Hen Party Traditions
History of Hen Party Traditions
Hen parties have been around for centuries, with roots going back to the 1600s when brides-to-be would gather the night before their wedding to go over their dowry — the financial and material contributions for their marriage (not exactly a wild night out!). Back then, it was more of a formal dinner than a fun celebration. The lively, modern hen do we know today really took off during the 1960s, alongside the sexual revolution and the push for gender equality, turning what was once a quiet tradition into a weekend of fun, laughter, and good times with friends.
When Was A Hen Party Traditionally Held?
Hen parties were traditionally held the night before the wedding—cue sore heads and regrets the next day! These days, most groups play it safe and plan their celebrations well in advance. Based on our experience organising over 50,000 hen weekends, most are booked 60-90 days before the wedding, giving everyone time to recover and enjoy the big day.
Who Organised the Hen Party in the Past?
Traditionally, the maid of honour organised the hen party, often as a surprise for the bride. It was a women-only event with close friends and family, and the maid of honour typically covered the costs. Nowadays, the bride often gets involved in the planning, and the costs are usually split between the group.
Traditional Elements
Traditional hen parties often involved activities like drinking, exchanging intimate secrets, and sometimes hiring a male stripper. A toast to the bride’s future was common, along with small gifts, which led to the term "bridal shower." In the past, some gifts were cheeky, such as lingerie or novelty items, designed to add a bit of fun and humour. However, today's hen parties have evolved to reflect the bride’s personality and preferences, offering a wider variety of experiences that focus on creating lasting memories without the need for embarrassment or outdated traditions.
Around The World Traditions
In the USA, the ‘hen party’ is called a ‘bachelorette party,’ inspired by the ‘bachelor party’ or our ‘stag do.’ Different countries have their own quirky pre-wedding customs.
In Argentina, there was once a tradition where the bride-to-be would be stripped naked and paraded around town – a way to show off what the groom would be missing. It's not widely practiced today but remains part of local history.
In Scotland, there’s the tradition of ‘blackening,’ where both the bride and groom (sometimes together) get covered in messy stuff like eggs, sauces, and rubbish, then are paraded around town. The reason behind it? No one really knows, but it’s definitely unforgettable!
In China, there’s a "crying game" where the bride-to-be starts crying, followed by her mother, grandmother, sisters, and close female friends. The ‘weeping song’ can last for weeks and is a unique way of expressing joy.
Mauritania has a completely different tradition—bigger is better! Brides-to-be eat rich, calorie-heavy foods to gain weight before the wedding, embracing the ideal of a fuller figure.
In India, the bride often hosts a Mehndi party, where she and her female friends and family get intricate henna tattoos on their hands, arms, and legs. The designs last for weeks, symbolising beauty and good luck.
Modern Hen Do Traditions
Hen dos have evolved from a single night to full weekend getaways, now extending beyond the UK. Groups are opting for activities like dance classes, spa breaks, outdoor adventures, and unique evening events. Male strip shows have also taken on a fresh twist with live music and cabaret performances.
Sources:
- https://www.bustle.com/articles/29922-the-5-wackiest-wedding-traditions-from-around-the-world-involve-nudity-baby-chickens-and-more
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bachelorette
- https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ezine/2007-09/06/content_6085328.htm
- https://www.marthastewart.com/7892206/traditional-mehndi-party
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