The perfect DIY hen party ideas for brides wanting to keep their hen night low-key. What better way than a DIY ‘night at the movies’. It is a thoughtful, hassle free idea which can easily be tailored to you and your guests. Here is our top 5 list of things you need to do to make your movie night worthy of an academy award.  

Read more

Chic Hen Party Cake Ideas

Calling all foodie hens!

For you, your cake is probably a central part of the party planning. Whether you bake it yourself, get a friend to do it or pay a professional you want it to look fabulous and taste truly scrumptious.

We’ve narrowed down our favourite cake designs/concepts for you; each one is sure to be showstopper!

Kisses from the Mrs

Pucker up!

A cake designed around lips is fun, flirty and will suit glam brides down to a T.

If you are feeling rather technical you could make a cake that is shaped into lips and cover it in red fondant icing. However, after rifling through Pinterest we discovered a totally chic alternative. Simply ice a layer cake completely white, then using a homemade stencil and some edible pearl dust/glitter paint away to get the desired result.

Drunk Barbie

Your hen party is undeniably and unequivocally all about you (the bride), so it makes sense for the cake to embody you. This may require a more creative design but it will be worth the giggles!

Whether it’s recreating you on a wild night out or perhaps you relaxing with some of the bride squad. Using Barbie dolls for your decoration saves the pain of modelling characters out of fondant icing.

The Minimalist

For those of you who live by ‘less is more’ all you need is a striking cake topper.

Keep the cake plain; one colour, classic piping or perhaps the simple drip effect we all drool over on Instagram! With regards to the topper, we particularly love slogans and phrases. You can get them made bespoke on various ETSY or NotOnTheHighStreet shops.

Our particular favourites include ‘drunk in love’, ‘he’s her lobster’ and ‘let’s party b*tches’.

Macaron Tower

If your budget is a little tight a selection of macarons is the perfect alternative. You’re likely to have less wastage and you’ll get major Parisian vibes.

Whether you create an ombre effect up the stack or go a bit crazy with the colours of the rainbow, it will definitely catch your guests’ eyes.

Pimp your Cupcake

A really cute and interactive idea. Just supply an assortment of cupcakes (whatever flavours you fancy), simply ice them with buttercream and then let your guests do the rest! Fill bowls with the likes of marshmallows, cake sprinkles and jelly beans; anything goes! Each member of your bride squad will then end up with a beautifully decorated cake they can all their own. If cake decorating isn't your thing, you can buy some beautifully decorated cupcakes like these below:

A Little Mischief

We’ve tried to avoid crude cakes in this post but we can’t seem to refuse a little cheekiness.

Victoria’s Secret as brand has taken over our Instagram feeds the past few years and well what woman doesn’t love the feeling when her knickers and bra match?

This cake idea is inspired by all things luxury lingerie! From a cake shaped into a corset, to an illusion cake of the iconic Victoria’s Secret bag. Even personalise it to the bride, changing Victoria to their name e.g. Danielle’s Secret.

For more foodie hen party ideas see our Foodie Hen activities

    Picture Credits:

• Kelly Mindell | Studio DIY
• Marsispossu.blogspot.co.uk
• FUNKY LASER
• Style Me Pretty
• Misscupcakes.co.uk
• Empire Cake

We all know weddings can get very expensive.

From the dress, hair, makeup and the dreaded gift list you mustn’t stray from.

A perfect way of saving some money is choosing one of our Cheap Hen Do Ideas. This does not mean you will have less of an amazing time or that you won’t make the same amount of memories. These ideas simply cut the overall cost, requiring a little DIY and creativity.

Bake-Off Competition

A delightful party idea you can do from home! You can either make a day of it, all baking together (providing someone has a big enough kitchen). Or alternatively, get all your guests to bring their bakes already prepared to be judged. Unlike the actual bake-off everyone gets to fill their faces, tasting each cake! Accompany the proceedings with a few glasses of Prosecco and a small prize for the winner.

Camp-out

Whether you go to a local campsite or pitch up in your back garden, this is a fab idea for adventurous and outdoorsy brides. The key to camping success is preparation. Ensure to check the weather forecast frequently and tell guests what supplies to bring e.g. pillows, sleeping bags, wellies etc. Camping gives you the freedom to do so may activities: tell stories, roast marshmallows, have a BBQ, and play games. Check out our Hen Party Tool Kit for fun quiz ideas If you spread the cost of food and drink between the bridal party, you’ll have little expenses to pay, yippee!

 

Outdoor Cinema

For a unique and memorable evening take a trip to an open air cinema. Pop ups happen throughout the year in loads of locations, the majority happening in London so you could even make a day of it in the capital. Organisations such as Nomad  screen new film releases as well as cult classics, which may appeal to older generations in your bridal party (shout out to great aunt Mabel). There are often discounts for large groups and you can take along your own booze! If you're a little more tech-savy you could create your own outdoor cinema, with a projector, white sheet or wall, and some wireless speakers!

Sleepover Club

A timeless hen party idea, perfect for a small group of friends who love to gossip and giggle! It will be just like when you were a little girl, only with something stronger in your bedtime tipple. You can watch a movie on Netflix, play truth or dare and eat far too many sweet treats. Also if your budget will stretch, make the bride feel totally glam by getting her a personalised pair of pyjamas or slippers.

Sports Day

My personal favourite option involves an egg & spoon...bear with me! For the more active hens, a fun day of sports down your local park, or even in the garden of your house or weekend accommodation is a fabulous option for a cheap hen party activity idea, though probably best suited to summer months! Split into teams and compete is silly races you did at school, such as the three-legged-race, egg & spoon, sack race - why not throw in a bit of welly-wanging too. Have small prizes for the winning team and make sure you get lots of pictures to remember the day!  

Treasure Hunt

A lot of companies throughout the UK offer pre-arranged treasure hunts at reasonable prices, however if you want it to feel exclusive to your squad why not plan your own! Simply set up a route and think of some questions. To make it more individual to the Bride perhaps plan the hunt around a specific location, where she got engaged, where she grew up etc. Photo evidence is key, require a selfie with each clue/treasure for added laughs. First ones back win a small prize!

For more cheap hen do ideas, see our Pinterest board.

If cheap is not your thing, check out our blog for the best alternative hen party ideas available right now!

It’s undeniable that fancy dress costumes always create a good giggle and can be a lot of fun to plan!

Yes, sometimes they can look tacky and cheap but here at Team Hen our motto is ‘Tasteful Not Tat’ so we have created an ultimate list of dress up Hen party ideas!  

Beyoncé

An obvious choice now that he’s ‘put a ring on it’. Queen Bey has had dozens of iconic looks in her music videos; from camouflage in ‘survivor’ to the classic black bodysuit in ‘single ladies’. You could even use a play on words. Dressing as an actual bumble bee to symbolise the ‘Bey Hive’ or perhaps wear a lemon outfit to play homage to her bestselling album Lemonade.  

Decade You Were Born In

A brilliant idea if your bride squad are various ages! It will break the ice between different generations and the outfit options will be vast so hopefully no one will match. Whether you dress up as a blockbuster film character, use a trend such as flower power to inspire you, or base your outfit on a historic event (we’re talking along the lines of Posh and Becks’ wedding, not the moon landing!).  

Honeymoon

Don’t be put off by this idea, it can work whether you are married, engaged or single. Each costume simply needs to sum up your dream Honeymoon destination, the crazier and more unusual your bridesmaids are the better. Hopefully they are planning skiing, hiking and snorkelling honeymoons. Or alternatively want to go to countries with unique culture such as Hawaii (hula skirt at the ready)!  

Glitter

Another festive favourite of ours. Everything is better covered in glitter right? Time to whip out your sequin dress, paint your nails metallic and highlight those cheekbones like never before! If you’re stuck for inspiration go and follow @gypsyshrine or @gogetglitter on IG.

Bootcamp

The perfect theme for a fitness fanatic Bride. Simply dress in your workout gear or anything camo print. Play on ‘keep fit’ stereotypes; we’re talking neon sweat bands, army face paint and of course lots of water bottles (perhaps filled with something a little stronger for this occasion).

Whimsical

This fancy dress genre is very broad, but in essence we mean anything mystical and magical! From unicorns, fairies, mermaids and pixies if you’re a girly girl this fancy dress will be a breeze.

Miss to Mr

Turn the tables and suit up. Take inspiration from your other half by dressing up as him for the party! This is particularly fun if they have a distinctive work uniform or perhaps a long moustache. Even if some of your bridal party are single, get them to dress up as their dream partner. A grey wig and bit of bronzer, you’ll look like Philip Scofield in an instant.  

Christmas Jumpers

Not technically fancy dress but a really effortless idea, especially if you are having a winter wedding! Most people might already have a festive jumper they can dig out from their wardrobe or if not, you can get them for around £10 in Primark… bargain! For more hen party activity ideas, search our Activities directory    

Image Credits:

• IMDB
• jeffzoet.zenfolio.com
• Flavorwire
• WeHeartIt.com
• Lovelydyedlocks.tumblr.com
• Glamour Magazine

The Hot List

With the launch of our new hen party activities directory, we thought we'd share with you the most unique hen party ideas, available in the U.K right now!

From North to South, East & West, we roundup the most creative activities from handpicked suppliers across Great Britain.

Farm Adventure

Are you a country girl at heart? Farm Adventure, based in North Yorkshire, is the perfect rural Hen Do venue. Experience the life of a real farmer with a unique set of activities. They offer various packages, our favourite would have to be ‘pig herding’; it looks so much fun and is sure to create hilarious memories. Other activities involve tractor driving, egg throwing and welly wanging! This definitely suits brides that love getting stuck in (literally in mud) and be warned it may get competitive with fellow bridesmaids.  

Sushi Queen

Don’t get us wrong we LOVE a cake decorating workshop, however it turns out there is a new foodie Hen Party idea in town. Sushi making! The aptly named Sushi Queen offers a mobile service, showcasing her expertise and allowing you to create yummy, memorable, mouth-watering sushi in your own home. Groups up to 20 people can attend. Learning a new skill, trying exciting flavours and having girly giggles all together.  

Country House Murder Mysteries

What better way to show your friends how much you love them than by killing them off! Not literally of course… Country House Murder Mysteries is an amazing mystery themed evening that allows everyone in your bridal party to be involved (even great aunt Nancy). Miss Mapletree is head sleuth, and she helps solve crimes at Murder Mystery events throughout the UK. Can you see past the deceit and secrets; everyone is a suspect!

My Charleston Dance

Obsessed with Strictly Come Dancing? Who isn’t. This is one for you retro, glamourous Hens. Take a trip back to the 1920s with My Charleston Dance; their experienced dance teachers will guide you through the steps, bringing a swivel to your feet and a smile to your face. They have 4 fabulous workshops’ available: Great Gatsby, Silver Screen, Chicago and traditional Charleston. The style is timeless and the music is infectious!  

Mermaiding

Mermaids are real! We’re genuinely obsessed with Mermaiding UK. Their Hen Party package allows you to channel your inner Ariel. You get a professional photoshoot with a swishy mermaid tail and can craft the clamshell bra of your dreams with rhinestones and glitter! It’s over the top and we just LOVE it!  

Arctic Quest

If you’re searching for something adventurous and unconventional to do perhaps a husky ride takes your fancy? Arctic Quest is perfect for dog lovers. Not only will you experience the thrill of a sled ride, but you’ll finish your day with toasted marshmallows and hot drinks over the campfire, reminiscing on the memories you have made. Amazing activity for 'Action Hens', based in Gloucestershire.   For more imaginative hen party activities in your area, visit our new Activities Directory

Being a great bridesmaid might seem pretty straightforward, however weddings often generate a lot of intense emotions and can test strong friendships to the limit. From helping her buy her wedding dress, to planning the Hen Party; Bridesmaid duties are varied and numerous! We’ve put together a brief guide on how to avoid the common pitfalls and make sure you remain firm friends with the bride by her big day!

Read more

Everything you need to know about Edible Flowers

Aiming for a rustic, boho chic wedding? Or perhaps want an au-natural baby shower?

Well this latest trend will achieve that and more.

You have undoubtedly seen the rise of edible flowers on your Instagram feeds.

From the likes of Cupcake Jemma, Bee’s Bakery and Lily Vanilli. I’m sure you have had the same questions running through your minds as us. What do petals even taste like? How do I not end up poisoning myself?

Team Hen to the rescue! We’ve done our homework and unleashed our inner Alan Titchmarsh. This blog is full of floral inspiration for you and handy tips in order for you to try this modern phenomenon at home.

How to know which flowers are edible

Staying away from certain plants was initially our main concern and unless you’re a flower expert I would not chance using certain plants without consulting a reputable source.

In the UK our most trusted and available source is the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The following link states what flowers you can use from your garden and vegetable patch. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=764

It is also worth considering where you collect you flowers from.

Ideally we would recommend using ones from your OWN garden.

This way you know what chemicals/pesticides have been used on or near the flowers.

What do flowers and petals taste like?

Truthfully wild flowers don’t taste of much. Yes, plant species such as Lavender and Rose may add a subtle flavour and aroma to food, however their main purpose is to look super pretty!

Crystallising your flowers and petals not only helps preserve their beauty but also makes them taste sweet which is perfect for cake decorating.

Our fave, Cupcake Jemma has a full YouTube tutorial on DIY flower crystallising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZrSsvVAoiE

How to use edible flowers

Predominantly crystallised flowers are used for cake decoration.

Semi-naked cakes and edible flowers go hand in hand as the perfect showstopper on your big day.

  

You can also freeze your edible flowers in the most beautiful ways…

Brighten up your beverages with flower infused ice cubes!

A simple touch of class, perfect for a baby or bridal shower.

Additionally, for a spring or summer celebration you could make floral infused ice lollies.

They are relatively low cost and easy to make, and will inevitably go down a storm with children at your event!

How to grow wild edible flowers

Has this blog inspired you? If you don’t have suitable flowers in your garden, there is no need to be put off! Visit https://www.growwilduk.com  for tips and videos on how to establish you own wild flower garden.

See our Pinterest Board on all things Edible Flowers for more inspiration! >>

    Photo Credits:

• http://beesbakery.co.uk/wedding-cake-weddingcake-flowercake-birthdaycake-birthday-londonwedding/#!
• https://www.rachelhudsoncakes.co.uk/botanical?lightbox=dataItem-iuwuxqw7
• https://futuremrsplanner.com/diy-floral-ice-cubes/
• http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2012/05/cooling-lollies-ice-cream-popsicles-and-snow-cones-for-a-hot-summer-wedding/

Beauty & The Beast Inspired Hen Party

It's a tale as old as time...

With the beautiful new remake hitting the big screen, we thought a Beauty & The Beast inspired Hen Party would be the perfect theme for any Disney fans out there.

This theme can be as subtle as a yellow and blue dress code, or a discreet rose inspired pin.

If you fancy incorporating a bit more Belle into your ball, we have some stylish suggestions...

Be Our Guest

If you are lucky enough to get a cancellation, The Kensington Hotel in central London are doing a Beauty & Beast themed afternoon tea.

The various sweets and savouries featured in this whimsical afternoon tea are inspired by the characters and scenes of the film. Highlights include Vanilla & Gold Jelly, presented in shot glasses with the ever-symbolic rose petal immersed inside, served with cream poured from Mrs. Potts spout.

Belle Nails

Nail Art seems to know no bounds, with the most intricate of details adorning the tiniest nails.

These striking yellow nails with the dainty rose are the perfect nod to Belle.

If yellow nails aren't your thing, an electric blue would work just as well.

If intricate nail art is a bit beyond your capabilities, use a nail tattoo transfer instead.

Decorations

A simple red rose in a gold chair tie will set the scene for your beauty inspired hen party.

You can also use silhouette style garlands, and confetti to add a real touch of Beauty.

Makeup

Primark have launched a range of make-up dedicated to all things Belle, and we are loving it!

Jewellery

If you're looking for a Beauty inspired gift for the Bride to Be, then look no further than this stunning gold plated Enchanted Rose necklace by Disney Couture.

You can also find a range of beautiful handmade jewellery on ETSY.

Beautiful Hairstyles

If the original half up/half down hair style with yellow ribbon is a bit too much, consider a more modern alternative like this bow up-do.

You may need your 'maids to practice this one if you're intent on rocking the Belle look for your big night out.

You'll need plenty of hair grips and hairspray!

 Enchanted Rose Cupcakes

These enchanted rose cupcakes are the most beautiful centrepiece for any Beauty and the Beast themed event.

There are a lot of ways you can incorporate this theme into your event; from stained glass decorated sugar cookies, to enchanted rose cake pops.

If your inner 'star baker' fails you, why not decorate a shop bought cupcake with edible rose petals.

Flair Game

If pins and patches are your thing, then you must get this stunning enchanted rose pin from Cool Queen Collective. It is the perfect accessory for any Belle obsessed Bride.

For more Beauty & The Beast Hen Party inspiration, check our our Pinterest Board

Beauty & The beast Themed Hen Party

Hen Parties are so much fun to attend, but can be quite tricky to organise, especially if you’ve never had the pleasure before! Follow our top tips to avoid any awkwardness or misunderstandings, and make it an event to remember!

Read more