AUTHOR: BEC OF 'FOR EVERY HEN' Most imagine a hen party 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 her dreams! This article may contain 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 :) THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A CHILLED HEN DO:THE OUTFITS In keeping with your relaxed affair, you may choose to forgo a theme altogether (just ask guests to come in their favourite party outfit). But for those who want to add a touch of togetherness, a broad theme could be just the right addition to your day. Some options include:
And if you’re after an easy way to make your bride-to-be stand out, you can either request that no guest wear white (meaning your bestie can don her best white outfit) or you can go with a colour block party. 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 party doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with the food! Here are some of our favourite ways to cater a chilled event: GIANT GRAZING TABLE These look absolutely amazing (perfect for special occasions), 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/or 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. 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
For those who want to add a little extra pizzazz to their 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.
PROFESSIONAL FOOD SERVICES
THE DRINKS
Similar to food, there are a variety of options when it comes to refreshments: DRINK STATIONS Featuring your hen’s favourite bevvies, punch or even DIY cocktails. HIRED BARTENDER The best kind make wonderful drinks for your party AND are more than happy to teach you a trick or two in the cocktail department. 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: FOODIE FUN 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? Some hens may love learning how to create certain dishes or desserts (e.g. pasta or chocolate making lessons), whilst others may enjoy a unique dining experience (such as surprise dinners or blindfolded meals). As mentioned earlier, a lovely restaurant meal (either at an actual venue; or with the help of a private chef at your home/accommodation) is a wonderful way to fill those stomachs. As is a high tea or bottomless brunch. For those who want to add some beverages to the mix, a cocktail making class is a great way to learn new tricks whilst enjoying refreshments. Whilst a DIY wine tasting event gives you the opportunity to try new flavours whilst simultaneously sharing old favourites. 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.
PAMPER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
CHILLED HEN WEEKENDS Treat your best friend to a relaxing weekend of fun and laughs with her best gals. From glamping to accommodation; set up in one of her favourite locations and let the good times roll. Have a bit of land? Perhaps you could hire some glamping tents and enjoy a luxurious night of camping adventures there instead. GET A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY An art class like no other – uncontrollable giggles and hilarious masterpieces will be just some of many great memories created when participating in a life drawing session. Topless waiters are also guaranteed to add some fun to your celebration; instantly adding a touch of naughtiness to your low-key soiree. These wonderful men will help serve your food/beverages (meaning less for hosts to worry about). It’s a win/win for everyone! And for those after a creative yet cheeky experience, why not paint your own phalluses?! A unique activity and take-home favour all in one. MOVIE NIGHT Set up a big TV or projector screen (either indoors or outdoors) and host your very own movie night – complete with popcorn, choc tops, bubbles and gourmet appetizers (hello, Gold Class at home!). Another option is taking 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. Want to take your movie game up a level? Why not incorporate your screening with a night away. Book accommodation and set up there instead. Note: you may like to take in a movie at a unique theatre nearby. The smaller businesses have so much character; giving your event a unique twist. POOL PARTY 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.
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 ART ACTIVITIES
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: 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. 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.!).
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. OTHER GAME IDEAS For a huge range of game ideas (over 40 different options!), click here.
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 do you do this, you may ask? 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. ARTICLES RELATED TO THESE RELAXING HEN DO IDEAS:
If you absolutely loved the above relaxed bachelorette party ideas, we think you will also enjoy reading up on the following articles. First in the list... not your typical 'guest book'! These ideas are fun, unique and memorable ways to wish your bride-to-be well (many slotting perfectly into the overall 'chilled' theme as well!). Then there is this beautiful, thoughtful article dedicated to all things YOUR hen. Click here for personalised party ideas.
WE HOPE YOUR BESTIE LOVES THESE CHILLED HEN DO IDEAS AS MUCH AS WE DO!
The most frequent comment from bridesmaids planning a relaxed celebration is that they’re worried it won’t be enough; that the event will be just like any other catch up with friends. 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!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x (AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest) P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THESE RELAXED HENS PARTY IDEAS - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)
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