The Low-Key Hen Ideas Any Bride Will Love

From Mr & Mrs (or Mrs & Mrs) quizzes, drinking games, ping pong challenges  to charades and bingo, there are lots of easy games and virtual quizzes to try online. If you want an exciting start to your evening, then an escape room could be a great choice. Work your way through videos and clues to solve a series of puzzles. 

Brush & Bubbles normally offer in-person painting classes, but during lockdown, they can provide your group with everything you need for a fabulous virtual painting class. They post out the kits, you choose the subject you’d like to paint, and they do the rest.  

Grace & Thorn, the cool London-based florist, offer gorgeous plant and flower-based workshops. Perfect for a relaxed hen, either in their studio or as a virtual experience, an events florist will guide you through making something beautiful. Workshops include flower-crown making, terrarium building and bouquet arranging. 

“Our virtual murder mystery activity has been incredibly popular with hens throughout the country who were unable to go ahead with their original events because of the pandemic. It’s fully immersive, brilliantly interactive and really funny,” says Tom Probert at GoHen.

“Our most popular Zoom hen party option is a virtual cocktail workshop. Everyone seems to want to let loose a bit during lockdown and cocktail workshops are a great way to bring people together and learn something new, all from the comfort of your own home,” says Chloe Gilham, co-founder and event specialist at Cluck.

Magic shows seem to be the new banana bread, and Britain’s Got Talent’s Alan Hudson offers an interactive show for groups. From mind reading to fantastic tricks, you’ll get 30 minutes of having your mind blown.  

Virtual comedy clubs are a great way to add laughter to a lockdown hen party. Scarlett Entertainment offer a range of acts – from up-and-coming comedians or big-name personalities. 

Fancy singing your heart out with your besties? Then Sing Sing Karaoke could be answer. The world’s biggest karaoke channel has over 2,500 videos to choose from. New releases to classic hits are at your fingertips. 

If you’re bride is getting married later in the year, or even next, there are some ideas worth considering ready for when restrictions are lifted – many of which are still possible to do in small groups or outside if limitations continue. Here are some of our favourites…

“Once lockdown eases, hiring a penthouse apartment or taking over a countryside cottage is a great idea, and sourcing a fun and talented chef to come and cook for you ‘at home’ is always a winner. A three or five-course tasting menu from Alexandra Dudley comes highly recommended. Add on a cocktail company such as The Cocktail Service so that all drinks on the night are taken care of, and learn how to mix cocktails during a mini masterclass,” advises Lavinia Stewart-Brown, director of Stewart Brown Events. “The power duo behind Building Feasts are Hanna and Jeremy, who offer a lovely laid-back option for food lovers, too. Taking place in Hanna’s beautiful home in Maida Vale, the team offer two options. Choose to have a private cooking class with Hanna in her large kitchen followed by a meal with all the food you’ve cooked or go for their private supper club. On arrival, everything is set up and the team will wine and dine you and your guests in a gorgeous private setting.” 

“Gin Blending is so much more fun than a standard cocktail workshop. In this class you blend, bottle and name your own gin to take home and enjoy. Naturally you’ll enjoy a few G&Ts throughout the process,” says Chloe. “Our Baker’s Gonna Bake Package is for all GBBO fans, kicking the day off with the opportunity to bake alongside the most loved bakers from the hit TV show. Alternatively, a great way to see London while enjoying a glass of fizz, our Brunching & Boating Package – is really popular. Start the day with a bottomless brunch on a private rooftop, before a 90-minute private canal boat ride from Camden Lock.”

“What’s a hen weekend without a little (over) indulgence? Try our special afternoon tea event where you can let the conversation and lapsang souchong flow in equal measure, with a side portion of delectable pastries, scones and finger sandwiches. Quintessentially British and quintessentially brilliant,” says Tom. “If tea is a little too tame, why not treat the taste buds to a drop or two of some of the finest wines on the market? At our wine tasting event, an expert sommelier will lead you through the session helping you to identify specific notes and flavours to improve your palate ten-fold.” 

“Our life-drawing class Bottom(less) Package is our all-time best seller. It’s the perfect way to incorporate a bit of cheeky hen party fun without the tackiness of a stripper,” says Chloe. “Finding the right workshop to suit a group can sometimes be a bit tricky – if you want something a bit different, our Natural Candle & Perfume Workshop  is a must. You’ll learn about different scents and how perfumiers create perfumes, before blending two bespoke scents – one for your candle and one for your mini therapeutic perfume.” 

“Hens With Pens offer different packages for hen parties from nude life drawing classes to ‘Dinner Party Art’ where a tutor guides you through a themed art session, which would include trying still-life with a meal at a venue or private home,” says Lavinia. “Calligraphy By Kiki requires patience and positivity, so if you are looking for something slightly more relaxed and calming than life drawing, this could be a good choice. A quiet night with girlfriends and good wine learning how to produce beautiful writing might be the one for you.”

“See the sights of the UK’s best cities with our city treasure hunt. Split into teams and run around town centres trying to solve the head-scratching clues and challenges within the time limit,” says Tom. “Alternatively, do battle over various classic school sports day events including the egg and spoon race, space hopper race, sack race and more. Brides tend to love this as it’s hilarious, nostalgic and brilliantly competitive.” 
“For the sporty ones out there, Camelot Events has a world championship qualifying assault course not far from London. It’s great fun and lasts around two hours. Just make sure to take a change clothes for when you are finished,” says Lavinia.

“For a truly thrilling experience that will keep you all on your toes, look into the Escape Rooms in Angel or London Bridge. Both will test a variety of skills via different themes featuring different physical elements. Teamwork is a must,” says Lavinia. “The Crystal Maze Live Experience in Piccadilly Circus or Manchester is the ultimate team challenge. Perfect for anyone that remembers watching this on TV in the 90s.” 

“A hen do at Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earls Court is great fun right from the very start – although you may struggle to find the entrance, due to its secret doorway. Upon arrival you’ll be interrogated about ‘your case’. Staff are in character and they have a real flair for the theatrics. Delicious single and sharing cocktails, paired with small snacks, will ensure a fun night,” adds Lavinia. “Alcatraz in Covent Garden also guarantees a unique and fun ‘prison’ night. The team will order you to change into their prison jumpsuits before entering your cell, asking you how you will use your ‘time inside’. Friends can sentence the bride-to-be to life behind bars while enjoying cocktails during this quirky and different experience.” 

“If you want to surprise the bride with something completely unexpected, this is the one. Experience life as an outlaw by joining the illicit moonshine smuggling gang of the Wild West in this Immersive Wild West Experience. Combining immersive theatre with a world-class cocktail experience, it transports guests from the streets of East London to the streets of the Wild West on the premise of making an illicit fortune,” says Chloe. “Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head back to nature in style with a gorgeous glamping getaway. Long walks in the countryside, great activities, toasting marshmallows over the fire and drinking wine under the stars – it’s the perfect pre-wedding stress buster,” says Tom.

“There’s nothing better than a dance class to get everyone in the mood to party. There are lots of themes available, our most popular being our Spice Girls Dance Class where you’ll dance to all your favourite hits. Or, opt for our Burlesque Experience, where a world-class burlesque dancer puts you through your paces, teaching you how to create an alter ego and dance like a diva,” says Chloe. 

“Calling all single ladies (and soon-to-be-married, married and people in relationships, too). Learn the moves to Queen B’s biggest hit, Single Ladies, in this fabulous Beyoncé dance class. Or choose our popular Grease class, where you can channel your inner Pink Ladies and strut your stuff to the biggest ballads from everyone's favourite musical,” says Tom. 

“Pole People offer private pole dancing classes for hen parties in London. Learn different pole-dancing tricks and the dance moves that link them together with each class being tailored specifically to your group,” adds Lavinia. 

“Our Blow Dry Party is the perfect way to feel pampered while staying in the party mood. With exclusive use of a top London blow-dry bar, the hen party will have full use of dedicated styling stations and stylists, plus plenty of space to socialise. Choose your playlist, grab a drink from the prosecco bar, and let dedicated stylists take care of the rest,” says Chloe. “The Luxury Sleepover Package is the ultimate pampering option. Your weekend will include a luxury three-course private dining brunch plus an overnight stay in a five-star penthouse suite (part of your own wing complete with private entrance). Featuring an open-plan living room, large dining table and cinema area, choose to have makeovers or blow dries so the group all look the part for a glamorous weekend.” 

“Detox ahead of the big day as you hit the spa for a thoroughly relaxing pampering day. Enjoy a relaxing massage, take a dip in the pool, chill out in the steam room or hit the hot tub – whatever way you choose to unwind, you’ll be feeling suitably zen with all of your girls. Or if you prefer to stay right where you are, have the spa brought to you. Stock up on some treats and fizz as a personal therapist comes to give you and your girls a selection of indulgent spa services,” says Tom. 

“Book a night at a stunning countryside spa hotel, such as Stoke Park  or Thyme where you can all enjoy a night in true luxury. Having planned and attended hens in both these beautiful hotels, I cannot recommend them enough. Start with relaxing spa treatments throughout the afternoon, ending with a manicure and pedicure alongside your hens in pure comfort with a glass of champagne. Then, head back to your room to get dressed up before dinner. Both hotels have lovely dining rooms, with gorgeous menus and an extensive drinks lists so you know you will be truly looked after,” says Lavinia.