Image Credit: Bayleigh Vedelago

Hens Night

Done Right

If your hen isn’t much of a party animal, then read ahead as Jacinta Walsh explores the best alternative hens party ideas for a bride looking to shirk bachelorette tradition.

Image Credit: Bayleigh Vedelago

Planning a hens night is no mean feat; there’s the guest list to consider, novelty paraphernalia to create and, most importantly, the itinerary to decide. A good maid of honour will think creatively about what makes her friend special to plan an event that reflects this.

There is no doubt that there are many facets to your friend’s personality, therefore a cookie-cutter hens party just won’t cut it. Reflect on the people, places and things that matter the most to your friend and let this inform how you spend the day.

When preparing the guest list, she’ll most likely have friends from work, school, university and any hobbies that she participates in, as well as family, so it’s important to plan the right activity that will encourage intermingling between these social groups. This will put your bride-to-be’s mind at ease instead of worrying about how to divvy up her time.

For a selection of inclusive and fun activities to help you break the proverbial ice, read ahead as Queensland Wedding & Bride lists the best alternative hens party ideas in Brisbane and its surrounds.

The Creative Bride

Watch as your friends make a meal of their coq au vin, or why not attempt life drawing? Consider these great activities for an afternoon of fun – add a glass of champagne and watch as the hilarity ensues!

Workshops

From candle-making to flower crown tutorials, workshops are fast becoming a hens party staple. With an opportunity to learn a new skill and come away with something handmade, participating in a workshop will be both fun and satisfying for your guests, as well as encourage natural conversation between those who may be meeting for the first time. With many businesses offering mobile services, as well as supply of required materials, all you will have to do is sit back and enjoy learning something new!

Cooking Classes 

If your bride-to-be has a penchant for good food, then perhaps a cooking class is the way to go. Try something that she wouldn’t attempt at home – like a pastry class or French cuisine.

The Theatrical Bride 

Whether your bride loves the glitz and glam of Hollywood or the kitsch charm of Broadway, there’s plenty to do here in Queensland to appease her theatrical sensibilities, such as going to a musical, partaking in a dance class, or one of the following entertaining alternatives.

Private Screening

 Is your bride a film buff? Liaise with your local cinema to organise a private screening of her favourite film or better yet, if it’s a musical, host a sing-along! There are some great small cinemas across Queensland that are willing to play films upon request and plenty more who specialise in cult classics.

For an added personal touch, create a short film to play before the feature begins. It could include heartfelt messages from family and friends or the bride’s fiancé, or it could just be something funny that you and the bridal party have put together.

Karaoke 

With dozens of karaoke bars across Queensland, this favourite Japanese pastime is a fun, accessible and affordable way to celebrate your bride. Release your inner-Aguilera in a private room at Fat Louie’s in the heart of Brisbane, or if you’re after something that’s a bit more social, tag along to an open karaoke bar, which typically run on a voucher-based service. This often means that you have to wait your turn, so sit back and revel in the joys of listening to tone-deaf strangers.

The Understated Bride 

For a bride who doesn’t like to be the centre of attention, keep things simple. A hens party doesn’t have to be a big deal; sometimes it’s the simple pleasures in life that are the best, like spending time with your friends and family.

Pyjama Party 

Don’t be led astray in thinking that you have to go out to have a good time. If your bride-to-be likes to keep things low-key then consider taking a trip down memory lane as you host a slumber party! Bust out the popcorn, pillows and pyjamas and blast some music reminiscent of your youth as you sing into a hair brush – you know the drill.

Kitchen Tea

For something that even the bride’s grandma can attend, plan a kitchen tea. There are some beautiful locations across Queensland that will provide the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous lunch shared among the bride’s nearest and dearest such as Mount Tambourine, Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands.

The Glamorous Bride

For the bride-to-be who’s all about treating herself to a bit of self-care, consider these luxe hens party ideas.

Pamper Packages 

Treat the bride-to-be to a relaxing weekend away in spa country. There’s nothing more luxurious than time dedicated to pampering yourself, and the bride may just need it as the wedding looms closer.

If you can’t manage to get away, take a DIY approach. Set up different stations for manicures, hair treatments and face masks. It’s the simple things like closing the blinds and setting the mood with some candles and spa music that will really make the difference. See if your guests can bring along a robe, or if it’s just a small group, such as the bridal party, provide some personalised robes to commemorate the occasion to re-use when getting ready on the wedding day.

Winery And Distillery Tours 

If your bride considers herself somewhat of a sommelier, test her palette as you embark on a winery tour. Many packages will include transport and lunch, so the only thing you need to worry about is having a good time. However, if wine isn’t her thing, then there is an abundance of distilleries in the city close to Brisbane’s vibrant bar district. After a few drinks, no one’s going to be driving home, so why not combine your tour with a weekend trip away so guests can rest easy throughout the day.

Regardless of what your bride-to-be is into, there are countless ways to celebrate her in the lead up to her wedding. You could never sum up your bride in one word, or potential ideas in one list, so don’t be afraid to combine several activities to create the ultimate hens celebration. Keep it moving, wellorganised and – most importantly – fun!