The Complete Hen Party Games, Accessories & Survival Guide

The bags are packed, the playlist is ready, and the bride is buzzing. But how do you ensure the weekend actually lives up to the hype?

From picking the perfect fancy dress theme to surviving the "morning after" and navigating airport etiquette, we have compiled the definitive guide to your hen weekend survival in 2026.

Part 1: Top 10 Hen Do Fancy Dress Themes

Dressing up creates an instant party atmosphere. Here are ten themes to inspire your squad:

1. The Spice Girls: Embrace 90s girl power. Whether you are Scary, Sporty, Posh, Ginger, or Baby, these iconic outfits are guaranteed to spice up your night.

2. Cowgirls: A classic that is easy to pull off. All you need are blue jeans, a checked shirt, and a cowboy hat. Go big with boots and lassos if you're feeling brave!

3. The Charity Shop Challenge: Set a small budget (e.g., £5) and everyone buys their own outfit from a charity shop. The twist? Everyone buys one item for the bride, which she must wear all night!

4. Superheroes: From Wonder Woman to Catwoman, embrace your inner femme fatale with capes and tights.

5. 80s Icons: Think neon, mesh, animal prints, and Madonna-inspired lace. It’s high-energy and looks great in photos.

6. TV Characters: Pick the bride’s favourite show or keep it vague so everyone can pick a character they love.

7. Grannies: Grey wigs, walking sticks, and housecoats. You won’t look "sexy," but you will definitely be the most memorable group in the club.

8. Pirates: Stripy t-shirts, eyepatches, and plastic swords. Easy to put together and always fun.

9. Pyjamas: The most comfortable night out you’ll ever have. Just ensure they are well-fitting and respectable enough for the venue!

10. Naughty Nurses: A traditional favourite featuring white stockings and pocket watches for a coordinated squad look.

Part 2: Travel & Airport Etiquette

The party starts the moment you begin your journey, but beware of the "airport eject button."

Respect the Rules: Unlike a private car, a plane is public transport. Many airlines have strict policies regarding offensive slogans. A group was famously ejected from a flight for wearing "Bitches on Tour" t-shirts. If you are told to cover up or change, do it immediately. Don't risk your entire weekend for the sake of a slogan.

Pace Yourself: It’s tempting to hit the airport bar at 6 AM, but if you are visibly intoxicated, staff can—and will—refuse to let you board. Save the heavy drinking for when you land.

Part 3: The Hen Do Packing List

1. The "Lifesaver" Shoes: Pack fold-up ballet pumps in your handbag. Kill the heels, not your feet, at 2 AM.

2. Hangover Kit: Painkillers (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen), Berocca, and rehydration salts are mandatory.

3. Handbag Essentials: Blotting papers for "shiny face syndrome," emergency makeup, and a portable phone charger.

4. Emergency Snacks: Chocolate or Pringles for the hotel room when everything else is closed.

Part 4: Accessories & Goodie Bags

Sashes & L-Plates: Essential for identifying the Bride and the squad in crowded bars.

Goodie Bags: A thoughtful touch for the MOH. Include the hotel address, a local taxi number, glitter drops for drinks, and blister plasters.

Part 5: Hen Party Games & Challenges

Mr. & Mrs. Quiz: Test the bride’s knowledge of the groom. For every wrong answer, she takes a drink or a forfeit!

Never Have I Ever: A classic way to uncover the group's secrets (use with caution if family is present!).

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress: Split into teams and design a couture gown for the bride using only loo roll.

The Scavenger Hunt: Pairs compete to find items like a stranger's business card or a selfie with a bouncer.

Part 6: Pre-Drink Cocktail Recipes

Elderflower Collins: Gin, lemon, sugar syrup, and elderflower topped with soda (or sparkling wine).

Tequila Sunrise: Tequila, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine.

The Gimlet: 50ml Gin and 25ml Lime Cordial. The easiest 2-ingredient fix.

Ready for the ultimate weekend? Let us plan the logistics while you handle the themes.