Planning a hen (or sten) party? These activity-based bars need to be on your list
Tasty food, gorgeous cocktails and a bit of healthy competition...
Throwing a hen party that will please all attendees can be tricky. Striking a balance between risque and tame activities can be one of the most controversial challenges you’ll face when planning. In fact, some of the more crude hen party gimmicks came out in the top 10 most hated parts of a hen party in this report. However, you can create a hen party that strikes the perfect balance between spice and sophistication, ensuring a night to remember for both the bride and her friends. Jess Martin, Hen Party expert at Ginger Ray has shared three amazing themes for the perfect spicy but sophisticated hen party: Naughty but nice nude art class If penis straws and lifesized inflatable fiances aren’t your thing, this hen party theme might be perfect for you. Jess said: “Grab your pens, paper and hens and book yourselves into a life drawing class. Filled with creativity, laughter, and empowerment, the session can be as spicy or as sophisticated as you like! Art studios will always want to prioritise the models' comfort so the atmosphere will remain respectful aside from the inevitable giggles and blushing making it suitable for most hens.” “Love a theme? Bring along some props like cowgirl hats, sunglasses and even veils for either the model or artists, or both to wear. Get creative and have some fun.” Burlesque and bubbles Does the thought of going to Magic Mike Live fill you with horror with the inevitable threat of being dragged up on stage for a lap dance? Try burlesque. Jess suggests: “In contrast to the full-on phwoar of a stripper, burlesque is an art form that celebrates the beauty of the female body and encourages people to embrace their sensuality. Whether you choose to watch a burlesque show or take a class yourself, burlesque dancing is a fun, empowering, and liberating way to express yourself making it the perfect choice for a hen party.” “At a burlesque show, you can live without the fear of being made part of the show so the bride-to-be can wear a hen party sash without dreading the consequences. After all, if you can’t make a scene of being a bride-to-be at your hen party then when can you? If a sash isn’t your thing then a headband or bow might be more your vibe.” Pole dancing party If interactive activities are more your thing and you’re keen to lean into dancing without jumping up on the tables just yet then you might want to try a pole dancing class. Jess comments: “Whilst taking a pole dancing might not be suitable for your grandma, a pole dancing class is a great fun activity for those up for getting involved. For those who might just be watching from the sidelines, you’ll be guaranteed a laugh as your pals attempt to make it look easy “Pole dancing is hard work so serve up some refreshments for your hens in some personalised party cups. Spicy margarita anyone? You’ll need a change of clothes for taking part in the dancing so make sure everyone knows who the star of the show is with some hen party dress up.” Still weighing up what kind of hen do you’d like? Consider some reasons for getting the spice levels just right Everyone has different comfort levels Jess said: “A hen party should be inclusive and welcoming to all guests, regardless of their personal preferences or boundaries. By incorporating some sexy elements while keeping the overall tone tame, you can cater to a diverse group of attendees and ensure that everyone feels included in the festivities.” Don’t sacrifice fun for cliches Jess adds: “By balancing both risque elements with sophistication, you can create an atmosphere that feels tasteful and refined but still entertaining. You don’t want to remove the best bits from a hen party however this allows guests to indulge in a bit of fun without all the negative hen party cliches.” Focus on celebrating friendship Jess suggests: “Ultimately, the purpose of a hen party is to celebrate the bride-to-be and her upcoming marriage, as well as the bonds of friendship among the guests. By ensuring a balance of activities, the focus remains on enjoying each other's company and creating lasting memories together.” For more hen party ideas head to: https://www.gingerray.co.uk/hen-party