balloons for the game 'Balloon Pop').

​Alternatively, keep them as is - a break from the terrifying could be a good thing!

HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR
For those who want to REALLY get into the theme, there are haunted house/ghost tours around Australia. If you live in an area that offers such an activity you could book in and squeal the night away. Interesting, informative and creepy - what a bonding experience that would be…!

LIGHTEN THE MOOD
You've got the creepy costumes, the house is a spookfest and the drinks/food are horrifyingly good. BUT that doesn't mean that your activities have to be as well. From wine tours and laser tag to booking a caricature artist (imagine the pictures!) or a comedy hypnotist (your friend dressed as a skeleton ballet dancing perhaps?!); there are so many options. Being decked out in your scary gear will make ANY activity that much funnier, the pictures that much cooler, and the memories that much better!

Click here for activity inspiration.

MURDER MYSTERY PARTY
You already have the creepy decor, food and drink. Why not add a bit of mystery to the evening as well?! Whilst this type of party does take quite a bit of organisation (and guests will have to be dedicated to their costumes!), the fun you will have will be worth it all! For more information on Murder Mystery parties, click here.

​THRILLER/MONSTER MASH DANCE CLASS
Bring some FUN to the event by hiring a local dance instructor to teach you all the moves to the ‘Monster Mash’ or Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’! Make sure you catch it on film – watching your squad dance in unification whilst decked out in hilarious and creepy costumes is something that NEEDS to be documented!

Fun tip: the dance you learn at the hen's party could be used for a great surprise at the wedding! Click here for more information.

'A TALE AS OLD AS TIME'
​
COSTUMES
Whether you decide to dress your bride-to-be as Belle and assign other characters to the remaining guests (I, for one, would love to go as 'The Wardrobe' - throwing clothes at people throughout the night); or have your bride as Belle in her ballgown and everyone else as Belle in her village clothes - this theme is one that will make the guest of honour shine!

ACTIVITY IDEAS
If you're a bit of a foodie, why not let Mrs. Potts demonstrate her talents with a beautiful high tea (with a hand from little Chip, of course!), or have the kitchen put on a show with an incredible banquet?! After something that will get your creative juices flowing? Consider a candle making class where you can create your very own version of Lumière, a teapot workshop where you can create your own version of Mrs. Potts, or a flower crown workshop using stunning red roses. And for those with an adventurous streak, there's always the option of horse riding through the forest where you just might come across a castle full of secrets...

GAME IDEAS
Capture This: Write down a list of scenarios from Beauty and the Beast (for example, 'Snowball fight between Belle and the Beast', 'Belle and Beast dancing', 'Gaston singing in the pub', etc.). On the day, guests are broken up into small teams and assigned one of the scenarios each. It is their job to create a photo or selfie that relates to that scene within 2 minutes!
Click here for detailed game instructions.

Character Hunt (Man Hunt with a twist!): Write down the different characters and their traits (e.g. Lumière - 'Sees himself as a ladies' man, cheeky, tall'; Mrs. Potts - 'Kind, caring, motherly figure', etc.). Hand one character to each guest and tell them that their mission for the day/night is to find their character!
​Click here for detailed game instructions.

Charades: Write down a list of scenarios and/or characters from Beauty and the Beast. Split guests into two teams; with each team taking it in turns to have one person act out a scenario/word given to them by the host. The object of the game is for their team to guess the answer with gestures alone.

Sell It: Put together a pack of Beauty and the Beast related objects/products that your hen has to try and sell throughout the night. How random, ludicrous or embarrassing these items are is entirely up to you! Any money she manages to make should go towards buying something she really wants (such as a cocktail or some food!). You can even get guests in on the fun by asking them to hit the op shops and bring along ONE item for your hen to sell - it will be hilarious to see what everyone turns up with!
​
Scavenger Hunt: Great for parties heading out and about! Make a list of items from Beauty and the Beast that guests have to find and photograph themselves with. For example, a clock that looks like Cogsworth, a feather duster that represents Babette, a candlestick that looks like Lumière, a handheld mirror, etc. Have a prize for the team/individual who finds everything on their list first!

Trivia: Search the web for some Beauty and the Beast questions, grab some themed prizes (or alcohol... that always goes down a treat!) and find out who the biggest Disney fans are!

OTHER BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PARTY IDEAS
Decorate your event with beautiful roses, antique mirrors, crystal goblets and brass candlesticks. Let's not forget the single, red rose displayed within a glass dome! For an elegant take on a Beauty and the Beast theme, check out the beautiful decor at this fairytale wedding. And for those keen on providing a little thank-you gift for guests, consider handing out actual red roses (you'll feel like the 'Bachelorette'!), chocolates shaped like roses or handheld mirrors.

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not host your Beauty and the Beast themed hens/bridal shower in an actual castle?! Check out Air B&B for some great options.

​'WHERE THERE IS GOODNESS, THERE IS MAGIC'

COSTUMES
Make your bride-to-be stand out in a stunning, Cinderella style ballgown! As for the other guests, you can either continue the 'ball' theme and ask them to arrive in their very own elaborate dresses (pick a fun era, such as the 80's, for added fun) or assign each guest a character to represent (e.g. the stepsister, Fairy Godmother, pumpkin, Prince, etc.)!

ACTIVITY IDEAS
Get the party started with a visit from your very own Fairy Godmother; after all, makeovers and dress-ups will be the perfect build up for what's to come - a Cinderella style ball! Whether this is celebrated at home or at a venue, with a ballroom dance class or your own hors d'oeuvresserving waiters; your glam squad are bound to have the time of their lives! And don't allow the strike of midnight to get in the way of a good time - let your carriage turn into a pumpkin and party on!

GAME IDEAS
Along with the games outlined above in 'Beauty and the Beast' (simply substitute Cinderella characters, objects and scenarios when required), the following Cinderella games will also be a hit:

DIY Ballgown: Split guests into groups (with at least 3 members per group) and ask them to create a designer ballgown within 10 minutes using ONLY toilet paper (you can find bamboo and recycled toilet paper here)! This is achieved by dressing one 'ball attendee' by throwing, wrapping, twisting, etc. toilet paper over their body. Once the time is up, have each of the beautifully dressed 'ball attendees' strut their stuff to some Cinderella songs and have the host pick best dressed!
​
Find Your Prince: Write down different male characteristics onto separate pieces of paper (e.g. a tall man, a married man, a man with large biceps, etc.) - enough for at least two characteristics per guest. Hand these out to guests and tell them that their mission for the day/night is to find their Prince!
​Click here for detailed game instructions.

Pumpkin Carving: Chop up a pumpkin into decent sized squares and grab some fun kitchen utensils that can be used for carving (e.g. peeler, blunt knife, etc. - at least one per guest). Hand a pumpkin square and carving utensil to each of the girls and, on 'Go!', ask them to sculpt a carriage fit for your hen! The catch? Each utensil can only be used for 30 seconds (or one minute, depending how long you want the game to last). When the time's up, everyone passes their utensil to the person next to them. Once each guest has used every utensil available, it’s time to judge the carriages!

OTHER CINDERELLA PARTY IDEAS
Decorate your event with beautiful blue and white flowers, chandeliers and fairy lights. And don't forget to add adorable little animal accents to your event (such as bird stencils on your invitations and food labels). For inspiration, take a look at this Cinderella wedding. And for those keen on providing a thank-you gift for guests, consider handing out little pieces of jewellery (such as earrings with a hint of blue), small chocolates wrapped in light blue foil, or even gorgeous tiaras/headbands that the girls can wear throughout the event and at other special occasions.

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not host your Cinderella themed hens/bridal shower in an actual ballroom, and top it off with horse and carriage rides for all of the guests?!

​'SOME PEOPLE ARE WORTH MELTING FOR'

COSTUMES
Let your bride-to-be know that it's time to 'let it go' and have the time of her life by dressing her in a stunning Elsa inspired ensemble! Everyone else can then turn up as the remaining characters (e.g. Anna, Olaf, Sven, Trolls, etc.).

ACTIVITY IDEAS
To really understand what it's like to be THE ice-queen, you will need to take part in some chilly activities! Snowboarding, skiing and ice-skating are perfect for any adrenalin loving hen; whereas an ice-bar would be ideal for those of you wanting to sit and chat.
There's also the option of creating the bluest of blue drinks at a cocktail making workshop, making your very own edible Olaf's with an ice-cream/gelato making class, taking in some spells with a magic show, or learning how to create magic yourself with a magic class!

GAME IDEAS
Along with the games outlined above in 'Beauty and the Beast' (simply substitute Frozen characters, objects and scenarios when required), the following Frozen games will also be a hit:

​Do you Want to Build a Snowman?: As with DIY Ballgown (outlined above), split guests into groups (with at least 3 members per group) and ask them to build a snowman within 10 minutes using ONLY toilet paper (you can find bamboo and recycled toilet paper here)! This is achieved by dressing one group member by throwing, wrapping, twisting, etc. toilet paper over their body (making sure there's breathing room, of course!). Once the time is up, have each 'Olaf' attempt to strut their stuff to some Frozen songs and have the host pick best dressed! 
Handy hint: provide props such as carrots to help with their masterpieces!

OTHER FROZEN THEMED PARTY IDEAS
Decorate your event with a mix of blues and whites, fairy lights, branches painted white (to look like they're covered in ice), sparkling snowflakes and crystal champagne/wine glasses. For fantastic inspiration, check out these wonderful ideas on Pinterest.
Serve chilled drinks, cocktails and/or slushies and set up a sundae bar - the ultimate treat for any sweet tooth. And for those keen on providing a little thank-you gift for guests, consider handing out snowflake cookies, white and blue lollies, or vouchers to a local ice-cream shop!

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not hit the slopes for your Frozen themed party, spending the weekend skiing, snowboarding, falling, laughing, eating, drinking and, unless you've taken on the character of that adorable snowman, keeping warm by the fire.

'LIFE IS THE BUBBLES!'

COSTUMES
Make your beautiful hen the main attraction by dressing her in a stunning Ariel outfit. As for the other guests, they can pick between Ariel's sisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, Alana), King Tritan, Ursela, Flounder, Prince Eric, Sebastian or even Scuttle!

ACTIVITY IDEAS
 For the mermaid learning about 'humans', a meal prepared by a chef will be the perfect way to see how strange objects such as forks are used; and for the bride-to-be whose voice could make any prince fall in love, a recording studio experience could make the ultimate event! Rather incorporate the big blue in your day? Take part in a mermaiding class (in other words, learn to swim like Ariel... 'fin' and all!). And if that's not for you, there's also the options of water-related sports (such as stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and water skiing), relaxing on the beach (and, if it's not too horrible for your friend Flounder to stomach, digging in to some fish and chips!), or hosting a pool party.

GAME IDEAS
Along with the games outlined above in 'Beauty and the Beast' (simply substitute The Little Mermaid characters, objects and scenarios when required), the following Little Mermaid games will also be a hit:

The Curse of Ursula: At the start of the party, hand a black peg to one lucky guest - they are now the 'sea witch'. It is their mission to try and attach this peg to another guest without that person noticing. When the 'sea witch' has successfully attached the peg to someone, they count down from 10, loudly. Everyone will jump around, trying to work out if the peg is on their person. If the 'sea witch' reaches 0 without the peg being found, the curse of Ursula is transferred to the person who was pegged. However, if the peg is found before the 'sea witch' reaches 0, she must complete a punishment (such as a drink) before finding her next victim.

​Under the Sea Photobooth: Have a photobooth... with a twist! Rather than the usual upright booths or backdrops, set up yours on the floor (like a flat-lay) - meaning you can create 'underwater' pictures of yourselves 'swimming' in fun positions (simply take the photos from above!). Alternatively, stick to upright backdrops such as hanging blue fabric or rustic beach vibes.

OTHER LITTLE MERMAID PARTY IDEAS
Decorate your event with a mix of blues, mint/jade greens and white, along with rustic accents (such as burlap and twine, wooden display boxes, etc.). Incorporate shells and pops of colour where appropriate (coral colours look fantastic, for example) to bring the party to life! Stunning little fairy lights will also add to the overall theme, as will cute name tags for your food and drinks (such as 'sea water' on a jug of blue cocktails, 'seaweed' on grape skewers and 'jellyfish' on jelly shots). Click here for some fantastic decor inspiration. If you would rather stick to more of an 'Ariel' look, use a colour palette of green, red, blue and purple. 

For those keen on providing a little thank-you gift for guests, consider chocolate shells, messages in bottles (write each guest a thank-you and place it in a small, glass bottle - gift this along with a chocolate), starfish biscuits, blue bath salts or even shell candles!

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not get away for the weekend and celebrate your Little Mermaid themed hens/bridal shower in style! Make sure you keep water involved in the celebration with options such as glamping by the beach, hiring a luxury house with a pool or even heading out on a house boat/yacht!

'WHAT BIG EYES YOU HAVE'

COSTUMES
​Make sure your bride-to-be is the centre of attention by having everyone show up as Little Red Riding Hood, and your hen as a 'sexy wolf' (seriously, check out these costume ideas!) - or vice versa. There's also the option of having everyone arrive as grandmas, whilst your bride-to-be turns up as Red Riding Hood herself!
​
ACTIVITY IDEAS
Pack a basket of delicious goodies and put on your red cloaks/walking shoes before making your way through an enchanted forest; stopping at the most stunning location for a relaxing picnic. Prefer to stay indoors? Why not take part in a cooking class (anything from bread to cookies) and fill up those baskets of yours with incredibly tasty treats that can be devoured later!

GAME IDEAS
Along with the games outlined above in 'Beauty and the Beast' (simply substitute Little Red Riding Hood characters, objects and scenarios when required), the following Red Riding Hood games will also be a hit:

Red Riding Hood Photobooth: Whether you have a backdrop or not doesn't matter, because this photobooth is ALL about the props! Fill a basket with fun objects and signs such as pop out eye glasses, giant ears, big teeth, the woodsman's axe, and quotes from the book/movie (e.g. 'what big eyes you have!').

OTHER RED RIDING HOOD PARTY IDEAS​
Decorate your event using reds, greens and whites with rustic accents. Mushrooms, greenery, deep red flowers and logs will give your event a magical/enchanted feel. For a sophisticated take on Little Red Riding Hood, take a look at this gorgeous wedding for inspiration. And for those keen on providing a little thank-you gift for guests, consider handing out small baskets filled with delicious baked goods such as cupcakes, cheese, crackers, scones, etc.

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not spend the weekend glamping in the middle of a beautiful forest, or hire a house in the woods - the perfect setting for a Red Riding Hood celebration!

'MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL...'

COSTUMES
You can have so much fun with this theme! Organise a Snow White costume for your bride-to-be, and have all of her guests turn up as Dwarfs. The twist? You don't HAVE to stick to the original names if you don't want to (although if you do, here they are: Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Doc, Grumpy, Dopey and Bashful). Rather, create names that suit each guest (e.g. Chuckles, Smiley, etc.) OR use cheeky names (e.g. Sassy, Flirty, etc.) instead!

ACTIVITY IDEAS
Want to know what it's like to be one of the seven dwarfs for a day? Take on their role and search for your very own treasures - anything from actual gold to items on a scavenger hunt list! More of a creative soul? Take part in a jewellery making workshop and turn the dwarfs' beautiful jewels into stunning necklaces or rings (the ultimate take-home gift!). And if you would prefer more of a relaxing affair, why not show the Queen exactly why you're the fairest of them all? Organise a makeup lesson where guests can learn how to create a flawless 'Snow White' look!

GAME IDEAS
Along with the games outlined above in 'Beauty and the Beast' (simply substitute Snow White characters, objects and scenarios when required), the following Snow White games will also be a hit:

DIY Beards: Split guests into groups (with at least 3 members per group) and ask them to turn one team member into a dwarf within 10 minutes using ONLY toilet paper! This is achieved by giving your friend the ultimate beard by throwing, wrapping, twisting, etc. toilet paper. Once the time is up, have each 'dwarf' strut their stuff to some Snow White songs and have the host pick best beard!

OTHER SNOW WHITE PARTY IDEAS
Decorate your event in deep red, gold and dark blue colours - creating an enchanted atmosphere using flowers (red, white and blue) mixed with greenery in stunning vases, antique mirrors, brass goblets and candlesticks, and let's not forget that single, poisonous red apple! For stunning Snow White decor inspiration, check out this wedding. And for those keen on providing a little thank-you gift for guests, consider handing out toffee apples, apple shaped candles, red lipstick or jewellery fitted with red stones.

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not make a weekend out of it and host your Snow White themed hens/bridal shower in a gorgeous little house in the woods?! Chats by the fire, delicious meals with a view, flowing drinks and amazing company... what more could you want?

'ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE.'
Rather than sticking to one story in particular, why not combine them all to create the ultimate Fairytale experience? With so many princesses and characters to choose from, you won't be short of dress-up inspiration (just make sure you work together to avoid double... or triple-ups in the costume department!). 

When it comes to activities, any of the above would work perfectly, as would a Disney dance class, a Disney themed sleepover (full of ALL your favourite sing-along movies) or even a theater performance if you're lucky enough to have one touring at the time of your event. And when it comes to games, mix it up with those mentioned above, add in some other hen/bridal shower games just for laughs, and check out these awesome (and free!) Disney dare cards (e.g. "Whale talk to a stranger for one minute" - Dory)!

GO ALL OUT
Have some cash to splash? Why not host your ultimate Fairytale themed hens/bridal shower in an actual castle or at the place where dreams DO come true... Disneyland?!
​#inmydreams #itcouldhappen

USE COLOURS WISELY
Having and sticking to a colour palette is key to pulling off visually stunning events.

In the case of this tropical party; using dark blue, bright blue, hot pink, yellow, white, a selection of greens, and a touch of black and gold will result in a beautiful setting suitable for any kind of pre-wedding celebration.
​
BLANKETS
Blankets are a MUST at a picnic – even at the most stylish ones! Layer dark blue rugs on the grass; making sure you cover enough space to fit a table and seat each of your guests. Once you’re happy with the rug placement, add a couple of low-to-the-ground wooden picnic tables; carefully placing them at the centre of your sea of blue. Items such as these can be sourced from friends, family, second-hand stores or businesses who hire out products for events.
 
SET THE TABLE

Now it’s time to bring your table to life.

Start with some white cloths and a tropical themed runner; before decorating with woven mats, bright pink vases, golden pineapple dishes, boutique tableware (whether you use your own or purchase is up to you) and black cake stands.
​
You can find the exact party supplies (plates, cutlery and napkins) used for this shoot by clicking here.

FLOWERS
Flowers tend to add a touch of class to events, as demonstrated perfectly by the addition of floral arrangements to this theme. Create your own beautiful, tropical vibes with a mix of bright flowers and a selection of greenery – simple yet so effective!

OVERSIZED BALLOONS
Oversized, hot pink balloons will add some fun and colour to your bridal shower without taking away from the luxe feel. Have them fit seamlessly into your tropical theme by attaching fronds or other greenery to their strings.

CUSHIONS
Finish off your tropical décor by strategically placing mix and match cushions around the base of each wooden table. Prints such as these are not only fun and pleasing to the eye, but also look comfortable; thereby drawing guests to the table, encouraging them to sit, mingle and relax. Once again, items such as these can be sourced from friends, family, second-hand stores or businesses who hire out products for events.

When it comes to the food, your best bet is to stick to options within your colour palette (outlined earlier) or to those that compliment the theme as a whole (i.e. tropical foods). Some examples for this particular bridal shower include:

• Tropical fruit platters
• Fruit skewers
• A fruit bar
• Tequila sunrise popsicles (find the recipe here)
• Watermelon pops (small triangles of watermelon attached to wooden icypole sticks)
• Summer salads
• Tropical fruit gelato

You can also incorporate some delicious baked goods by adding themed accents (such as palm leaf fondant) or using your theme colours (i.e. green icing, bright pink cupcake wrappers, etc.).  

​‘The Sweet Society Co’s’ wonderful palm cupcakes are a fantastic example of food fit for a tropical feast!

And while we’re speaking of food, it’s not really a party unless there’s cake!
​
Be the hero of any sweet-tooth by incorporating a bright dessert that’s so stunning no-one will want to make the first cut! The elegant and bright design below is a fantastic example, with Diana of The Sweet Society Co explaining that “As the centrepiece for the picnic table I wanted the cake to really stand out. The two tiers added height and the tropical leaves in edible wafer paper and cascading orchid flower topper created a focal point”.

Handy Hint: Cake and other baked goods also make fantastic favours. For example, keep the cake as a centrepiece until the very end of the celebration, at which point you can cut slices and hand out to guests as they leave.

This theme calls for fun, fruity flavours and bright colours! Think anything from fruit juice or punch, to cocktails, champagne or wine. There’s also the refreshing option of water infused with sliced oranges or lemons – perfect for a hot day.
​
No matter what you decide to go with, just remember to offer a selection of beverages that cater to all situations. Some of your bride-to-be’s friends may be pregnant, for example, so ensuring that you have non-alcoholic options will make sure all guests are happy and hydrated!

PRESENTATION
Now that you have the type of beverages to serve under control, it’s time to think about how you will present them.
​
The addition of beautifully designed labels takes standard champagne bottles to the next level. “In keeping with the light, fun mood for this type of party, the mini champagne labels and party stickers featured a beautiful watercolour tropical leaf design and fun flamingo and ‘Aloha’ gold writing to add to the luxe feel” – Anna, Print & Party.

You can create your very own matching party stationary (for this or any other theme) by clicking here.

Another great tip for presenting your drink station and/or drinking supplies is to include a show-stopping piece such as this golden pineapple. Whilst it’s used to display paper straws in this example, you could also use it for drink umbrellas, cake pops, lollipops, etc.!

FLAMINGO RING TOSS
Everyone loves a bit of ring toss; especially at an outdoor event (it’s actually quite addictive once you get started!). Rather than going with the stock-standard option, though, keep the game tropical by using Flamingos as your targets.

For instructions on how to make your own DIY Flamingo Yard Toss game, click here.

FRUIT SCULPTURES
Provide guests with pieces of fruit (such as bananas, they’re easy to mould!) and ask them to sculpt either a person, a person’s body part or an object. The requested sculpture could be of the bride, the groom, a ring, etc. The winner is the best sculpture as chosen by your bride-to-be!

Handy Hint: Homemade play-dough is fantastic for this game. Make it in your theme colours using this recipe!

PHOTO BOOTH & PROPS
Take advantage of your stunning surrounds by using nature as your backdrop.

Find an area that’s full of greenery; add a pop of colour with some bright pink jumbo balloons/fabric bunting and, alongside a Polaroid camera, set out some fun tropical themed props (think along the lines of oversized glasses, lei’s, funny Hawaiian shirts, and large pink hair flowers - all of this and more can be found at your local op shop!).
​
During the bridal shower you could even ask the girls to stick some of their Polaroids into a book and write special messages next to them. This will create a beautiful keepsake for your bride-to-be, whilst the remaining photos will become fun mementos for your guests.

Handy Hint: can’t find an area suitable for a backdrop? Consider using material with tropical prints instead.

PINEAPPLE BOWLING
Stock up on pineapples, grab a coconut and get ready for some bowling fun!

To play, set up the pineapples as you would actual bowling pins; walk a few meters away and place your coconut (or coconuts) on the ground, ready for the girls to have a game.
​
OTHER GAMES
For more game ideas that could be adapted to the tropical theme or played as is, click here!

So, you’ve wowed your guests with your overall set-up and they’ve had a wonderful time socialising, drinking, eating and playing games. But unfortunately the party has to come to an end.
​
Take this opportunity to show them that, despite the actual celebration being over, the tropical vibes can (and will) continue. Gift your guests a perfectly packaged chocolate favour (such as these beautiful designs by Print & Party) that sum up the incredible day they just had!

And if chocolate’s not your thing, don’t stress! Guests won’t be able to wipe the smile off their face when presented with stunning little gift boxes filled with delicious baked goods:

By using the tropical party ideas outlined above, the resulting set-up will be stunning, fun and adored by all. Roxanne of Lovely Occasions puts it perfectly in saying “I love the modern and sophisticated twist this picnic has on the tropical theme. The gold elements bring a touch of luxury while the bright pop of pink still keeps it fun and fresh, perfect for a bridal shower luncheon with the girls!”

PHOTO CREDIT
Nicole Barralet Photography
A Brisbane based wedding, boudoir and personal branding photographer.

Beautiful rustic venues include a mountain cabin, winery, rural entertainment barn, or rainforest retreat. Let nature do the majority of the work to create a memorable bridal shower event.
​
To save, and depending on weather, you can also hold a wildly successful outdoor rustic bridal shower celebration. A great choice would be to have it in the mountains (i.e. Gold Coast Hinterland) where the air is cool and fresh, and the views are magical. To absolutely ace an outdoor shower, lay a huge vintage style carpet down on the grass with an amazing view, and put a big low rustic inspired wooden table on top of it with comfortable big pillows for seating. Line the surrounding area with vintage lamps and decorate the table with rustic décor pieces and unique pottery dishware.

There are several ways to achieve charming rustic décor.

Wooden furniture is always the best idea for a rustic space. Use lots of neutral brown shades in the décor and lots of greenery. Using more greenery in your décor is much more cost effective than flowers and adds to the rustic feel.
​
A simple DIY rustic floral table piece would be to place white roses, white baby’s breath and greenery in mason jars. Another excellent rustic element would be to line greenery and baby’s breath along the middle of a long communal table, broken up with white candles in mason jars.

Log inspired coasters are also beautiful for this décor style. You can even buy mini stumps very cheap from a wood supplier, stain them, glaze them and allow your guests to take them home as gifts!
​
You can never have too much wooden décor at a rustic inspired party, and don’t be afraid to mix and match antiques to achieve a vintage relaxed feel.

Outdoor fairy lights inside and outside the venue along with lots of candles add tremendously to a charming, romantic atmosphere at the bridal shower. If a fireplace is present in the space, that’s an added element to create a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.

Low, soft lighting is ideal, so avoid any harsh lighting.
​
If the shower is held outdoors, bring vintage style lamps and place battery charged fairy lights or tealight candles inside mason jars. Excellent lighting items can be found at antique shops for low cost. You never know what other items you’ll find there that will compliment the event!

Flower crowns, baby’s breath hair pieces and flowy dresses work fabulously with rustic party style.

A bohemian chic dress code works well with this event style. Encouraging the rustic dress code will make for beautiful photos of the event.
​
If you have a friend who is an amazing photographer, invite them along to take photos in exchange for complimentary wine and a day full of laughs! If you are looking to splurge, hire a professional photographer for the event.

Instead of spending an exorbitant amount on an open bar and various spirits, buy as many bottles as needed of local wine and craft beer. Incorporate appetizers that fit with the local wine and beer. This could include cheeses that go well with the wine pairings, crackers, olives, and other delicious d’oeuvres.

Have music playing softly in the background by sourcing a local acoustic musician or talented friend, achieving a simple campfire-inspired ambiance.

A perfect bridal shower activity would be each guest writing down their favourite experience with the bride, sharing them with the group and placing the note in a mason jar for the bride to keep forever.
​
If the bride is an animal lover, involve animals in the entertainment aspect of the day. Creative ways to involve animals would be to invite guests to bring their dogs, or have the shower near a horse ranch where you can feed horses. Many wineries and rural areas have animals nearby which would make for an unforgettable bridal shower experience. Here are several tips on incorporating a horseback winery tour into your best friend’s special day.

Bridal showers are typically thrown by the maid of honour, family members or the bride herself. The cost of the shower is most commonly split between all of its members, but the costs should be cut by DIY rustic decor projects (which provide an excellent bonding experience for the bridesmaids and family members). Make sure all costs are communicated well ahead of time to ensure everyone can comfortably afford to attend.
​
Bridal showers are traditionally composed of all women, but this of course is completely dependent on the bride and couple. There is nothing wrong with a co-ed bridal shower – the most important tradition is love and support for the bride and couple.

Beautiful gift ideas for the bridal shower include local jams in mason jars, local wines and cheeses, and crystal jewellery. Crystal gemstone jewellery are affordable as well as beautiful, and have certain historic meanings. Rose quartz pendants are wonderful gifts to give at the bridal party as it is a stone with a traditional meaning of being the ‘love stone’. It is thought to attract more love and gentleness into your life.
​
Lavender natural soaps, moisturizers and candles are also excellent gifts to give that will compliment a relaxing rustic experience. Other excellent gift choices for the bride include elegant white lingerie, books about cultivating a healthy marriage, or a weekend getaway for the couple.
Using sturdy brown paper bags and lace will make for a perfect rustic style gift bag wrapping.

We wish you the most beautiful rustic bridal shower experience. There are many wedding inspired decor tips and ways to save on your big day. Your pre-wedding events and special day can be just as affordable, memorable and stunning.

Right up, have a quick chat with the blushing Bride. Find out what she wants and who’s on the guest list. The bride-to-be may be prescriptive or completely up for anything.

Now is the time to suss out if she is open to an outdoor venue with a seaview, or a private house with a courtyard and gardens.
Think in depth about who she is, her likes, and what she enjoys in her spare time. Decide whether she’s a party gal, a girly gal, a healthy gal, etc.
​
Once the recon is done, it’s time to start planning. The best bridal showers are personal and tailored to the Bride.

Outdoor garden venues for Bridal Showers are trending now. A change from the over-done high-teas or a night out on the town. Gone are the days of watching a strip-tease show in a club – now, the glamorous Drag Queen is invited to the private garden party!

Booking a private house and garden venue hits the spot and gives ample opportunity for bespoke styling and decor. It’s easy to play to the garden theme – arrange a ‘Make a Flower Crown’ course, plan a picnic basket, play some lawn games, or indulge in a private yoga and spring luncheon.

​Use indoor furniture in the outdoors to create beautiful moments at a garden venue. For example, take a console and style it as a drinks station and place a few lounges under a shady tree for guests seating; creativity blossoms when planning a Bridal Shower outdoors.

Ok, you’ve decided on the garden venue for the Bridal Shower. It’s a novel idea. No one has had a garden shower, plus the idea of theming it Alice in Wonderland is high on the list. The most important thing now is to plan for a ‘what if it rains?’ moment.
​
Be sure to book a wet weather alternative, or outline a contingency plan at your garden venue. It’s better to be safe than sorry for bad weather.

Remember, there’s more than just rain to think about when planning an outdoor Bridal Shower. Imagine if we could send Mother Nature a text asking for no rain or wind on the day! While we wait for technology to catch up, the best thing to do is plan for all sorts of weather.

SUMMER BRIDAL SHOWER
Check the garden space has ample shade for your guests. Think about organising cute parasols for guests. Propose a bridal shower brunch before it gets hot, or invite guests when things cool down in the afternoon.

AUTUMN & SPRING SHOWER:
These months are a great time of year for garden Bridal Showers. Enjoy celebrating amongst burnt oranges and yellows of autumn leaves, or the bright colours of flowers in bloom at Spring. 

WINTER BRIDAL SHOWER
This is a wonderful time to host a Bridal Shower. The winter months are usually considered ‘off-peak’ which means venues can offer special winter rates. Bonus – we say!
Cater with warm foods, velvet tones, and have dark floral for the tables. Have fun keeping the ladies’ toasty (no one wants to be cold!) with baskets of blankets and outdoor heating. Some outdoor venues even permit contained fires to huddle around while sipping on mulled wines.
Tempted, yet? 

Magic arrives on your doorstep when you style a garden venue.
One of our favourite garden ideas is to theme it white. A simple idea that looks fabulous against the lush and leafy natural surrounds. Cater with white sweets, white iced cupcakes, white and gold macaroons, crust-off sandwiches, and strawberries dipped in white chocolate.
​
Hang white lanterns and ask guests to dress in white and light tones. Make flower ice-cubes to decorate the gussets of drinks and be a DIY genius.

Garden venues offer much more space than traditional indoor venues. Large lawns and/or courtyard space is useful when planning bridal shower games.
​
Garden venues lend themselves to outdoor activities such as a private yoga class for the healthy bride-to-be or giant lawn games like outdoor chess, Jenga, lawn bowls and croquet for the competitive hen. ​

Garden Bridal Showers are a rare chance to invite the fur-baby too. It’s unlikely that the pooch can roam the lobby of the Shangri-La, but often, they are very welcome at a garden party venue.

Private homes and garden locations are more flexible than traditional venues and love for the paw-some pet to scurry under tables and share in the fun.
​
Surprise the bride-to-be with an invitation for her pooch too!

Whatever you decide to do, we wish you many wonderful bridal shower vibes!

Who wouldn’t want a little bit of California cool to chill out to with your girls?

Palm Springs is proving to be a super popular trend as it has a little bit of everything – relaxed summer vibes, colour, crisp design and lots of sunshine.

Palm Springs style is all about crisp bright colours paired against a breezy white or the open expanse of desert. Palm trees and cacti flourish here and it’s the mecca for the modern boho girl. Retro touches are a big part of this theme as well – think 80’s breeze block architecture with hot pink flamingos running rampant.

You can host a Palm Springs style party at home in the backyard by the swimming pool, or else choose a venue like poolside at the Ivy if you prefer to go out.
​
The colours in Palm Springs are bright but subdued – they have that softer retro tinge to them than your regular brights do. Taking inspiration from the era of the 50s through to the 80s, but don’t overdo it – this is a contemporary look with crisp modern freshness paired with a few select retro touches that add personality and character.

Living in Australia we are surrounded by beautiful beaches and stretches of coastline. A picnic overlooking the water is a really lovely way to spend summer’s day together and the best way to enjoy this setting.
​
To create a beautiful picnic event, start by gathering together an assortment of ottomans and oversized cushions to set out on the grass on top of a colourful selection of picnic rugs. I would recommend choosing predominantly cool, coastal colours – blues and whites – to enhance the cool, coastal vibe. A colour palette of sea blues and greens is the perfect reflection of the fresh, crisp atmosphere of the ocean.

To make the event a little more formal, centre the picnic around a single low plank table. You can use this base then to layer silk fabric runners, pretty tablewear and glasses – taking your picnic to the next level. Vases of flowers, hurricane lamps and a scattering of seashells and other coastal props will give the picnic that romantic vibe that is well suited to a hens party.

Pack your swimmers for a post-lunch swim or frolic in the sand; or choose to swap the sandals for heels and make your way to one of the beach bars for cocktails.

A tropical style event is perfect for a fun summer’s party vibe. Deep, vibrant greens punctuated with bright colours and a splash of tropical fruit makes for a natural party starter.
​
When styling for a tropical theme, start with a backdrop of large deep green foliage fronds – overgrown palms, monstera leaves and ferns are all perfect choices. Once you have a lush jungle like zone, then it’s time to add in the bright tropical colours and fruits – yellow, orange and hot pink.

For those hens looking to go out to a venue, then a tropical theme is a good choice as a number of bars in the city have a tropical theme or vibe to them. Send out the party or kitchen tea invites with a tropical tone and ask guests to dress to match; then you are all set to drink pina coladas and party.
​
This is a theme that is also easily reinforced whilst out by bringing along some tropical themed props – grab a handful of pineapple straws or be a bit cheeky with some bananas. A scavenger hunt or bingo style game is also a great idea that will add to the sense of tropical adventure.

A long lunch, Mediterranean style, is a perfect idea for those hens celebrating in a rural or country setting. Whether it is a weekend away with the girls or a homecoming party, make the most of the fields and the natural beauty of the landscape for your celebration.
​
Start by setting up a long trestle table and fill it with garlands of foliage, flowers and big platters of antipasto to share. Pop some prosecco and enjoy. This is an event where conversation should take centre stage and the food is to be nibbled on casually.

The Mediterranean colours of yellow, peach, pinks and rusty reds all suit the dry olive tones of the Australian landscape beautifully. The muted brightness of the colours inspired by those found on the antipasto platter give the event that vibe of celebration and by layering in flowers, beautiful china and pretty colours it distinguishes the lunch as special.

Garden parties and high-teas tend to be associated mostly with spring and pretty, romantic florals. Yet this is a style of party that can easily be given a distinctly summer feel by switching up some of the styling decisions you make.
​
Instead of soft romantic pastel florals, choose a pared-back colour palette of white with strategic pops of bright, summer colours. Bold white magnolias mixed with oriental lilies would work beautifully, or choose the fresh zesty tones of citrus to give your garden party a summer vibe.

Citrus in particular is beautiful because you have the delicate white flowers of the orange blossoms alongside the juicy punches of orange, lemon and lime. The citrus theme also carries naturally into your catering decisions with citrus dressings, lemon cakes or orange poppyseed cakes. Serve fresh lemonade and prosecco with aperol for drinks.

A garden party can be run either as an afternoon tea with sweet treats or as an early evening cocktail affair depending on your preferences. Set up trestle tables with delicious food and small cocktail tables and chairs on the grass. A garden party is also a good opportunity to play games and enjoy some flirtatious fun.

To share this infographic on your site, please copy and paste the following code into your post:
​<a href="https://www.foreveryhen.com.au/hens-party-ideas/summer-hens-party-kitchen-tea-styling-ideas"><img src="https://www.foreveryhen.com.au/uploads/3/1/5/3/31534501/summer-party-styling-infographic_orig.png" alt="Summer Party Styling Infographic" width="816" /></a><br><p><a href="https://www.foreveryhen.com.au">Infographic by For Every Hen</a></p>