Hen Party Ideas Beyond the Typical Night Out
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Gone are the days when a hen party had to mean a blurry night out, sore feet and a group chat full of ‘never again’ messages. These days, hen parties are as varied as the people planning them and that’s exactly how it should be.
Whether you’re the bride who loves a dance floor, the one who’d rather be surrounded by people they love with good food, or the one who wants something fun but without pressure, there are so many brilliant ways to celebrate without forcing everyone into the same mould.
If you’re starting from scratch (or feeling overwhelmed by choice), here’s a round-up of hen party ideas that actually work for mixed groups, different ages and different vibes – including one of our brilliant suppliers, Sashay Dance.
A Dance Class Hen Party
Let’s start with a firm favourite, and one we’re very excited about.
A dance class hen party is one of those ideas that sounds fun… and then turns out to be even better than you expected. Which is exactly why we’re spotlighting Sashay Dance, one of our newest suppliers and an absolute joy from start to finish.
A lot of hen party ideas look great on Pinterest but fall apart in real life when you’ve got:
- Mixed ages
- Different energy levels
- Varying comfort levels with alcohol
- People who don’t all know each other
A dance class quietly solves all of that by being:
- Inclusive: no experience needed, no pressure to be good
- Active but accessible: you move, you laugh, you don’t need to be super fit
- Alcohol-free friendly: perfect if drinking isn’t your thing (or you’re saving it for later)
- A shared experience: everyone starts and finishes together, which is ideal for bonding
Why we love Sashay Dance
Sashay Dance specialise in hen party dance classes that are fun, relaxed and tailored to your group. It’s not about strict choreography and getting every dance move right, it’s just about having a bit of a laugh and moving your body. You can choose from different dance styles, the atmosphere is supportive, and the focus is firmly on enjoyment rather than perfection.
And one of the best bits?
You can take it one step further and perform the dance at your wedding reception if you want to. Whether that’s a full group moment or a surprise appearance, it’s such a lovely way to bring your hen memories into the wedding day itself – without it feeling forced or awkward.
This is the kind of hen activity people talk about long after it’s over, and usually makes people say ‘I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but I LOVED it.’
Afternoon Tea or Brunch (timeless for a reason)
If your group leans more towards good food and good chat, an afternoon tea or brunch hen party is a classic – and it’s still popular.
This works especially well if:
- You’ve got older relatives joining
- You want something daytime and relaxed
- You’re planning a full weekend and want a gentler starting point
You can keep it traditional with a hotel or tearoom, or make it more modern with a bottomless brunch (alcohol optional, always). It’s sociable without being loud, celebratory without being exhausting, and gives everyone plenty of time to actually talk – which is often overlooked in bigger hen plans.
Bonus points if you add a little twist: themed outfits, personalised menus or a surprise game between courses.
A Games Night
A hen party games night is hugely underrated – and incredibly adaptable.
This can be:
- Hosted at someone’s house
- Part of a weekend away
- Combined with takeaway, cocktails or mocktails
Think less forced icebreakers and more genuinely fun games:
- Wedding-themed quizzes
- ‘How well do you know the bride?’
- Dares that are funny, not mortifying
- Team challenges that mix up the group
Games nights work well for groups who might not all know each other yet, because the focus is on doing something together rather than making small talk. And they’re easy to tailor – you can keep things wholesome, silly, competitive or completely unhinged depending on the bride.
A Creative Workshop
If you love the idea of doing something hands-on, creative hen parties are having a real resurgence.
Popular options include:
- flower crown making
- pottery or painting
- candle or perfume workshops
- cocktail or mocktail making classes
These are perfect for brides who want something a little different, and they have the added bonus of everyone leaving with something tangible at the end – which always feels special.
Much like a dance class, workshops create a shared experience without relying on alcohol, late nights or high energy levels. They’re also ideal if you’re planning a hen party that spans multiple generations.
A Wellness-Inspired Hen (calm, not boring)
Not every hen party needs chaos. For some brides, the dream is something slower and more grounding.
Wellness-style hens might include:
- yoga or pilates sessions
- spa days
- countryside walks with a good pub lunch
- sound baths or meditation sessions
These work beautifully for smaller groups or destination weekends, especially if wedding planning has been full-on and the bride just wants time to breathe with her favourite people.
And yes – you can still dress it up, take photos, play games and make it feel celebratory. Calm doesn’t mean dull.
Mixing and Matching (the secret to a great hen party)
Some of the best hen parties don’t stick to just one idea.
- A dance class with Sashay Dance followed by brunch.
- A creative workshop in the afternoon, games and cocktails in the evening.
- A wellness morning before a lively dinner out.
When you mix structured activities with free time, everyone gets the best of both worlds – and you avoid the dreaded ‘what are we doing next?’ feeling.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One Right Way to Hen
The best hen parties aren’t about ticking boxes or copying trends. They’re about choosing something that feels right for you – and creating space for your people to celebrate you in a way that feels natural.
Whether that’s learning a dance routine you’ll laugh about forever, sitting around a table with great food, or doing something completely unexpected, the magic is in doing it together.
And if you’re looking for an activity that’s joyful, inclusive and genuinely memorable, a dance class with Sashay Dance is a brilliant place to start.
Because confidence, laughter and shared memories?
Those are always a good idea.