Unless you’re opting to celebrate your last night of singledom with a pie eating contest, a crisp white dress is a fabulous look for the bride-to-be on her hen night. Whether it’s a wild night on the town, sophisticated cocktails with the girls or a picnic in the park, we think you’ll find something spectacular to suit your style from our choices below.

Featuring high street stores such as Coast, Zara and Warehouse, mid-range designers like Karen Millen and online stores net-a-porter and ASOS, these gowns also cover an array of budgets (word of warning; one of these delicious dresses comes in at over £3.5K – can you guess which one without looking at the prices?!) Whatever style you opt for, we think any one of these gorgeous gúna’s will look sensational on your hen night – no matter what paraphernalia your ladies make you accessorise them with!

Left: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania’s cotton dress with intricate floral embroidery (£410)  www.net-a-porter.com

Centre: MSGM’s oversized white cotton-poplin dress with ruched bow waist (£285) www.net-a-porter.com

Right: Lanvin matte piqué dress with internal boned bodice and cream grosgrain trims (£3,585) www.net-a-porter.com

For more designer white dresses from net-a-porter, click here.

Left: BCBGMAXAZRIA mini dress with frilled statement sleeves (€405.93) www.asos.com

Centre: ASOS pencil dress With structured peplum waist (€58.99) www.asos.com

Right: Forever Unique open frilled back pencil dress with embellished necklace (€231.76) www.asos.com

More white dresses from ASOS click here.

Left: Mango crochet shift dress with round neck (€79.99) shop.mango.com

Centre: Mango v-neck above-the-knee dress with stretch fabric, 3/4 length sleeves and decorative side pockets (€39.99)  shop.mango.com

Right: Mango flowy strap dress with textured cotton ruffle top and light knee-length skirt (€39.99) shop.mango.com

Shop Mango white dresses here

Left: – Coast shift dress with peplum and beaded waist detail (£150) via House of Fraser

Centre: Missguided  lace midi cami dress with spaghetti straps (€45.49)  www.missguided.eu

Right:  Karen Millen silk georgette short sleeved floral embroidered and beaded dress with gathered waist (€450.00)  www.karenmillen.com

Left: New Look Inspire 3/4 sleeve lace belted skater dress (€23.88) www.asos.com 

Centre: French Connection lotus cut dress with floral embroidered patches and pleated skirt (€159.00)  www.frenchconnection.com

Right: ASOS lace kimono dress with tassled hem, bow tie waist and oversized sleeves(€91.30) www.asos.com

Left: River Island v-neck fitted dress with structure belt and gathered pencil skirt (€70.23) www.asos.com

Centre: Warehouse chiffon insert organza midi dress with cinched in waist (€72.00)  www.warehouse.co.uk

Right: River Island jacquard peplum dress with sheer neckline and mesh inserts (€70.23) www.asos.com

The post All White on the Night – 18 Gorgeous Hen Night Dresses for 2014 appeared first on weddingsonline.

Ah the hen party. One of the last hurrah’s as a single lady and a chance to celebrate with your nearest and dearest, they can range from afternoon tea in a swish hotel to a wild night on the tiles complete with outrageous outfits. But there’s more to think about than what cocktails you’ll be swilling on the night – from budgets and where to go, to accommodation and suitable activities for the ladies, planning a hen party can be a big job. So we asked our experts from Posh Fizz and Henit.ie to share their top tips for successful hen party planning…

Jenni from Posh Fizz – View Profile

1. Before contacting the rest of the group, check that the VIP’s are all free for the date you are planning for the hen.
2. In terms of payment, ask the girls for a small deposit. This will give you a better idea of numbers when booking everything. Then set up a payment scheme for the girls to pay into every month so that they don’t have to fork out a big lump sum to pay at the hen. It also means that you can pay everything off in advance and don’t have to waste your time at the actual hen party collecting money!
3. When choosing a location, don’t go too far away from home. A three hour train journey may be fun on the way to the hen, but not so great with a hangover on the way home!
4. When looking at accommodation options, the most important aspects are location and value. A 5* hotel sounds great but they are unlikely to allow costumes, may not be too happy with hen games over dinner, etc.
5. When choosing an activity, think about the whole group and not just the bride. For example, the bride may be a rock-climbing enthusiast but that may scare off the other girls.
6. Although the usual cocktail class and dance classes are still popular, try and think outside to box to make the hen a really memorable experience. One of the most popular new activities for 2014 has so far been ‘Make a Man’, where you literally create a man from clay using a nude model as your muse!

About Posh Fizz:

Posh Fizz is the only Irish company, totally dedicated to hen party planning! The company launched in 2006 and has organised thousands of successful hen parties since.

Lots of activities are available including Dance classes, Album recording, Pampering, Bake your own afternoon tea, Farmers Wife for a Day and lots more!

Included in all packages are keepsake invitations, personalised menus & a photobook for the bride!

Dean from Henit – View Profile

1. The bride-to-be’s hen party can be as extravagant or as budget-friendly as you want it to be. That’s why the budget should be the first concern when it comes to planning for that hen party. Remember, not everyone is willing to shell out hundreds just to have a fun evening or weekend with the girls. So, figure out the budget and planning for the party gets a lot easier once that’s determined.
2. Once the budget is determined, the next step would be to go for a hen night or weekend. Hen weekends spent close to home are not necessarily that expensive, but for those with the budget, you can get cheap flights with budget airlines if you want to spend a weekend in another country.
3. Choose the location for that night out with the girls or weekend. Better yet, choose a specific venue. Where will the party itself be held? There are a lot of options as the party itself can take place in a hotel room, bar, club, café, or restaurant.
4. The last step to planning for that special occasion is to make sure that everyone gets to make the most of their time together. Whether it’s a night, day, or weekend celebration, make sure to have hen party activities and games lined up for the hen do. Since there are so many activities and games to choose from, choose the ones that will appeal to the bride-to-be and her guests.
5. No matter where the party takes place, spice up and add colour to the event with some hen party accessories. The group can do without phallic symbols, but if the celebrant’s keen on having them, by all means get some. Those do come in all shapes and sizes!

CURRENT TREND IN LOCATIONS

• Galway
• Limerick
• Waterford
• Carrick-on-Shannon
• Letterkenny

In the Emerald Isle, Galway is the most popular hen party location. That’s followed by Limerick, Waterford, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Letterkenny. Those are five of the most popular hen party locations for good reason.

CURRENT TREND IN ACTIVITIES

Five of the most popular hen party activities are:

• Night on the Town
• Makeup Masterclass
• Cocktail Making Masterclass
• Life Sketching
• Dance Class Lesson

About Henit:

Henit has been in the business of organising parties since 2009. We work with the best suppliers in the business to make sure that our customers get the very best. We offer affordable pre-made packages for various locations in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. If that’s not enough, customers also have the option to create their own bespoke hen party packages. Most of our transactions take place via our websites for the convenience of our customers. Get in touch by phone, email, or set up an appointment if you would like a more personal consultation.

Image courtesy of The House That Lars Built | Photography by Jessica Peterson | Styling and creative direction by Brittany Watson Jepsen for BHLDN

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The post 12 Cute & Fun Ideas for a Hen Party appeared first on weddingsonline.

Image courtesy of Adventure West From paintballing and casino nights to surfing and coasteering (that’s jumping off rocks to you and me!), here’s some ideas for ‘the stag’…

Adventure Mecca

Looking for some adventure? Head out Wesht to Adventure West in Westport where extreme, adrenaline pumping sports are aplenty. Their adventure playground in Clew Bay has tons of activities, everything from abseiling and rock-climbing, raft-building to zorbing, archery and bike-trekking amongst others. For the water babies, you can try your hand at kayaking or scope out what Ireland’s Atlantic has to offer with a bit of snorkelling. If you want to get the heart rate pumping, coasteering (aka jumping off rocks in to the sea!) might be the sport for you or for those that are after a slower pace, hillwalking is also on the menu. You can opt for activities alone or avail of one of their packages where you can enjoy lively Westport or head or hop on the ferry and wind down on Clare Island where you can relax with a pint and some trad music. To see a full list of what’s on offer, click here.

Pure Skills

If you’re after a bit of friendly competition, without breaking too much of a sweat, head to Galway where you’ll find Pure Skill. Located in Knocknacarra just 5 minutes from the city centre, each competitor can try their hand at basketball, rugby, golf-putting, Gaelic, tennis, hurling, soccer, baseball, gold chipping and cricket. Each sport has a total of 10 points up for grabs with a total of 100 points to compete for. The aim of the game is to get as many points as you can as you complete the circuit and of course get one up on your mates. And it’s all indoors so no chance bad weather will interfere with your agenda! And charming Galway city is only a few minutes away for those who fancy letting the hair down afterwards. For more info click here.

Surfs Up

There are a few choice surf spots for boys looking to have a weekend of waves including Lahinch in Co. Clare, Strandhill in Sligo and Donegal’s Bundoran. Rent a few houses, hit the waves and chill out with some food, beers and banter in the evening. You can arrange surf lessons in each of these locations, or for those have that dabbled before, you can rent just your equipment and take to the water yourself. If you’re based in Sligo and are after a night on the tiles after your chilled day in the water, the Velvet Room have lots of great offers for stags where you can get entrance to the nightclub, a beer and your very own area for the night for as little as €12. For more info on The Velvet Room Nightclub, click here….

Wexford Way

If you’re looking for a fun weekend in Wexford, Treacy’s Hotel in Enniscorthy has a package to suit you. They’ve three entertainment venues to tempt stags – choose from The Temple Bar, a trad bar with live bands on at weekends, party the night away in Benedict’s nightclub, or enjoy some old school tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s in D Bar. They have one and two night’s packages with B&B, dinner and champagne included and an activity if you fancy it. Choose from quad biking (you can try your hand at a bit of sumo wrestling or take your chances on the rodeo bull too), clay pigeon shooting, paintballing or for those partial to a bit of roulette or blackjack, you can have your very own casino night. There’s lots of other activities Treacy’s can arrange for you too – for more information click here.

Segway Polo

Segway Polo is kind of like horse polo except for the teeny fact you’re on a Segway and not a horse! Each player has their own Segway and are split in to two teams – the goal is to bat as many balls in to the other team’s goal, all while balancing and manoeuvring, mind. There’s also the option to try Nerf-Gun Jousting or for those after an afternoon of zipping about, you can opt for Cross Country Segway Safari. Whatever you choose, you can expect a bit of craic as you get to grips with the Segway. Popular locations include Dublin, Galway, Carrick-on-Shannon and Cork – for more info on Segway Adventures click here.

Off to the Races

Want to get spruced up and have a day of entertainment? Head to Limerick and have a flutter on the horses at the races. This activity is a bit of craic for everyone and you can even arrange a slap up meal and a VIP area for your group so you can spend your winnings and keep an eye on the action in style. No need to worry about a costume for the groom – the stag gets to wear the jockey silks for the races and may even get a chance to hand over one of the winning trophies in the parade ring (subject to availability). They’ve also a Stag Wheel of Fortune with prizes for those that weren’t as lucky on the horses and the stag gets his profile on a race card as a memento from the day. For more info on the Limerick Races click here.

Foodie Fun

If you love your grub, like nothing more than a few glasses of vino with your mates, and are partial to a bit of an adventure, the tapas trail will be right up your street. Tapas Trail Dublin offer stags guided tours where you can explore hidden Dublin and sample tasty tapas in three restaurants. You’ve your very own guide for the evening who’ll keep you entertained en route to your restaurants and the best part is you won’t know where you’re going until you get here. Expect an awesome atmosphere with wine, a fun night of feasting on lots and lots of lovely tapas and some great insights to our capital city! For more info on Tapas Trail Dublin click here.

Camping 

If you fancy taking a leaf out of the movie ‘The Stag’, get a group of the lads together, round up some tents and head on a serious adventure to the great outdoors. There are lots of choice spots for camping if you fancy exploring Ireland’s wilderness and you can wind down for the evening with a few pints by camp-fire. If you’re after something a little fancier than a regular campsite, you can opt for eco-friendly yurts. Rock Farm Slane offer self-catering options or they can whip up a BBQ for you. Activities can be arranged too.

Laid Back Options If you’re after a more laid back stag do, a round or two of golf could be the perfect way to unwind with the lads. Green Golfball Ireland offer great value weekend packages around Ireland so you and the guys can play a few rounds. If that’s a little too taxing for you, another option for guys who are simply looking to kick back with a few beers and relax is a cruise on the Shannon. A trip on the Moon River allows you to take in the sights and relax on the luxury saloon with a few drinks. They’ve a full bar and dedicated crew so you just have to focus on enjoying yourself. For more info on Moon River and packages, click here…

Need a Hand…?

If the thought of organising a stag do is too much for you to comprehend, don’t despair, StagParty.ie can do all the hard work for you. You can choose from a range of ready made stag options with accommodation and meal deals included, (and choose from activities like Go-Karting, 5-a-Side, a night at the Dogs or Whiskey Tasting)  or they can help you tailor your own package both here in Ireland and abroad. For more information on StagParty.ie or to see their range of packages click here.

The post 9 Fun Stag Ideas appeared first on weddingsonline.

If you’re planning a hen party bash for your pal, and are after some cute and personal ideas for the night and the gals – check out these 11 super fun ideas from personalised badges to temporary tattoos you can don for the night and some lovely labels to make your champers look the part!

Fun Invites

Get the girls excited with these super cute hen party invites from NotontheHighstreet. Designed just like a coaster, you can pop all the deets on to the back and it’s so pretty, you might just be able to use it at home for your cuppa or a cocktail. Or if you’re looking for a freebie, you can thank the ladies over at Bespoke Bride who have this uber fun chevron party invite you can download and print then and there!

Personalised Wine Labels

We’re a tad obsessed with these wine labels from Label with Love, the perfect way to make the hen feel extra special. If you’re in a bit of a rush and need them within the week, you can also pick up hen party labels for your champers over on NotontheHighstreet.

Hen Party Badges

If you’ve a gaggle of girls, name badges might just be the way to go – for one, everyone will know who’s who with a quick glance at their cocktail dress and they’ll set a fun, celebratory tone and mark you out as a group – a cute alternative to a themed hen or sashes. There are lots of pretty options available online too – these cuties are available from NotontheHighstreet and Etsy.

Fake Tattoos

Left: Something Turquoise | Top Right: InknArt | Bottom Right: SmashTat

Get the girls in the party spirit with these fun transfers. They’re sure to make each of the ladies feel involved in the hen party antics and they’re good fun too with lots of different slogans available to purchase on Etsy from ‘I Belong with X’s Hen Party, if I’m lost please buy me a drink’, to ‘Team Bride’ and ‘Last Fling Before the Ring’. Or for those of you feeling crafty, the transfers on the left are actually a free and pretty awesome download from Something Turquoise – check them out here!

Personalised Hen Party Bags

If you’re doing up little goodie bags or survival kits for each of the ladies, these personalised bags from Dotty Hens on Etsy will give them an uber personal touch. They can add up if you have quite a few hens to kit out (€2.32 each) but you could opt for one of these for the bride-to-be and their spotty kraft paper bags with stickers at just €5.07 for 12 for a cheaper alternative that are just as fun.

Hen Party Survival Kit

Hen party survival kit‘s are a great gift idea for the bride-to-be and if you’re the hen party planner extraordinaire you can also make mini kits for all the girls, preparing them for the night ahead and the morning after! Check out some suggestions of what you can include here.

If you’re looking for cute bits and bobs to make the hen night feel that little more personal, pop some of these fun slogan coasters on the table to get the party vibe going. And the best part – they’re available to download for free from Wedding Friends.

Psst. If you’re after a fun game, these fortune cocktail coasters from Anthropolgie could be a fun way to decide on a pre-dinner cocktail!

Party Banners

We’ve another freebie for ya – decorate the room in style and get the bride and bridal party excited with this ‘Almost Married’ sign. This fun free printable is available over on The Pretty Blog or if you’re looking for a personalised hen party banner, you can get them over on Notonthehighsteet.

Drink Flags

Drink Flags are great for both weddings and hen parties. They’re a cute little addition to straws that will enhance the party atmosphere and make a bit of a fuss out of the bride-to-be. These particular ones are another fab freebie from Wedding Friends – just download and print, or if you’d rather pop some drink flags in your virtual shopping basket ready to go, Etsy have some cute ones here.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful little token for each of the girls, that will serve as a reminder of this special night, these personalised charm bracelets from Etsy are a gorgeous option (who could not love that adorable little hen). You can buy them individually or in bulk here.

If you’ve yet to set eyes on the perfect gift idea for the lady of the night, feast your eyes on this fabulous photo album with presentation box from NotontheHighstreet. The perfect place to pop some lovely photo memories of the bride-to-be, you can also leave a space at the back for a few snaps from the night so she’ll always remember this special time with all her ladies.

The post 11 Fun & Thoughtful Hen Party Ideas appeared first on weddingsonline.

Image courtesy of Briar Rose

Planning a hen party is no easy job – besides finding a suitable location, activity, accommodation, transport options, organising a gift for the hen, collecting deposits (and then the remaining balance) as well as ensuring all the girlies know where to be and when, there’s entertaining and kitting out the hens to think of. For those that have a night on the tiles planned, the idea of the hen party survival kit is a cute idea to prepare hens for all eventualities – and the morning after.

It goes without saying you don’t need all this stuff for your hen party bags – after all when you’ve a gaggle of girls to kit (in some cases 20 plus) it can be an expensive task. These are merely suggestions to help maids tasked with the job of planning a hen party and who are on the hunt for some inspiring bits and bobs to put in their survival kits or party packs if going this route. A few sweeties and something fun for the hen whether it be a glass of champers, cocktail or a hen badge is all that is ever expected. But for those looking to deck their hens out with the works or for those looking to put together a little pamper pack or survival kit for the-bride-to-be, here are some great party bag fillers. Happy partying ladies!

What you can Include

Bags – Depending on the number of girls, you’ll want to think cheap and cheerful for your party bags. The one used above is from Party Pieces but there are some gorgeous budget friendly stripy or spotty bags available to buy from the weddingsonline shop and you can also pick up cute chevron, spotty or plain paper bags at The Favour Shop.

Pretty things –  If you’re looking for something nice and pretty to put in to the girls bags, think hair and beauty! Lippies, nail polish (both the lippy and the polishes above are from Topshop), nail files, tissues, mini moisturisers, clips, bobbins and any other girly bits and bobs will always be welcome tokens for the ladies.

Practical things – Chances are there might be hangovers. And they may not be pretty. Some thoughtful maids opt to put painkillers in the kits to ease that fuzzy feeling the morning after or Lifelines to help counteract the effects before you even sniff a glass of bubbly (it goes without saying to make sure everyone knows what tablets they are in case of allergies etc). Another cute idea is to add a pair of sunnies in to the bags (Penneys and Tiger are best for cheap and cheerful options) to hide the tired eyes the morning after.

Food stuff – Hen parties generally come with a substantial hangover. So make sure your hens are prepared for the inevitable by plying their bags with things like crisps and water (or a fizz/Lucozade) to hydrate the morning after (the plastic cup above is from Penneys). Another cute option is to include a coffee cup and sachet which will be welcomed by all the drivers. Sweeties (love hearts are the perfect choice) and mints will also go down well.

Photo Fun – It goes without saying that you’ll want memories from your hen. One way to do this is by having a couple of disposable cameras at the ready – they can be way too pricey to get one for each gal (the one above is €11.50 from Boots but we sell them in the weddingsonline shop for just €4.50 a pop), but you can divvy out items in the bags (not everyone has to have the same stuff) or even just have one for the bride-to-be to capture all her memories. Props are also fun to have on hand for some silly snaps!

Celebratory – This means one thing – champers. You can opt to have a couple of big bottles to share or if you’ve a smaller crowd, dress mini Proseccos’ up as pretty as you please – streamers, ribbons, rosettes or bows and don’t forget to add in a cutesy straw (we love the floral version over on The Favour Shop or pick up polka dot variety via the weddingsonline shop) so you can sip in style.

Dress Up – You may or may not want to give your girls something to wear to tie in with the theme. We’ve seen everything from floral crowns, bunny ears and feather boas to sunnies and simple rosettes like the one’s above (which are available from Etsy). Glow sticks are another hen staple and are sure to get everyone in the party mood – pick them up the likes of Dealz. Or if you want an awesome way to tag the ladies, invest in some temporary tattoos – you can pick up actual hen party versions on Etsy that say ‘I Belong to X’s Hen Party, if lost please buy me a drink. Genius!

Finishing Touches – Add a sprinkling of confetti to the bottom of each ladies bag for a fun finishing touch! You can also order hen party stickers to seal your goodie bags – we love this printable PDF version over on Etsy.

Tip! Some great places to shop for your hen goodies are Tiger, The Euro Store, Penneys, Dunnes Stores, Homebase, The Favour Shop, the weddingsonline Shop and Etsy.

Still trying to figure out what to do for the hen? Check out our Guide to Hen Parties here!

The post Hen Party Survival Kit Ideas appeared first on weddingsonline.

Shine bright on your hen night in one of these 20 stunning hen party dresses!

Sequin Top Shift Dress, £80 from Warehouse (also available here)

ASOS Curve Skater Tutu Dress, €52.05 from ASOS

New Look Shift Embellished Dress, €38.34 from ASOS (also available here)

Culotte Jumpsuit, £75 from Warehouse

Biba Embellished Tabard Dress, £189 from House of Fraser

Embellished Neck 60s Dress, £79 from Warehouse

Embellished Neck Dress, €43.49 from Simply Be

Formed Linear Prom Dress, £68 from Warehouse

Sequin Skirt Dress, €159.95 from Mango

Lace Dress, €69.95 from Zara

Minimal Dress, €29.95 from Mango

Ombre Diamante Dress, €39.95 from Zara

Embroidered Floral Dress, £249 from Ted Baker

Kristal Lace Layer Dress, £195 from French Connection

Embellished Jacquard Tulip Dress, £229 from Ted Baker

Embellished Fitted Dress, £189 from Ted Baker

V Back Embellished Dress, £110 from Warehouse

Eliza J Fit and Flare Dress with Neck Embellishment, £130 from House of Fraser

Jewel Belt Midi Dress, €61.64 from ASOS

Main Image: White Crochet Hem Tunic Dress, £19.99 from New Look

The post 20 of the Best White Hen Party Dresses appeared first on weddingsonline.

Planning a hen party can be a big job from where to go and keeping to a budget to accommodation and finding a fun activity that will suit you and your girls. So to help you with your planning, we asked our experts Gemma from HenBooked.com and Jenni from Posh Fizz to share some useful advice and tips to help make the hen a success…

Gemma from HenBooked.com – View Profile

1. Start planning early to avoid disappointment – it’s important to start planning early, particularly if you are undecided on where to go and to find a date to suit the whole bridal party. For popular locations/dates, you will often need to book more than six months in advance.

2. Know what the bride likes and choose a suitable activity – it’s very easy to think of new and original ideas but remember it’s all about the bride-to-be so there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe if that’s what will make her happy.

3. Know who to invite and plan accordingly – if the mother of the bride or mother of the groom will be on the hen party then ensure your activities and venue are suitable.

4. Think of everyone when it comes to costs – everyone likes a little bit of luxury but be careful not to put anyone in an awkward situation when it comes to splashing out on the hen weekend.

5. Collect money early – no matter what, not everyone who’s invited will make it on the day. Start collecting money early so you will know well in advance who’s not coming. To assist with this, at HenBooked we offer a unique payment system so everyone can easily pay online.

6. Be careful when booking self-catering accommodation or anything with a fixed cost – as already noted, not everyone will make it on the day. To avoid going out of pocket yourself, try to ensure that everything is priced per person rather than with a fixed cost.

7. Include a fun intro so people get to know each other – not everyone will know one another on the hen party so do something fun that will encourage everyone to mix and get to know each other before the madness begins.

8. You’ll never please everyone – there’ll almost always be someone who is not happy but remember it’s all about the bride-to-be. For more information on destinations, activities, accommodation and to get booking your hen party, pop over to HenBooked.com.

Jenni from Posh Fizz – View Profile

1. The first key decision is location and it is so important to pick somewhere accessible. After all, no one wants a three or four hour drive with a hangover on Sunday morning! If you are thinking of travelling abroad, remember to book early to get a good deal on flights. Picking a date early and setting a budget are also essential to ensure that people get time off work, organise babysitters and have time to save.

2. In terms of accommodation, luxury is key for some whereas for others they just want a place to lay their heads. So decide between cheap and cheerful or central and luxurious, which of course comes with a heftier price tag.

3. The next fundamental factor is the activity choice. This is the element that people remember and tend to reminisce over at the wedding so it is really important to get it right! There are so many choices on the market with the old favourites like cocktail classes still going strong. But if you want something a little more original, how about a Murder Mystery with a twist where the Groom has been kidnapped and the hen party has to find him! Or have the group mould a naked man out of clay for some serious laughs!

4. Dinner and dancing also have to be considered and these should not be left to chance on the night. Find a restaurant that offers a set menu with lots of choices, so that everyone will be happy and the bill is easy to split at the end of the meal.

5. For a nightclub, try and arrange guest list entry with a reserved area. Or if you prefer something different, look at what’s on in the local theatres or comedy clubs that night.

6. Add in personal touches along the way to really make the Bride feel special, such as memory books, gift bags for the chicks, etc. Of course if you want to take all the stress out of researching and booking all of the elements and risking the unknown and untested, why not book a Posh Fizz Party Package which covers all bases! Only €50 to book and the Bride is free once there are 15+ guests! We ensure that all of our hen parties are not just great, but memorable for all the right reasons! See PoshFizz.com.

Image by Scarlet O’Neill Photography via Style Me Pretty

The post Expert Advice: How to Plan a Great Hen Party appeared first on weddingsonline.

There’s lots of lovely ways to make the hen party extra special and make a fuss of the bride-to be. From cute signs and décor to games you know she’ll love, create a fun and personal hen party with these 10 sweet ideas…

1. Hen Party Invites

Set the tone for the hen with a fun invite to make sure all involved know the important details! The bride will be chuffed as well. This one can be downloaded for free over on Bespoke Bride.

2. Sweet Signage

If you’re looking to deck out your hen party space with some fun décor, a sign like this is a fab idea! If you’re after a ‘Miss to Mrs’ sign, Peach Blossom on NotontheHighstreet have one in gorgeous glittery gold that will make for one excited bride-to-be.

Image via Catch My Party

We love a good chair sign and the hen is the prefect opportunity to weave one in to the décor! Get scribbling ‘The Future Mrs X’ as a fun surprise for the Bride-to-be when she sits down.

Image via the Vintage Cream

3. Personalised Wine Labels

Pretty up your vino with these awesome personalised wine labels from WowWee. They’ll make any bottle of wine look the part and of course make the bride-to-be feel extra special on her big night. WowWee.ie also stock personalised t-shirts and totes if you’re after gifts or outfits for the gang – take a peek at their Hen Party section here.

4. Champagne Favours

Or if you’re looking to have a bottle of mini bubbles for each lady, be sure to deck them out with the cutest accessories – we love these little tags but fun polka dot or stripy paper straws, rosettes and streamers are also pretty options as well.

Image by Leslee Mitchell via Style Me Pretty

5. Grown Up Pass the Parcel

Games and the hen go and in hand – pass the parcel was always a winner when we were kids and same goes for us big kids now! Gather your ladies round and play a grown up version with either gifts to remind the bride of some of your favourite memories together (you can all share your stories while you’re at it), some framed photos or a memory book that will have her tearing up or you could just wrap up fun accessories to wear on the night ahead! Play the game to some of her favourite tunes to make it all the more personal.

Image via Oxfam

6. DIY Nail Treats

We love this fun nail bar idea which would be perfect for getting glammed up at! You can pick one colour polish that you all have to wear or even create themed nail art in honour of the hen.

Image via Something Turquoise

7. Balloon Wishes

Create a fun, party atmosphere with some personalised balloons! Get the girls to write a sweet message to the bride and blow them up then and there, or do it as a game and save them up for the wedding morning to shower the bride with sweet balloon messages as she gets ready!

DIY Balloon via Studio DIY

8. Wedding Day Countdown

If you’re looking for a lovely gift idea to keep your bridal pal super excited about the wedding as the day gets closer, check out this adorable countdown sign from the weddingsonline shop (€9). Shop it here!

9. Temporary Tattoos

Brand yourselves so you can all party in style together with these fun temporary tattoos from Day Dream Prints on Etsy. You can also pick up personalised temporary tattoos with ‘I’m with X’s hen party, if lost please buy me a drink’ over on Etsy if you’re after a few giggles. Check them out here!

10. Recovery Kits

Ensure your girls are prepared for all eventualities with these fun Bridal Party Recovery Bags available from BeCollective on Etsy. Fill them with everything from beauty treats and bobbins to sunglasses and mints and little morning after life savers like crisps and sweets. Candylady who is based in Ireland has the loveliest personalised chocolate bars especially for hens, take a peek at them here. And if you’re after more inspiration – check out these hen party survival kit ideas here.

The post 10 Fun Little Touches for the Hen Party appeared first on weddingsonline.

If there was ever a time for awesome power ballads and some seriously girly tunes, it’s the hen! Whether you and the girlies are going to kick back with a party at home for the hen or you’re heading off for a weekend of adventure, some party tunes are a must! Throw this playlist on in the car on the drive to your new digs for the weekend or put them on as you and your ladies get ready for the night ahead and let the celebrations begin! Here are 30 awesome songs to add to your hen party playlist…

Single Ladies – Beyonce

Umbrella – Rihanna

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cindy Lauper

Only Girl in the World – Rihanna

Jumpin Jumpin – Destiny’s Child

Shake It Off – Taylor Swift

Roar – Katy Perry

Run the World – Beyonce

All About that Bass – Meghan Trainor

Gold Digger – Kayne

Like a Prayer – Madonna

Dancing on the Ceiling – Lionel Ritchie

Just Dance – Lady Gaga

Ugly Heart – GRL

Proud Mary – Tina Turner

It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls

We Found Love – Rihanna

Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

One Way or Another – Blondie

Timber – Pitbull ft. Keisha

Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding

I’m Every Woman – Chaka Khan

Wannabe – Spice Girls

Bruno Mars – Marry Me

We are Family – Sister Sledge

I Got a Feeling – Black Eye’d Peas

Raise your Glass – PINK

Glamorous – Fergie

I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

Something Kinda Oooh – Girls Aloud

Image via The Glitter Guide

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Looking for some unique ideas for the hen party? We’ve 10 fun-filled ideas for you here…

1. Father Ted Fun

If like us you were hooked on Father Ted, chances are a trip to one of the most iconic houses in Ireland for a cuppa is an exciting prospect. Elite Hen Parties is a Hen Party Planning service that can arrange packages all over Ireland (B&B, dinner, activities – the works, or you can build your own package) and we were excited to see they have a Father Ted Experience package where you can enjoy a trip to Father Ted’s house with plenty of tea and scones (you could even go all out and dress the bride-to-be as Mrs Doyle)! If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, worry not as they’ve tons of other cool experiences for hens including a Death by Chocolate Workshop package, a Cabaret Dinner package or a Country House Retreat Package. Find out more about their packages here.

2. A Day at the Races

If you’re looking for an excuse to don your finest guna, head to the Limerick Races for a fun and stylish day out. You and the ladies can enjoy a flutter on the horses and a few drinks from the comfort of your VIP section (there are dinner packages available too). And they’ve lots of cute little extras for the hen from the hen’s profile on the race card (a lovely little keepsake from the day) to a go on The Wheel of Fortune game with some deadly prices up for grab from a round of drinks to a chance to kit yourself out in the Jockey Silks. For more info, click here.

3. Glamping

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors and love the idea of night in front of a camp fire toasting your ladies with a few tipples (and smores, definitely smores), a spot of glamping might be right up your street. Mount Druid Boutique Camping has a choice of yurts, cosy shepard huts or self-catering cottages for you and your girls to choose from, with the lovely Westmeath countryside as your backdrop. Rent mountain bikes and go exploring, enjoy lazy afternoons walks, take some time out in the meditation hut, unwind in the sauna, pitch in with the hay making or enjoy a cocktail making class in a picture perfect setting. Find out more here.

4. You’re a Star

If you’re a karaoke fan and want to take things one step further, record your very own pop song and music video with your ladies for the ultimate hen party keepsake. Sing Factory is a plush Dublin City Centre studio where you and your gang of ladies get 90 minutes recording time to make your very own song and music video. It’s BYOB so you can bring some bubbly along to sip as you sing to your hearts content and you can finish it all off with a VIP unveiling of your music video complete with Prosecco reception at a fab Dublin hotspot. Of course, you’ll get a digital copy of the video too! For more info, click here.

5. Beauty Bootcamp

If you’re looking for an activity where you’ll learn a thing or two and get a bit of pampering to boot, a couple of hours with the lovely Powder Room Girls at their Hair & Makeup Studio in City West will be an awesome way to spend a lazy afternoon. Learn a few beauty tricks and techniques from the pros at one of their master classes as you enjoy a glass of bubby or if you’re looking for pure indulgence, they can come and get you and the girls’ glammed up for your night out. For more information on their packages, click here.

Photo by Kate Ann Photo via Style Me Pretty

6. Foodie Fun

If you’re looking to keep things simple, a fabulous meal and some quality time and chats over some bubbly with the ladies is always a winner. Create Your Night is a hen party planning company that offer lots of fun packages (from foodie options to Roller Skating and Painting a Nude) including a dinner and cocktail making packages with dinner at the likes of Red Torch, Saba, Brasserie 66 or Bar Pinxto. Or if you fancy a foodie adventure, Create Your Night can organise a guided Tapas Trail around Dublin where you get to enjoy a glass of vino and some yummy tapas at three locations across Dublin city centre as well as some culture and tips about what’s going on in the Capital as you make your way. If you’re located southwest or fancy a road trip, Kerry is a gorgeous spot with breathtaking scenery and some amazing offerings on the cuisine front. Sol Y Sombra in Killorglin has an awesome location in a converted church and specialises in tapas, but can also organise wine tastings, tarot readings or even a spot of pole dancing if you’re after a bit of entertainment as well!

7. Outdoor Adventure

If you love the outdoors and are up for a laugh and a challenge in a beautiful setting, Kippure Estate’s activity menu will defo be of interest. This Wicklow based adventure hub has lots of fun activities from abseiling and climbing to archery, orienteering, rope based activities and even a chocolate based treasure hunt (nom). They’ve also a hilarious ‘Wild Wicklow Woman’ package which is sure to give you and the hens a few laughs as you get to grips with croquet (played with a pair of tights and potatoes), wheelbarrow races, broom hockey, and wellie wanging (hurling your wellies as far as you can FYI). For more info, click here.

8. Dance Classes

If you’re looking to get the party off to a fun start, sign yourself and the girls up for a dance class where you can try your hand at all sorts of dance styles from Line Dancing and Charleston to Burlesque or learn the moves to some popular hits like Grease, Single Ladies, Dirty Dancing or Thriller. A brilliant bonding experience, you’ll get to learn a few new moves and have a ball while you’re at it and you can take over the dance floor come the wedding. Love Dance and HenPartyDance.ie both have brilliant dance packages for hens – check out Love Dance here and HenPartyDance.ie here.

9. Party at Home

If you’re looking to have a bit of a session at home but still want to have that wow factor, invite Mae along to entertain you and the girls. This adorable 70s vintage caravan from Vintage Vanp can be hired for everything from hen and engagement parties to weddings and is the perfect place to kick back with some cocktails, bubbles or a mountain of yummy cakes and scones for an afternoon tea with a difference. She comes with her own waiting staff so you don’t have to lift a finger and as you can see would be the cutest in your hen party snaps. For more info, click here.

10. Murder Mystery

If you’re fond of a good mystery, a Murder Mystery weekend could be a great way to celebrate with your girls. Combine the murder mystery antics with some total relaxation and head south to the stunning Fota Island in Cork where they offer amazing spa packages and wine tasting sessions as well. Their murder mystery takes part over a delicious three course dinner and is aptly called ‘Who Stole the Engagement Ring’. For more info, click here.

Little Extras

If you’re looking to deck the gals out with some costumes, accessories or party supplies for the hen, All Affairs Fancy Dress Shop in Mayo have a huge selection to buy (you can hire costumes as well) whether you’re looking to channel a bit of old-school Downtonesque style for the evening or Gatsby glamour. They’re online too so you can shop from the comfort of your couch wherever you are in Ireland. Or if you’re looking for a sweet and funny gift for the bride-to-be, caricature artists like Ralph McMahon can whip up a cute caricature of the bride or a collage of all the girls – get the hens to all sign it and you have yourself one gorgeous keepsake! Find out more here.

Main photo by Lane Dittoe Photography via Bridal Musings

The post 10 Awesome Activities & Ideas for Your Hen Party appeared first on weddingsonline.

Last week we showcased some deadly activities and ideas for the hen party so this week we’re rounding up some cute little trinkets and paraphernalia you can pick up to make it extra fun and personal (and not a willy straw in sight!). The likes of Tiger and Dealz are great for picking up party props from cute floral crowns in Tiger if you’ve got a bit of a boho bride-to-be to straws and paper cups so you can make it look nice and festive. We’ve had a look online and put together some of our favourite hen party accessories available at the minute for brides looking for more tasteful party props for the big night. From photo booth props to make some fun memories and adorable party crackers (they come with party hat, temporary tattoo, joke and confetti) to super cute spotty bags perfect for making up Hen Party Survival Kits and some pretty awesome hairbands for you and your girls, you’re sure to find something to make the hen even more memorable below…

Hen Party Survival Kit Ideas

Credits: 1. Gold Dot Favour Bags, €6 for pack of 8 from Hippenings | 2. Neon Gem Treat Toppers, €19.50 for pack of 12 from Hippenings | 3. Temporary Tattoos, €28.96 for set of 15 from Daydream Prints on Etsy | 4. Personalised Hen Party Badges, €3.15 each from Oh Squirrel on Etsy | 5. Party Up Top Hen-Bands, €30 for pack of 10 from Hippenings | 6. Hen Party Wine Labels, €16.28 for 4 labels from Label with Love on Etsy | 7. Luxury Hen Party L Plate, €16.81 from Oh Squirrel on Etsy | 8. Personalised Hen Party Tote, €20 from WowWee.ie | 9. Hen Party Photo Booth, €9 from weddingsonline Shop | 10. Gold Rose Headband, €26.47 from ASOS | 11. Hen Party Photo Album/Memories Book, €27.74 from Lilac Coast on Not on the Highstreet | 12. Hooray Confetti Party Crackers, €25.08 for pack of 6 from Lilac Coast on Not on the Highstreet | 13. Miss to Mrs Garland, €23.30 from Peach Blossom on Not on the Highstreet | Main Image:Vintage Style Hen Party Sash, €23.75+ from Oh Squirrel on Etsy

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You don’t have to go far to have an awesome hen experience! Ireland’s towns and cities are home to some beautiful hotels, charming estates and quirky lodges where you and your girls can celebrate in style – check out these 8 great places to have your hen party…

Mount Druid Boutique Camping, Castletown Geoghegan, Westmeath {above}
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If you’re after something a little bit different for your hen and are happy to embrace the great outdoors, Mount Druid is an awesome spot to do it. Boutique camping or glamping is a far cry from soggy tents of our festival youth – Mount Druid has several luxury accommodation options with a choice of rustic yurts, cosy shepard huts or self-catering cottages for you and your girls to choose from with actual beds (not a sleeping bag in sight). If you love the idea of cosying up by camp fire with blankets and a few drinks with the beautiful Westmeath countryside as your backdrop, this could be right up your street. And there are lots of ways to amuse yourselves close by – rent mountain bikes and explore the countryside, enjoy lazy afternoons walks around the beautiful 100 acre parklands, hang out by the lake, take some time out in the meditation hut, unwind in the sauna, pitch in with the hay making or enjoy a cocktail making class.

Fota Island Resort, Cork
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If you and your ladies are looking for total relaxation, head south to the stunning Fota Island Resort in Cork, a peaceful 780 acre island estate where they offer amazing spa packages. Just 20 minutes from Cork city centre, Fota Island Resort is a 5 star hotel that has everything you and your ladies need to relax and unwind. They have a range of spa packages including a Chocolate Treat Hen Party package, a heavenly chocolate themed spa package which includes a chocolate bath, chocolate wrap and chocolate full body massage. Or for those looking to unwind and enjoy a spot of wine tasting, you can avail of their Luxurious Spa & Wine Tasting package which includes B&B, a full body massage, a facial as well as an evening of wine tasting and a 3 course meal. They also have Hair & Beauty Rooms on the resort if you fancy a bit of pampering before exploring the city or enjoying Cork’s lively nightlife.

Lough Rea Hotel and Spa, Galway Road, Loughrea, Galway
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Lough Rea Hotel and Spa is a 4 star hotel that has all the luxuries you and your girls can dream of for a night away with fab suites, state of the art facilities, a stunning spa and a cool rooftop terrace where you can kick off the celebrations with a cocktail making class if you wish. The stylish rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views of Loughrea Lake and the beautiful Galway countryside and has a delicious cocktail menu as well as a great selection of light bites, wines and beers. BBQ’s can also be arranged or if you and your girls fancy afternoon tea, it can be served al fresco at the weekend. The hotel’s spa packages are a big draw for hens – it boasts 10 treatment rooms, experience showers, an ice fountain, a sanarium and a peaceful relaxation room. And just 20 minutes from Galway city, you can use the beautiful hotel as a base to enjoy all this fun city has to offer by day or by night.

Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth
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Just over an hour from Dublin, Carlingford is a picturesque village with stunning scenery, an awesome adventure centre, cute pubs and a fun night life. It’s also home to the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, a fab 4 star hotel close to the mountains, Carlingford Lough itself and the charming heritage town. The Four Seasons have some great B&B packages for hens including a dinner/cocktail making package where you and your girls can enjoy a night’s stay, two or three course meal in the Liberty Bistro and a fun cocktail making class where you can try your hand at some yummy concoctions. They can also arrange activities for groups including a trip to the Dogs in the nearby Dundalk, a full makeup session so you can get glammed up before hitting the town or a half day’s adventure at the Carlingford Adventure Centre.

The Westin, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2
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This contemporary city centre hotel is a stone’s throw from Grafton Street and will be a real treat for hens looking to enjoy a chic city break in Dublin. Treat yourselves to one of the The Westin‘s rooms with a view, where you can take in the amazing city views before shopping ’til you drop or taking in a show. If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, their ‘Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea’ which is served in the Atrium Lounge should defo be on your to-do list. You and the girls can look forward to Mojitos served in teapots and alternative treats like Popcorn Panna Cotta with Toffee Popcorn Crumble. The Westin’s award-winning Mint Bar which is located in the old underground vaults beneath the hotel, is one of the coolest spots for cocktails in the city and their art-deco inspired Exchange Restaurant is the perfect place to catch up with your girls and enjoy some fab food before soaking up Dublin’s great night-life.

Kippure Estate, Blessington, Co. Wicklow
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If you’re looking for an outdoorsy challenge for your hen, this Wicklow based adventure hub has an amazing activity menu. You can try your hand at a range of fun activities at Kippure Estate from orienteering and abseiling to archery, rope based activities and for those that love their chocolate fix, a chocolate based treasure hunt. Their ‘Wild Wicklow Woman’ package will keep you all entertained – get to grips with croquet played with a pair of tights and potatoes, try your hand at broom hockey and hurl your wellies as far as you can with a round of ‘Wellie Wanging’. If you’re not in to your activities, but love the idea of a beautiful countryside setting you and your ladies can explore, rent one of their cosy lodges and curl up with a bottle of wine and a chocolate or Swiss fondue. They can also arrange dance classes or a craft class where you can make a felted lily bouquet for the bride-to-be.

Lyrath Estate Hotel, Dublin Road, Kilkenny
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Kilkenny is a really popular spot with hens and if you’re looking to indulge in a bit of pampering but wouldn’t mind a night on the tiles either, the luxurious 5 star Lyrath Estate Hotel can cater for it all. The historic city of Kilkenny is close by with cute shops, lively pubs and lots of cultural hotspots on its doorstep or if you’d rather unwind with your girls and indulge in some pampering, the beautiful 170 acre estate, with its award-winning spa is the perfect place to do so. For hens looking to cosy up for the chats and enjoy the luxurious surroundings, the ‘Girls Allowed’ package is the ultimate girly night away with afternoon tea and dinner included. Finish off the evening in the comfort of their private screening room with a movie of your choice served with popcorn and bubbly.

Ten Square Boutique Hotel, 10 Donegall Square South, Belfast
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This contemporary hotel housed in an 1860s building is a chic and central base for hens looking to enjoy all that Belfast city has to offer. Just a stone’s throw from the Victorian Square shopping mecca, Ten Square Boutique Hotel is a great spot for hen parties looking to shop up a storm and take in the city sights. Groups looking to start the celebrations in style can enjoy afternoon tea with cocktails – it’s served daily from 2pm to 5pm. Ten Square have set or mix and match packages for hens – choose from a variety of options from a cocktail masterclass (with or without sharing platters) to makeup application and a tasty three course meal in their atmospheric Linen Bar. Or foodies looking to enjoy some fine food before hitting the town also have the option of dining in their upscale steakhouse Jospers.

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In all seriousness, ladies – everything we’ve written below has actually happened, is happening right now, or will definitely happen at a future hen party. Just make sure it’s not yours, and we’re all good! Here are things you should never do at a hen do.

1. Play saucy games in front of ‘the adults’

Your mum luves ya – you know that. Your future mum-in-law – she wants to know you’re an upstanding citizen with impeccable manners and strong moral values. So if you’ve invited them both to your hen do, don’t play Truth or Dare, or Never Have I Ever, in front of them. The fallout will be worse than an international exposé by Hello Magazine in 23 languages.

2. Discover a hidden athletic talent

You know that talent you never knew you had? Maybe it’s pole dancing, rope walking, or back-vaulting off a table onto the dance floor. Well, the hen do is not the time to show everyone just how bendy you are. Because the next place you’ll find yourself will be a strange hospital where you’ll be the only patient wearing a willy-shaped hat. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

3. Eat food of unknown origin

Best case scenario – you’ll feel a little puzzled as you survey mysterious take-away boxes littering the hotel room the next day, because you won’t remember eating anything. Worst case scenario – you’ll find yourself in a strange hospital where you’ll be the only patient wearing a willy-shaped hat.

4. Get a personality transplant

You’ve seen it happen, right? The nicest girl in the world turns into a man-mad banshee, a finger-wagging politician, or just an overall surprisingly loud and opinionated person with one shoe missing. What gives? Probably the combo of alcohol, feeling safe in a group, and bare-chested men at eye-level. Try to avoid this, yeah? Or you may just end up in one of the speeches, and then you’ll have to move to Alaska permanently.

5. Book a band you can’t remember

Through the haze of fun and alcohol, it’s easy to see any stage act and think ‘they’re awesome! I want these guys at my wedding!’ Fast forward several days later to a surprise call from the lead singer thanking you for booking their services. You can’t remember a thing… so you go on YouTube, and you find out they’re one of those novelty acts who re-work Top 40 songs on ukuleles and cheese graters.

6. Bring back a ‘souvenir’ you can’t explain

Enough said!

7. Put pictures on social media

Memory a little hazy the next morning? Check what you got up to the night before – before you share it with the world. Agree with the hen party in advance about not posting live-feed photos on Facebook, Instagram and other websites. Wait until the next day, when you can open one eye just a tiny bit and scroll through the mayhem. But for the love of pink confetti, don’t put it all out there before you’ve had a look!

8. Drunk text

Who knows who it might end up going to if your co-ordination isn’t as impeccable as it normally is! And definitely – definitely – don’t text Domino’s Pizza, because the hen do could become the most expensive night of your life. And you’ll become a local celebrity known as ‘the girl who ordered 321 pizzas at her hen do’.

Main image from 10 Fun Little Touches for the Hen Party and Etsy

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We love a bit of traditional hen party tack, but if you’re thinking of leaving the straws and sashes to the side for your big knees up, you might like some of these alternative hen party accessories instead! If you’re on the hunt for some non-traditional party props make sure to check out shops like Claire’s Accessories, Tiger, Dealz and euro shops around town where (if you’re lucky) you might come across funky balloons, hats and glasses. Of course if you want the job done quickly (and in your PJs!) pop online to sites like Etsy, NotontheHighStreet, The Peacock Bride (Ireland) and Bespoke Bride (UK – but some gorgeous free printables for Irish hens too!) for some really special bits and bobs. Lots of hen parties are taking on a more festival type theme these days, with flower crowns for the bride and fun temporary tattoos that’ll look quite cool on your Instagram feed (come on, you know you’re thinking about it!) so try out shops like New Look or ASOS for cool jewellery and accessories that’ll make the bride feel special on the night too!

Hen Party Survival Kit Ideas

Credits 1. Unicorn balloon, €3.00, Hippenings | 2. Personalised hen party confetti pop from NotontheHighStreet | 3. Gold glitter party crowns, €8.90 for 8, Hippenings | 4. Hooray string up party banner, Hippenings | 5. Pink flower crown, €14.08, ASOS | 6. Mexico City statement Bride to Be necklace, Bespoke-Bride | 7. Bride to Be glasses, €4.50 ThePeacockBride | 8. Photo props, €9.00, shop.weddingsonline.ie | 9. Bride to Be gold temporary tattoo, weddbook | 10. Free Let’s Party Printable from Bespoke-Bride |

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Whether you’re having dinner with the girls, cocktails somewhere plush or some house party fun before hitting the town,  you’ll no doubt want something special to wear for this memorable night out with your ladies. Spring/summer stock is in stores and there’s some fab dresses for hens whether you’re looking to don a white guna in anticipation for the Big Day, something fun and colourful, a chic black number (so your accessories can do the talking!) or a little bit of glitz for the night that’s in it. Whatever your style, we think any one of these 21 hen party dresses will look AMAZING on the big night…

Dresses (L-R): Eliza J Dress with Cut Out Neck, £120 from House of Fraser | ASOS Mini Shift Dress With Embellished Sleeve, €119.71 from ASOS | Ralph Lauren Dress with Embellished Neckline, £200 from House of Fraser

Dresses (L-R): Kayla Bow Back Dress, £95 from Coast | Vancouver Stripe Nadinia Dress, £149 from Coast | Frill Front Tunic Dress, €67 from Oasis

Dresses (L-R): Metallic Dress, €49.95 from Mango | ASOS Layered Fringe Midi Dress, €91.55 from ASOS | Frock and Frill Sequin Embellished Mini Dress, €190.13 from ASOS

Dresses (L-R): Embellished Bodycon Dress, €210 from Ted Baker | Ariella Bow Jumpsuit, £129 from Coast | Dress with Back Frill, €39.95 from Zara

Dresses (L-R): Embellished Palm Dress, £169 from Coast | Sequinned Dress, €49.95 from Mango | Truly You Sequin Embellished Shift Dress, €84.50 from ASOS

Dresses (L-R): ASOS Layered Fringe Midi Dress, €91.55 from ASOS | Lace Compact Statement Dress, €75 from Oasis | ASOS CURVE Drape Front Midi Dress, €35.21 from ASOS

Dresses (L-R): Mesh Detail Skater Dress, €210 from Ted Baker | ASOS Embroidered Fringed Cami Midi Dress, €67.60 from ASOS | Keepsake Origami Midi Dress in Ivory, €197.18 from ASOS

The post 21 Incredible Hen Party Dresses from the High Street appeared first on weddingsonline.

The hen party is such an exciting and memorable occasion for both the bride and for all those attending! But like organising any event, there can still be a few stressful elements for those planning the big event. We chatted to The Foxy Hen about the 8 biggest stresses…

1. Picking a destination to suit everybody on the hen 

The first port of call for any hen party organiser is to select all the activities, the accommodation and the night-time activities and most importantly, the hen party destination. Often on a hen party, there can be friends and family travelling from all over the country so a lot of hen parties tend to opt for central locations that are easily accessible like Carrick-on-Shannon or Athlone or alternatively if a lot of the hens are travelling from the Dublin region, Kilkenny is another popular accessible spot. Sometimes it can be completely different and the hen party and the bride-to-be might want something further a field and adventurous, in this case you can always book hen parties a little further out like Kerry or even a trip to UK destinations like Newcastle or Brighton or Riga or Berlin in Europe.

2. Finding the perfect team building activities 

Hen party activities during the day are a great way to break the ice, even prior to the hen night out. Whether it’s a hilarious ‘treasure hunt’ where you can get better acquainted with the bride as well as the hens, a naughty ‘Draw a Nude’ class that will undoubtedly have all the hens in stitches or a sporty, team building activity like ‘turf warrior’, these comical activities are guaranteed ways to get all the hens chatting and working together. The Foxy Hen’s customised package builder lets you completely pick and choose and personalise every activity on the hen party so that it’s right for you and your flock of hens. One great thing about The Foxy Hen itinerary system is that hens don’t have to do every activity if they don’t want to – if there is something that they can’t do, they simply deselect it and they don’t have to pay for it.

3. Rounding the troops and creating the guest list

They say ‘there’s no such thing as strangers, only friends that you haven’t met yet’, at the same time, you still don’t want to feel like you’re pestering them on the run up to the hen party. It can be really challenging when it comes to rounding up the troops and making sure that all of the bride-to-be’s friends and family are there, whether this entails tracking down old school friends and extended family or vice versa or scavenging for the contact details of all the new work friends.

4. Making the ring around and multiple phone calls 

A follow on from rounding the troops, you’ll be glad that you went for those free calls with your phone network by the time it comes to ringing around all of the guests. I’ve known hen party organisers who have had to set aside hours in the evening to ring around all of the guests. We do all love to chat now and again but spending hours on the phone just isn’t for everybody. Our handy invitation system on The Foxy Hen lets the organiser invite in all the hens with their emails so they can then log in to their own Foxy Hen accounts and the organiser can keep an eye on the interactive itinerary system as everyone RSVPs. This eliminates the stress of both rounding up the troops and making the ring around.

5. Playing debt collector prior to the hen party 

If there’s one thing more intimidating than chasing people you don’t know for their RSVP, it’s chasing people that you don’t know for money. This is potentially, if not certainly, the most daunting task that any hen party organiser has to face. It’s a dirty job but someone has to do it. The good news with our Foxy Hen system is that someone can be us and our interactive itinerary system. All of the hens log in to pay their own way through their Foxy Hen accounts or alternatively they can ring in to pay and we will take all of the payments for the hen party individually over the phone. It completely removes the stress of payment chasing from the organiser’s shoulders.

6. Finding new ways to surprise the bride 

When all of the usual stresses of organising the hen party have been completely removed from the chief bridesmaid, the only things left to worry about are the little details like party favours and ways to surprise the bride, activities like ‘CSI: Save the Groom’ and ‘Draw a Nude’ could be good to keep as a hilarious surprise for the bride-to-be. You can always get some quirky merchandise to kit out the hen party, or plan some personal or comical hen party games like a ‘Scavenger Hunt’, ‘Porn or Polish’ and ‘Toilet Couture’.

7. The morning after 

This is a universal struggle for every hen, not just the organiser, but it’s still one of the biggest stresses. Paracetamol, mints, nail polish, lip balm, and even a little bubbly and chocolates are all irresistible after a night on a ‘booze cruise’ or ‘VIP Nightclub Experience’. Prepare some hangover kit goodie bags and all of the hens will love you forever.

8. Saying Goodbye

When the weekend is over, you will wonder why you ever stressed about planning it at all. With the great time you’ve had from both the bespoke and sporting activities, the hilarity of some hen night out moments and all the new bonds and friendships that have been formed, the hardest thing to do after a weekend will be to say goodbye. Thankfully, you still have the wedding to look forward to!

For more info on The Foxy Hen or to book your hen party, pop over to their website here!

Main photo by J Wiley Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

The post 8 Stresses Hen Party Organisers Know All Too Well appeared first on weddingsonline.

Planning a hen party can be a big job from deciding where to go and finding budget-friendly accommodation to choosing an activity that will suit all the girls. The activity is one part of the hen that really helps with the bonding and can make it all the more memorable and fun so it pays to give it some thought. To help you with your planning, we asked our experts Claire from Create Your Night and Katie from The Foxy Hen what hen party activities are a big hit with hens at the mo. Check out their top 7 suggestions…

Claire from Create Your Night – View Profile

Cocktail Making

Cocktail Making is a fun get together before dinner. It breaks the ice for people who don’t know others in the group and it’s a chance to relax and have a drink together. It’s great fun also watching the bride and bridesmaids do their take on the best cocktails going and seeing the expertise and creativity that actually goes in to making the drinks. It’s a simple fun night out package with dinner and nightclub included also and works out an excellent price that suits everyone’s budget.

Pamper Party Packages

Pamper Party Packages are really popular with us even more so lately. We send beauticians to the Hen’s hotel rooms or house. Everyone gets two treatments each with the bride getting an extra two complimentary. Who doesn’t love a good pamper session? Everyone gets the chance to chill out getting whatever treatments they like before the madness of the big night out. Again, another great value option that suits everyone.

Katie from The Foxy Hen – View Profile

Booze Cruise

This is a fun alternative to casual evening drinks and if there’s one thing that hen parties love, it’s to mix things up a little bit. The booze cruise is a great way to change up your usual evening drinks and it also gives hen parties a chance to have a laugh with other parties in the same boat… it involves sixty minutes on a cruise ship with a bar, dance floor and DJ in tow and around 100 party revellers on board. We have this available in Carrick-on-Shannon.

CSI: Save the Groom 

Hen parties are opting for the CSI: Save the Groom option a lot lately. It’s funny, quirky and personal… so what’s not to love? It involves a Garda sergeant coming to meet the hen party at a bar or pub and escorting the bride to a room to break the news to her that the groom has been kidnapped and held for ransom. It’s up to the hen party to discover his whereabouts. A comedy video of the groom getting kidnapped is screened for the head hen at the start of the activity so a bit of preparation goes into this one but that just makes it all that more personal. The personal appeal of this activity is another element that makes it a hit and if you’re surprising the bride-to-be, this is a great way to do so. We have this available in all of our Irish destinations.

Draw a Nude 

Talking about surprising the bride-to-be, the ‘draw a nude‘ option is another incredibly personal and hilarious team building activity that can do that. As the name suggests, it involves all the hens gathering around to sketch a live model as he bares all. Hens are opting for this activity a lot lately because it’s so quirky and different. We have this available in all of our destinations.

Flockin’ Fabulous Farming Experience

Hen parties really love to go for unusual activities that you won’t get to try on your run of the mill weekend away. The flockin’ fabulous farming experience is incredibly different and it also ties into a few hen party themes. This activity sees the hen party travel out to a farm where they get treated to Irish whiskey and Buck’s Fizz and they try out some bizarre and fun activities like ‘milk the cow’ and ‘chase the cock’. We have this available in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Boda Borg 

You get a real mix of hens who are dying to do sporting activities and puzzles and then the hens who are more eager to try out personal classes and bonding activities. Boda Borg is an activity that sees hens enjoy a combination of both. Boda Borg is an adventure activity that first originated in Sweden but since then, it has been taking the rest of Europe by storm and it’s been an exceptionally huge hit with hen parties lately. It is very similar to the game show Crystal Maze and it sees hens get split into teams in order to solve brain games, puzzles and physical challenges to make it through various rooms and collect stamps to get out of the maze. We have this available in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Photo by Two Foxes Photography via Polka Dot Brides

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There’s lots of lovely ways to make the hen party extra special and make a total fuss of the bride-to be! From games and cute signs to temporary tattoos and other little details like you know she’ll love, create a fun and personal hen party with these 14 sweet ideas…

1. Hen Party Invites

Get the girls excited for the hen and share all the important deets on a fun invite! This pretty version is from Etsy but you can download a lovely freebie over on Bespoke Bride.

2. Welcome Sign

If you’re looking to get your bridal pal super excited about the weekend festivities, a welcome sign will start the celebrations off on the best note! We’v also seen some very cute ‘Miss to Mrs in X days’ signs that would be equally as sweet.

Photo by Cavin Elizabeth Photography via Wedding Chicks

3. Bride to Be Chair Banner

We love a good chair sign and they can easily be used for hen festivities! Opt for a cute ‘Bride’to-be’ banner or scribble ‘The Future Mrs X’ on some card and pop it on the back of the bride-to-be’s chair as a fun surprise.

Photo by Laura Rae Photography via The Perfect Palette

4. Balloon Photo Display

Balloons really add to the party atmosphere but these ones double job, creating fun but sentimental surroundings. Tie photos of the happy couple, the bride-to-be and her pals, or childhood pics to a bunch of balloons to celebrate the bride’s love story and have a fun trip down memory lane.

Photo via Sugar & Charm

5. Hen Party Cake Time

We’ve a mega sweet tooth here in weddingsonline HQ so we love the idea of having a ‘Hen’ cake. We’re betting a special hen party cake will go down a treat with the ladies when you all arrive with a cuppa or as a bit of a pick me up the day after. Make it extra personal by popping a fun ‘Miss to Mrs’ cake topper in it – shop this one from Confetti Crown Design on Etsy.

6. Personalised Drinks

Champagne and hen parties go hand in hand and if you’re looking to create an awesome spread for you and the girls, mini champers are the way to go! Deck them out with the cutest accessories from name tags and polka dot straws to rosettes and streamers. Or if you’re looking to share some bigger bottles of bubbly, give them that personal touch with some customised wine labels – check out some gorgeous versions here.

Photo by Carissa Cady Photography via Style Me Pretty

7. Balloon Wishes

This is a fab way to get the girls involved and it’s a lovely surprise for the bride-to-be too! Get everyone to write a message to the bride on a balloon and you can either blow them there and then, OR do it as a game and save them so that the bride can get ready on the wedding morning surrounded by lots of lovely wishes.

DIY Balloons via Studio DIY

8. Confetti Time

Get the bride-to-be in to the wedding spirit with a showering of confetti when she arrives! You can pick up some cute heart versions on the likes of Etsy or Amazon.

Photo by Kennedy Grace Photography via My True Blu

9. Girly Getting Ready Station

If you’re heading out on the tiles, create a fun getting ready station where you can all get glammed up. We love this nail bar station idea and it could be nice to get all the girls to paint their nails in one shade of polish or create themed nail art in honour of the hen!

Image via Something Turquoise

10. Temporary Hen Party Tattoos

Temporary tattoos are a fun hen party accessory the girls will actually like! There are lots of cute versions available but our fave has to be these lovelies over on Day Dream Prints on Etsy and will have you partying in style. You can also pick up personalised temporary tattoos with ‘I’m with X’s hen party, if lost please buy me a drink’ over on Etsy if you’re looking to give the girls a laugh.

11. Photo Memories

Make sure the night is documented by leaving out some disposable cameras or a Polaroid camera as well as some fun props to pose with so you can capture all the antics!

Photo via Kara’s Party Ideas

12. Fun & Games

Games are a great way for everyone to get to know each other and find out a bit more about the happy couple! One of our favourites has to be ‘He Said… She Said’  – check out some free printable games here.

Photo by Kennedy Grace Photography via My True Blu

13. Personalised Hen Party Magazine Gift

If you’re looking to get a gift from all the girls, a Personalised Hen Party Magazine is a brilliant and thoughtful idea she’ll LOVE and cherish afterwards. This Heat magazine version from Irish company Glossy.ie comes in 8 or 12 page version and can include childhood photos, amusing stories from the girls, the hen party itinerary and some fun celeb based features she’ll get a laugh out of! Check out some samples and find out more here.

14. Hen Party Survival Kits

Ensure your girls are prepared for all eventualities with these fun Hen Party Hangover Kit Bags available from BeCollective on Etsy. Fill them with everything from sunglasses, painkillers and bobbins to little morning after life savers like sweets and crisps. If you’re after more inspiration, check out awesome hen party survival kit ideas here.

The post 14 Fun Little Touches for the Hen Party appeared first on weddingsonline.

One of the first tasks when planning a hen is finding the perfect location! There’s lots to consider when choosing the best spot to party – how to get there, accommodation, activities in the area and whether it’s accessible for all the girls. To help you with your planning, we asked our experts Claire from Create Your Night and Katie from The Foxy Hen to share some of the most popular hen party locations in Ireland at the mo. Check out their suggestions below…

Claire from Create Your Night – View Profile

I find the most popular locations are Dublin for sure, Galway a fair bit and Cork a lot more lately. With Dublin, we have a huge selection of so many things to do here. We have so many groups from Dublin that book and it saves them having to pay for accommodation going to other counties. Although, with Create Your Night – we will find you the best hotel rates possible if choosing to leave the big smoke!! Galway is a great spot for going out too so bookings have been a lot more popular there lately. Who doesn’t like getting away for a fun weekend anyway?!

Katie from The Foxy Hen – View Profile

Carrick-on-Shannon 

Carrick-on-Shannon has been at the forefront of both hen and stag party destinations for several years now and this doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. It comes down to the phrase ‘go where the party is’ and the hen party atmosphere at Carrick-on-Shannon has been tried and tested many times and it never disappoints. There’s lots to do in Carrick and plenty of tasty restaurants and bars. Carrick-on-Shannon also has one of the greatest variations of original hen party activities to try out like our booze cruises and flockin’ fabulous farming experience. The fact that Carrick-on-Shannon is surrounded by 40 lakes in a 10km radius also does a lot to complement its range of activities, namely water sports. Carrick-on-Shannon is also very easily accessible for hen parties who have a lots of guests travelling from different parts of the country as it’s along the N4. Essentially, there are many reasons that Carrick-on-Shannon has the wonderful reputation for hen parties that it does.

Kilkenny

We have a joke at The Foxy Hen HQ where we say they should have named it Kill-henny because of the huge amount of hen parties that it caters to. It may sound silly but honestly, if you are a seasoned hen party goer then you have undoubtedly been to a hen party in Kilkenny at some point because it’s so popular. People might remember that time that a hen party (blow-up doll in tow I must add) waltzed into a count centre in Kilkenny. It was hilarious! It’s the typical antics that you can expect on a hen weekend to Kilkenny, there’s always tons of fun and surprises along the way. Again, Kilkenny has many great activities and a few nice shopping spots to enjoy during a hen weekend there but it’s the close vicinity of many of Kilkenny’s best night venues that makes it such a hit. Kilkenny also holds lots of great festivals throughout the year that always enhance its brilliant hen party atmosphere, particularly on a nice day. It’s an ideal location for hen parties who like a bit of variety when heading out and let’s face it, who doesn’t?

Galway

When talking about popular hen destinations and parties/festivals, Galway also has to get a mention. The city is well renowned for its great festivals and, of course, race days that hen parties always love to attend. As well as its special events, there are a number of factors that make Galway such a popular hen party destination year round. Considering the fact that it’s known for its beauty and its scenic bay, Galway has a plethora of fantastic spa options in the area which are always great if you want to pamper the bride-to-be before her big day. As a city, it has a huge range of activities yet it still remains relatively small in size for a city. It has a great western charm and it’s quite easy to navigate, particularly when it comes to the night time action. With Galway on the cusp of Ireland’s outback (Connemara), it’s also a great launch pad for hen parties who want to do a little bit of exploring on the big weekend. Our Connemara pub crawl is another unique and adventurous activity that hen parties love. You can check out more of our activities here.

Dingle

Aside from the old reliables, we have seen an absolute surge in hens that are dying to try out Dingle. Dingle is a town that really offers the atmosphere, range of activities and perks of other larger towns but also has maintained that charm and appeal of authentic Irish towns. Of course, the wide range of water activities like surfing and scuba diving and the opportunity to meet Fungie are always bonuses for hen parties. By night, Dingle has loads of busy live music pubs and snugs with character while it also has an obligatory night club. Our booze cruise and party bus takes hens around all the authentic pubs on the outskirts of Dingle and is one of our most popular night time activities in the area. You can check out more of our activities here.

Photo by Morgan Trinker via Style Me Pretty 

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