Hen/Stag Do

As we toasted in 2020 - we welcomed in a new exciting year, some of you may be newly engaged whilst others enter the year that you’ve been waiting for…the year you get married!
Whilst it’s exciting looking forward to the wedding planning and organization that is in store, there’s one part that is totally acceptable to hand over to your girl squad…. yes, you guessed it the hen party, so here are a few ideas to pass onto your bridesmaids our top 5 hen party ideas for 2020:
1.    Make it immersive

Forget paintballing or go-karting, there are so many exciting and unique activities available for your stag weekend, so why not break the trend and pick something you’ll remember forever.

The pre-wedding send-off is a pricey affair with average man forking out £7,997 across 11 stag dos in their lifetime and women heading on ten hens at a cost of £5,510. Researchers from the social money app Pingit polled Brits to reveal that the average stag or hen do kitty, where shared expenses such as drinks and taxis are paid from, is worth a whopping £928.

However, while the costs and activities may differ, one thing remains consistent - no one wants to be left holding the communal kitty. With every man contributing an average of £104, compared to £68 from women, it’s no surprise that cautious Brits are worried about taking charge of it - 73 per cent saying they hate being the one designated to look after the central pot of cash.

Roomzzz Aparthotels are situated in two fantastic locations right in the heart of Manchester ideal for stag or hen party weekends, says Vows & Venues' Wendy Allen-Smith. Read on for her review…

We travelled by train and stayed at the Manchester Corn Exchange, which is located close to Manchester Victoria train station, for an overnight break to wine and dine in the city.

A Liverpool hen and stag do has so much to offer for a weekend - full to the brim with culture and architecture there is lots to see and do. Famous for its World-renowned football teams and rich history of music it makes for an epic weekend away.

Take in the many sights especially the famous riverside Pier Head and head to Liverpool’s historic heart the Royal Albert Docks where you can enjoy year-round events, shops and its bustling bars and restaurants.

If you’re looking for something slightly different on your weekend in Liverpool, why not try a few of the more unique activities that Fizzbox has on offer:

With all the stress of planning for your upcoming wedding, you and your partner are probably looking forward to letting loose at your hen and stag parties. We asked Danny Horwood from Foxtrail London, who offer an innovative scavenger hunt in the city, to share why he thinks that London is the perfect place to celebrate with your friends.

A stag or hen party is the de rigueur way to celebrate the end of single life. Often the most enjoyable item to tick off the wedding prep list, a stag or hen do is the perfect excuse for the soon-to-be-wed to let their hair down after months — or even years — of preparing for their wedding day.

Mixing up some spirits is a great way to break the ice at your hen party, but you don’t need to book a pro to help you. We have these delicious recipes from top mixologist and owner of the Grey Bear bar company Lloyd Brown and Baboo Gelato. Why not practice them with your maid of honour ready to show the rest of the party at your hen do?

Make your own hen party drinks with these 2 top recipes​

Bride’s Bliss

An English version of a mojito, with the perfect marriage of strawberry and cucumber flavours…

So you’ve booked the wedding, and the first thing on your friends’ minds? The stag and hen parties, obviously.

With a range of budgets, people living in different parts of the country and work/family life making availability an issue, it can be a real headache trying to decide what to do and arrange an event. So at Vows & Venues, we’ve done some of the research for you by checking out unusual stag and hen parties which won’t break the bank…

Camping and glamping​

Glamping is more popular than ever before, with a new survey revealing 10% of holiday park visitors are tent dwellers. For those not into roughing it, a pod or treehouse can offer pretty much the same luxury as a hotel room.

Hen and stag do’s have come a long way since the days of binge drinking and strippers, with healthy and active hen and stag do’s becoming increasingly more popular. A weekend of debauchery isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea, so with this in mind here is group activity and experiences specialist Fizzbox.coms pick of healthy hen and stag do ideas:

Brides at the ready! Forget Hen Parties, instead host a ‘Duck Do’ at Duck & Dry. Takeover one of our salons with your gal pals and create the ultimate, instagramable hen party.

Visit one of our prime locations and take advantage of our pretty and chic decor and leave with not only the most glamorous hairstyle but with ducking great memories too.

Check out our Chelsea and Oxford Street salons for dedicated group styling areas and crank up the volume at the Prosecco bar with your own personalised playlist hooked up to our sound system.

Low key or fancy, we can cater for all types of Hens Ducks. Have the freedom to decorate the space and bring all your party desires; butlers in the buff, cupcakes and games, we can work with you to create your dream party!

So, your best friend or sister is getting married, and as maid of honour or bridesmaid, you’ve been trusted with planning a once in a lifetime girly pre-wedding get together?! Don’t panic, planning a hen do doesn’t have to be a stressful uphill struggle. Whatever the style, be it a weekend away or a day out, here are 11 top tips to help you stay sane and on track, helping to make the whole hen-do planning experience run smoothly.

DO consult the Bride

The Cotswolds is home to outstanding natural beauty, so much so that it’s understandable that the quaint area has becoming increasingly popular with an array of famous faces. The Cotswolds provides an excellent location for a luxe hen party thanks to its chic reputation. Full of picturesque villages and magnificent views, the Cotswolds is a luxurious and elegant destination favoured by many, including members of the royal family. With something for everyone, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, dining and drinking. Hen parties bring together a variety of individuals from different backgrounds, all of which will have plenty to do and see in this charming location. Here are a few of the many reasons why the Cotswolds is the perfect hen party location.

Whether you have been nominated to arrange the ultimate hen or stag do for someone that’s about to tie the knot or, if you’re planning your own final day of freedom, have you considered The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience?

Forget cheesy spa days, boozy nights and endless discussions about where to go, and try something a little different by taking on the hilariously funny, interactive experience based on the popular 90s TV show.

Based in Manchester and London*, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is the ideal spot for a bride or groom-to-be to bring seven of their closest friends and family together for a nostalgic, bonding trip down memory lane. 

There is nothing better than a get together with girlfriends especially if you add a night away in a beautiful hotel with a fabulous spa.  Even if you are looking for a cosy girly night in, this can still be done with the House of Daniel Thwaites Hotel’s girls’ weekend packages.

Whether you want to combine the break with some great shopping in Portsmouth, Leeds and Bristol or wonderful walks in the Lake District these stunning four-star hotels offer a haven of tranquillity for some girly fun.

Party paradise island Ibiza has one more reason to celebrate – it’s just been named as the most Instagrammable destination for hens.

The sun-soaked resort is famous for world class nightlife and big-name DJs, but its stunning scenery also makes it a massive hit on social media for brides-to-be.

The results are part of new research which reveals Ibiza as the location with the most hen-related hashtags on Insta.

The Balaeric island came out on top with 6,431 hen-related hashtags, followed by the less exotic, but always exciting London on 2,623, while Bali, in Indonesia, was rated third with 1,961 hashtags.

The analysis was conducted by hen and stag party experts Red7 who report a rise in hen party bookings for warmer climes each winter.