What is a Hen Do? Your Top Questions Answered
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A hen do is the ultimate pre-wedding celebration, and whether you’ve been to one or just heard about them, you’ve probably wondered: what exactly is a hen party?
Across the UK and beyond, thousands of groups head out every year to mark the bride-to-be’s last night of freedom, but not everyone knows where this iconic event came from. With over 18 years of experience in organising hen parties, we’re here to share why it’s called a hen party and offer plenty of tips and tricks to help you plan and organise the perfect weekend for the bride-to-be
What is a Hen Party?
A hen party is the bride-to-be’s final celebration before her wedding. Whether it’s a night, weekend, or week, groups of girls gather to celebrate the last days of single life with dancing, drinking, and making lasting memories.
Why is it Called a Hen Party?
The name “hen party” has straightforward origins. The word “hen” was historically a term of endearment used for women, much like “chick” or “gal.” Symbolically, hens are often seen as nurturing and matriarchal figures, which fits perfectly with the bride-to-be being the centre of attention and the one being celebrated during the party.
When did Hen Parties Start?
Pre-wedding celebrations have a long history, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. For men, the focus was on toasting their last days of freedom with feasts and drinking. For women, early hen celebrations were more about preparing for marriage rather than the fun-filled parties we know today.
Over time, however, the fun and excitement of hen parties have evolved into the lively celebrations we see now.
For more on the evolution of hen do traditions, check out our article on Hen Party Traditions.
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What Happens at a Hen Party?
A hen party is the bride-to-be’s final celebration before the wedding, usually organised by the maid of honour. Whether it’s a weekend getaway in the UK or abroad, it’s all about making memories with friends.
Some popular hen activities include:
- Life Drawing
- Cocktail Making
- Dance Classes
- Yoga
- See more ideas
Can the Hen Party be a Surprise?
Absolutely! A surprise hen party can be a great idea, but it’s best to get the other girls involved to make sure it’s a hit. We recommend checking with them first and getting a sense of whether the bride will enjoy the surprise
Who Should Organise a Hen Party?
Typically, the maid of honour takes charge of planning and organising. But if you’re in charge, don’t stress! Feel free to ask the other girls for help, ideas, or advice to make the process easier.
However, if you need help, our experienced hen party planners, who've organised over 50,000 events, are ready to assist. Just get in touch with us.
Is the Bridal Shower the same as the Hen Party?
The bridal shower and hen party are similar but not the same. A hen do is a lively celebration, often spanning a weekend with drinking, dancing, and fun activities. A bridal shower, however, is a more relaxed daytime event, typically held at the bride's home. It's focused on gift-giving and spending quality time with close friends and family before the big day, with less focus on partying.
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How many Girls attend a Hen Party?
The number of guests at a hen party is entirely up to you. While it's tempting to invite everyone, the more people you have, the trickier it can be to keep everyone happy. Remember, the cost per person tends to go up with more attendees, so it’s best to strike a balance and keep the group size manageable to avoid any extra expenses for everyone
What to Bring along to a Hen Party?
Along with your fancy dress, props, and makeup, there are a few essentials worth packing for a hen party. If you’re planning a big night out followed by an activity the next day, a hangover kit is a must—think paracetamol and an energy drink to help you recover. And if you’ve got some downtime, packing a few hen party games will keep the fun going!
How to Invite the Hen to Her Hen Party?
Inviting the bride-to-be to her hen party should be fun and exciting! Instead of a simple message, consider one of these creative ideas: Send her a beautiful invitation by post Record a group video with all the ladies, revealing where you're going and what you'll be doing Write a funny hen party poem Host a pre-hen party with food and cocktails inspired by your chosen destination
Organise a Fab Hen Do
