Hen Party Survival Kit: What to Pack for the Perfect Weekend
Planning a hen weekend and wondering what to pack? After organising 55,000+ hen parties since 2007, we know exactly what you'll actually need (and what you can leave at home). Here's your essential packing list for a brilliant weekend with zero stress.
Why You Need a Hen Party Survival Kit
A hen party survival kit is basically your weekend insurance policy. It's a small bag packed with all the essentials that'll save you when things don't go to plan – and trust us, something always doesn't go to plan. From hangover cures and blister plasters to emergency snacks and wet wipes, having these bits sorted means you can focus on celebrating instead of panicking.
Whether you're heading to a UK city, jetting off to Spain, or staying local, these essentials will make your weekend way more comfortable. Think of it as your backup plan in a bag – boring to pack, brilliant to have.
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The Essential Hen Party Survival Kit – 16 Things to Pack
1. Water Bottle (Reusable)
Sounds obvious, but you'll be grateful for this between activities, on walks to venues, or when you're nursing a hangover. Whether you're doing outdoor adventures or just walking between bars, staying hydrated makes everything more bearable. Skip the single use plastic – bring a reusable bottle you can refill.
2. Passport or ID
If you look under 25 (lucky you), bring ID for every night out. Nothing's worse than queuing for 20 minutes only to get turned away at the door. And obviously, if you're heading abroad for your hen weekend, your passport is non negotiable.
3. Emergency Cash
Not everywhere takes cards, and phone payments die when your battery does. Stash £40-50 somewhere safe for emergencies – taxi home, late night food, or that random cash only bar you end up in at 2am.
4. Paracetamol & Ibuprofen
The foundation of your hangover survival kit. You will get a headache at some point – whether from dehydration, too much sun, or (let's be honest) too many cocktails at your cocktail making class. Pack enough for the whole group because someone will definitely forget.
5. Snacks
Cereal bars, crisps, or sweets – whatever keeps your blood sugar stable when you're waiting for trains, feeling a bit faint, or too drunk to navigate to the chippy. Snacks are the unsung heroes of any hen weekend.
6. Sunglasses
Essential hangover camouflage. Sunglasses protect your fragile eyes from the glaring sun and instantly make you look more pulled together when you're absolutely not. Even if it's cloudy – British weather is unpredictable.
7. Hen Party Games
A few hen party games can save a quiet moment or liven up pre-drinks. Pack a couple of card games or dare cards that don't take up much space. You won't need them constantly, but when you do, they're brilliant.
8. Miniature Bottles
Tiny bottles of vodka, gin, or your favourite liqueur are perfect for pre drinks or topping up drinks when you're out. They're also lighter and easier to pack than full size bottles, which matters when you're lugging everything on a train.
9. Wet Wipes
Spilt drinks, muddy knees from unsteady heels, makeup smudges – wet wipes handle it all. They're especially handy if you're doing activities before heading out for the evening.
10. Travel-Size Deodorant
Feeling fresh makes everything better, especially when you're on day two of celebrations. A small deodorant takes up barely any room and makes a massive difference when the hangover hits.
11. Lip Balm
Dry, cracked lips ruin a good lipstick moment. Pop your favourite lip balm in the kit and keep your lips sorted, especially when you're taking loads of photos or heading out for the evening.
12. Chewing Gum or Mints
For fresh breath when you're chatting to strangers, after meals, or when you wake up with questionable morning after breath. Essential for any single bridesmaids on the hunt.
13. Plasters
New shoes and hen parties don't mix well. Heel blisters are inevitable, so pack a few decent plasters that'll actually stay on. Your feet will thank you halfway through Saturday night.
14. Dare Cards
Keep the fun going with simple dare cards. Perfect for livening up meals, keeping the bride entertained, or adding extra laughs to your funny hen party activities.
15. Sweets
Because they're delicious and helpful when blood sugar drops. Haribo, chocolate, whatever works – just pack something sweet for emergency energy boosts.
16. Hair Ties & Clips
You will need to tie your hair back at some point – whether you're feeling sick, doing activities, or just want it out of your face. Pack several because they disappear mysteriously on nights out.
What About Fancy Dress & Accessories?
Beyond the practical survival kit, don't forget your hen party accessories and fancy dress. Matching outfits, sashes, and props make for brilliant photos and help you spot each other in busy bars. Just don't pack everything in the survival kit – keep it separate so you can actually find things quickly.
Packing Tips from 18 Years of Hen Parties
Share the load: Not everyone needs to bring everything. Create a WhatsApp group and divide up communal items like games, speakers, and decorations.
Keep it compact: Your survival kit should fit in a small bag or makeup pouch that's easy to grab. If it's too bulky, you won't bring it when you actually need it.
Check activities first: Different hen party activities need different things. Outdoor adventures might need suncream and trainers, while classy hen ideas needs your nicest outfit.
Pack for the weather: British weather is unpredictable. Check the forecast and bring layers, a light waterproof, or suncream depending on the season.
Don't overpack: You're not moving house. Stick to essentials and remember most places have shops if you forget something.
Ready to Plan Your Hen Weekend?
Now you know what to pack, it's time to sort the actual weekend. We've been organising hen parties across the UK and Europe since 2007 – that's over 55,000 celebrations with every possible scenario covered.
From budget-friendly ideas to unusual experiences, we'll help you create something brilliant. Whether you're after creative workshops, adventure activities, or classic nights out, we've got the experience and local knowledge to make it happen.
Plus, with instant booking, transparent pricing, and individual payment options, planning's sorted while you focus on packing that survival kit.
Want more hen party planning help? Check out our guides on staying safe during your hen party and browse our cheap hen do destinations for budget-friendly options.