The Essential Guide to Joint Hen Parties and "Sten" Dos
Better together
The traditional "separate" weekend is no longer the only way to celebrate. Whether you are two brides sharing a friend group and a budget, or a couple who wants to celebrate their final weekend of freedom together, the Joint Hen or "Sten" Do is a massive trend for 2025.
Combining two parties sounds like a great way to save money and simplify a busy wedding calendar, but it requires a careful balancing act. From guest list etiquette to choosing "gender-neutral" activities, here is how to master the shared weekend.
1. The Double Bride Weekend: Sharing the Spotlight
If you and a best friend are both getting married, a joint hen weekend can be an absolute lifesaver for your mutual friends' bank accounts and schedules. To make it work, you need a solid strategy.
Compare Guest Lists Before Inviting: Before the first WhatsApp group is created, the Maids of Honour must cross-reference the guest lists. Ensure both brides are 100% happy with everyone in the room. Most importantly, check for any "historic friction"—you don't want a divide forcing the hens to pick sides mid-weekend.
The Balancing Act: It is vital that neither bride feels like a "supporting act." When planning, ensure activities are balanced. If Hen A picks the Saturday afternoon event, Hen B should pick the evening theme. As Maids of Honour, your job is to ensure both brides have an equal say and that neither is overshadowed by a louder personality.
Don't Be Afraid to "Divide and Conquer": If Hen A wants a high-energy dance class and Hen B wants a quiet spa session, don't argue—do both! Split the group for two hours and meet back up for cocktails. You are all adults; there is no rule saying you must be glued together for 48 hours straight.
2. The "Sten" Do: Mixing Stags and Hens
A "Sten" or "Hag" do (Stag + Hen) is perfect for couples who share the same friend group. However, choosing activities that appeal to everyone—and don't fall into "cliché" gender boxes—is the secret to success.
Zorb Football: Don't let the word "football" put you off. This is a high-energy, hilarious activity where everyone is encased in a giant inflatable ball. It’s the perfect "Stags vs. Hens" competitive event that requires zero actual football skill.
Murder Mystery Dinners: Sten groups are usually larger than standard parties. A Murder Mystery is a fantastic way to integrate the two groups. It gives everyone a role, encourages interaction across the whole party, and provides a structured evening of entertainment over a meal.
Luxury Boat Charters: If you are heading to a sunny European destination, chartering a private boat is the ultimate gender-neutral luxury. Whether you are sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying the bar, it’s a shared experience that appeals to everyone and provides the perfect setting for a mixed-group recovery session.
Escape Rooms: These are ideal for groups who want a mental challenge over a physical one. Research shows that a mix of "male and female" perspectives often leads to a higher success rate in solving the puzzles—put your collective brainpower to the test!
3. Golden Rules for Joint Success
Plan Extra Early: Joint parties mean more schedules to coordinate. You need to lock in dates, destinations, and budgets at least 9–12 months in advance to ensure the majority of both groups can attend.
Geographic Fairness: If the two groups are coming from different parts of the country, choose a central UK hub (like Nottingham or Birmingham) or a well-connected European airport to ensure no one is unfairly burdened by travel time or costs.
The Private Chat: Each Maid of Honour should have a private "check-in" with her bride before invites go out. Ensure she is 100% on board and not just agreeing to a joint party to be "conciliatory." This is her special weekend—she needs to be the focus.
Ready to Plan a Celebration for Two?
From "Stags vs. Hens" Zorb football to a shared luxury manor in the Cotswolds, we specialize in the unique logistics of joint parties.