UNWINDING IN STYLE: RELAXED HENS PARTY IDEAS FOR THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION

Most imagine a hens shindig to be quite wild. But what if this doesn’t resonate with your bride-to-be? How do you make her event exciting, fun and memorable without the rowdiness? From low-key activities to special touches; these relaxed hens party ideas will help you plan the chilled celebration of the future bride's dreams!
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Related: 90+ Fail-Proof Hen Do Activity Ideas

​The Ultimate Guide to a Chilled Hen Do:

The Outfits
In keeping with your low key hen party, you may choose to forgo a theme altogether (just ask guests to come in their favourite party outfit).
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But for those who want to add a touch of togetherness, this could be the perfect opportunity for a broad theme. Some options include:

A particular style (boho or festival, for instance)
A colour palette (e.g. pastels)
​A particular dress code (such as smart casual)

After an easy way to make your bride-to-be stand out? Either request that no guest wear white (meaning your bestie can don her best white outfit) or  go with a colour block party.
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What is a colour block party? It’s when all of your guests wear one colour (pink, for example), whilst the bride comes in another (white, bright patterns, or even her favourite colour!). 

The Food
Just because you’re hosting a relaxed hen's night doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with the food! Here are some of our favourite ways to cater a chilled event:

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GIANT GRAZING TABLE
These are great for a special occasion as they look absolutely amazing, provide guests with an array of foods (meaning there’s a little something for everyone to dig into), and add instant WOW factor to your day.

​Click here to learn how to DIY an amazing spread.



GOURMET BBQ
Delicious veggie burgers, the finest burger patties, steak, gourmet sausages, vegetables, seafood and even some fruits will take your humble BBQ up a notch.

​Pair with a salad bar so that guests can create mouth-watering hamburgers, veggie burgers, vegetable wraps or even salad rolls.



FOOD STATION
Like grazing tables, food stations look the part! Serve up your bride’s favourite dishes DIY style; allowing guests to create meals to their taste. Baked potatoes, tortillas and bruschetta are some options – click here to view more.

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EASY APPETIZERS
Keep it simple with mini quiches, sandwiches, wraps sliced into rounds and any other flavoursome foods that won’t require a lot of prep. Click here to view a list of handy recipes.

UP YOUR FOOD GAME
Want to add a little extra pizzazz to the food table? There’s no reason you can’t call in the professionals. Whether it be a catering company (leaving you to enjoy the event), or a private chef (who will treat your guests to restaurant quality food at your location), there are many ways to make the day special.
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PROFESSIONAL FOOD SERVICES:

• Bottomless brunch
• Catered picnic (including picnic set up)
• Caterers
• Local restaurant for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a meal before heading to your main venue

• Personal chef (enjoy a delicious food from the comfort of your own home)
• Surprise dining
• Topless waiters (to help with serving)

The Drinks
Similar to food, there are a variety of options when it comes to serving refreshments at your bachelorette party:

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DRINK STATIONS
Featuring your hen’s favourite bevvies, punch or even DIY cocktails.


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HIRED BARTENDER
The best kind make wonderful drinks for your party AND teach you a trick or two in the cocktail department.

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SELF-SERVE
Ice buckets filled with champagne, wine, cider and any other options you wish to provide.

The Activities
When you’re trying to keep things low-key, it can be hard to come up with suitable activities. Here are some of our favourite relaxed hen party ideas that will bring just the right vibe to your event:
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FOODIE ACTIVITIES
Let’s be honest, food is always a winner (and oh so important at any occasion). So why not incorporate the good stuff in a unique way?

Learn how to create certain dishes or desserts with a cooking lesson (pasta or chocolate are top of our list), or take part in a unique dining experience (such as surprise dinners or blindfolded meals).

A lovely restaurant meal is another great way to fill those stomachs (either at an actual venue; or with the help of a private chef). As is a high tea party or bottomless brunch.

For those who want to add some beverages to the mix, refreshments can be enjoyed during boozy art classes or DIY wine tasting events. And a cocktail making class will give you the chance to try new mixes whilst simultaneously enjoying old favourites.


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​TREAT YOURSELVES
Goes without saying, but one of the most relaxing activities around involves a bit of pampering.

Whether you decide to DIY it with some homemade facials, luxurious foot spas and delectable treats, or call in the professionals, this is one sure-fire way to relieve stress and enjoy the moment.
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HEN NIGHT SPA DAYS COULD INCLUDE:

• Beauty bar experience (hair & makeup)
• Massage therapy
• Hair styling
• Facials​
• Yoga or meditation sessions

• Manicures and Pedicures
• Booking in at your bride’s favourite beauty parlour or day spa
• Vintage hair and/or makeup lessons
• Sauna and steam room experience

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​CHILLED OVERNIGHT STAY
​The hardest part will be finding the perfect location.

Will it be a beach campsite? Country escape? Five star hotel in the city centre?

When making your choice, think about your best friend and the areas she loves most. By putting a little thought into where you go, you'll make the overall experience that much more special.

Handy Tip:
Glamping tents can be set up in a range of weird and wonderful locations. Picture it - a luxurious night of camping adventures awaits in one her favourite locations. Or for a truly unique yet homely experience, in your backyard!
 

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GET A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY
​The best way to introduce low-key cheek; get a little creative.

An art class like no other – uncontrollable giggles and hilarious masterpieces are just one life drawing session away. Rather not see a phallus in the flesh? Then perhaps some sculptures would better suit your day! A unique experience and take-home favour all in one.

Click here to grab your cheeky moulds now.

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​And finally, topless waiters. These wonderful men will not only add some fun and naughtiness to your low-key soiree, but they'll also help serve your food/beverages (meaning less for the hosts to think about). It's a win/win for everyone.

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​MOVIE NIGHT
​The perfect activity for any film buff. Grab your best friends and choice of snacks (popcorn, choc tops, bubbles); it's time for a movie experience like no other. Set up your TV or projector screen, mattresses, blankets, pillows and the bride's favourite film; then sit back, relax and let the good times roll.

Want to take your movie game up a level? Why not incorporate your screening with a night away. Book accommodation and set up your 'theatre' there instead.

Handy Tip:
​Take in your best friend's favourite musical (a.k.a. 'sing-along') movie; leading to many on-the-spot performances by guests and bride alike. You may also like to take in a movie at a unique theatre nearby. The smaller businesses have so much character; giving your event a unique twist.
 

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POOL PARTY
The perfect combination of fun, sun, laughter and relaxation.
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Does one of your bridesmaids own a house with a pool? Or perhaps you were able to snap up some stunning accommodation, waterside?

Prepare some cocktails, chilled tunes, deck chairs and inflatable lounges – because you and your gals will be getting your dose of vitamin d (sun guys... I’m talking about the sun) whilst enjoying the cooling effects of H20!



RELAX THE MIND & BODY
One of the best ways to relax the mind (and body) is through meditation. A group class will not only create a chilled atmosphere, but will also help guests' let go of any worries - meaning the day can be well and truly enjoyed.

For those after more of a physical challenge, yoga and Pilates are other wonderful options.


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​GET CREATIVE
If your bestie has an artistic streak, you may like to include a fun yet relaxed activity that gets those creative juices flowing! From hiring a caricature artist to making beautiful flower crowns; there are arty party options for everyone.

​FUN & RELAXING HEN'S PARTY IDEAS:

• Clay crafts
• Creative workshops (such as terrarium making)
• Flower crown making
• Flower arrangements​
• Hire a caricature artist (who will create cartoon drawings of each guest - an activity and awesome favour in one!)

• Life drawing classes (doesn’t have to be a naked man – this could be sketching bowls of fruit, painting beautiful blooms or even attempting to draw your bride-to-be!)
• Paint and sip workshop

SUMMARY OF LOW-KEY HEN'S PARTY ACTIVITIES:

• Afternoon tea
• At home movie night using a projector or TV (alternatively, go to a screening at a unique theatre)
• Bottomless brunch
• Caricature artist (who will create cartoon drawings of each guest - an activity and awesome favour in one!)
• Cocktail making class
• Cooking class (pasta, chocolate making, etc.)
• Creative workshop (such as terrarium making or clay crafts)
• DIY Escape room experience
• DIY Wine tasting event
• Flower crown making
• Flower arrangements​​
• Glamping

• Life drawing (doesn’t have to be a naked man – it could be sketching fruit, painting beautiful blooms or even attempting to draw your bride-to-be!)
• Meditation, yoga and/or Pilates class​
• Naughty sculpture painting
• Paint and sip workshop
• Pamper party
• Pool party
• Private chef
• Restaurant meal
• Spa day
• Topless waiters
• Unique dining experience (surprise dinners or blindfolded meals)
• Vintage hair and/or makeup lessons
• Weekend getaway

The Games
It’s not uncommon for hens requesting relaxed celebrations to also ask for no games. Absolutely listen to their wishes – it’s their special day and you want them to enjoy every moment!

That being said, if your bride-to-be is happy to play a few, we suggest making them low-key and optional. Some of our favourites include:


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SNAP THAT
On a blackboard, provide party-goers with a list of different photos to snap throughout the day. These might include ‘a selfie with the bride-to-be’, ‘a photo of someone laughing’ and ‘a group photo’. Ask everyone to upload their images to a private Facebook group (or similar) after the event so that you can all look back on the fun (and your hen can treasure these special moments forever). Click here to view full game instructions.



DATE NIGHT
★Click here for beautiful, printable date night cards★
On a piece of paper, guests can write down date ideas for their hen and her soon-to-be husband. These could range from dinner and a movie to a relaxing day at the spa.

After the party, collect the ideas and place them in a scrapbook, box or bind to create a small booklet. This can be gifted to your best friend and her partner, who can enjoy making their way through the different ideas during their first year of marriage and beyond!

This game can also be played as 'Bucket List'; meaning instead of date ideas, guests write down activities and challenges for the couple. Find full bucket list game instructions by clicking here.

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TRICK OR TREAT?!
Place a blackboard or sign on a table near the venue entrance that says 'Trick or Treat?'. In front of this sign have enough drinks for one per guest attending.

As people start to arrive, ask them to pick a beverage. The twist being that some are treats (e.g. cocktails, straight shots, etc.) and some are tricks (water, juice, etc.!).

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​LAWN/PARTY GAMES
Other fun options that suit a laid-back event include prosecco pong, limbo, giant jenga, bocce and any other lawn games your bride-to-be may enjoy.

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Related: 40+ Hen Do Games
Related: Ultimate List of Bridal Shower Games

​THE LITTLE THINGS (THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE)
No matter what chilled out hen do ideas you go with, the most important thing you can do is make the day special for your best friend. Make her feel loved and considered; so that when she looks back she is full of happiness and gratitude.

How?

Put your hen’s favourite food and drink on the menu, include fun nods to inside jokes, decorate in her favourite colours, incorporate photo memories, organise activities she's always wanted to try – the list goes on. For personalised party inspiration, click here. 

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Whether you organise a box filled with notes, a guest book full of sweet messages, or a dress covered in signatures, this beautiful item will be something that is kept forever.  Help your hen remember the good times with these awesome guest book ideas!

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PERSONALISED PARTY TIPS:

From accessories to drinks, this article outlines the many ways you can add an unexpected yet much appreciated touch to your best friend's day - making her feel special and loved whilst simultaneously guaranteeing that it's an event she will never forget!

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We Hope Your Bestie Loves these Chilled Hen Do Ideas as Much as We Do!

​The most frequent comment from bridesmaids planning relaxed hen parties is that they’re worried it won’t be enough; that the event will be just like any other girls night. But by combining personalised touches, appetizing food, delicious drinks, good company and perhaps a game and/or activity you’ll soon have a wonderful, memorable and incredibly fun occasion that your bride-to-be will adore ​(no wild night in sight!).

​Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
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