Hosting a hen do for a bride in her fifties or beyond? Whether you’re the Maid of Honour or the bride herself taking the reins on the party planning, things feel a bit different during this chapter.
Gone are the days of people-pleasing and feeling the pressure to have a ‘traditional’ hen party that doesn’t fit. By now, you know yourself inside out, you know who your real friends are, and you certainly know what you want. There’s no mention of the dated ‘last night of freedom’, because this event is all about celebrating a woman who’s already found it.
It just means you can switch the kitsch for an experience that’s fun, authentic and most importantly, genuinely enjoyable. And, just so we’re clear, that doesn’t mean it has to feel boring – far from it! If you still want to be stumbling out of a nightclub during the wee hours, go for it. But if you’d prefer a more chilled weekend, there are loads of sophisticated options around.
Here, wedding expert Pippa Masson from Hen Party Deals discusses some of the most popular hen activity options for the over-fifties.
A Relaxing Spa Day
Fancy a day where you’re completely pampered from head to toe? Then a spa day is it. Planning a wedding can be seriously stressful, and opting for a relaxing activity is a great way to release that tension. Plus, is there anything better than catching up with your best friends as you lounge around in robes drinking herbal teas, before enjoying gentle swimming and blissful massages? We think not!
Nude Life Drawing
For an activity that packs a bit of a cheeky edge, yet still feels somewhat creative, nude life drawing is an incredible pick. This one’s a bit of a hen party staple that actually becomes more fun the older you get. You’ll find that a group of women with a bit of life experience are much more relaxed and ready for a laugh than a crowd in their 20s might be. Grab a glass of fizz, pick up your charcoal, and prepare for plenty of giggles while you attempt to sketch your totally nude muse as they pose.
Themed Brunches
If the bride is an all-out dancing queen, a Mamma Mia or ABBA-themed brunch is a must. You’ll get bottomless drinks for a set time, top entertainment from the likes of a talented ABBA tribute duo, along with a disco afterwards. There are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in and sing along, while soaking up that brilliant 70s nostalgia. Best of all, these brunches take place in the day, so if you’re not up for a late night, you can have a great time and still head to bed at a reasonable hour.
Afternoon Tea with a Twist
You can’t go wrong with a classic afternoon tea, but you can definitely make it feel more modern. Look for places that offer a ‘G&Tea’ with gin-based cocktails or find a beautiful historic manor house if you want to push the boat out and pretend you’re starring in Bridgerton. After all, who doesn’t love afternoon tea? It’s perfect for bringing all generations together and always feels like an indulgent way to celebrate!
Thinking of something a little naughtier? Look for afternoon tea-se experiences that come complete with your own buff butler – your waiter will be sporting a very naughty apron as he serves up your food and drink!
A Private Chef at Home
If you and the rest of the hens have hired out a beautiful cottage for the weekend, you probably don’t want the hassle of sourcing a restaurant (especially out in the sticks) or doing the cooking yourselves. The way around this? Hire a private chef. They’ll come to your accommodation and cook up an absolute storm. Get ready to enjoy a fine, five-star meal with your nearest and dearest in the comfort of your slippers! One of the best things about this experience is that they’ll do the washing up too – so you won’t be left with a sink of dirty pans and dishes.
There’s so much on offer out there, so choose something you’d really love to do! The most important thing to remember; age isn’t a limit on how you celebrate, it’s just a chance to do things your way, and with plenty of style.
