The complete hen party packing list
Helping you navigate hen parties as a guest or as maid of honour! Think hen do packing lists, goodie bags & everything in between!
It’s time to celebrate the bride-to-be! Maid of honour, bridesmaid or a friend — it doesn’t matter. Making sure your bride has a hen do to remember is top priority! Keep scrolling for our comprehensive hen do guide whether you’re hosting at home, having a staycation weekend or flying abroad for an overseas hen. From packing lists and luggage help to theme ideas and goodie bag suggestions, we’ve got everything you need to know before the hen begins!
How to decide what to pack for a hen do?
Packing for a hen do depends on the destination, activities and dress code. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Check the itinerary
Daytime: Casual outfits, swimwear (if needed) and comfy shoes.
Evening: Party dresses, heels and accessories.
Activities: Sportswear, themed outfits or fancy dress.
Consider the destination & weather
Hot: Lightweight dresses, sandals, sunglasses and SPF.
Cold: Layers, boots and warm outerwear.
Essentials to pack
Toiletries and makeup.
Chargers and a power bank.
Sunglasses, hats, or a raincoat depending on the weather.
Hen do extras
Themed outfits or fancy dress.
Sashes, props or party favours.
Small gifts for the bride.
Smart packing tips
Plan outfits in advance.
Pack versatile pieces.
Which travel bag to use for a hen do?
For a hen do, your choice of suitcase or travel bag depends on the length of the trip, how much you need to pack, and the activities planned. Here’s how to choose the right option for you (and your packing tendencies!)
Large suitcase - Best for longer hen weekends or multiple nights. Plenty of space for outfits, shoes and extras but may be unnecessary for short trips.
Carry-on suitcase - Ideal for one to two nights or light packing. Great for flying without checked luggage.
Backpack - Perfect for hands-free travel and casual trips. Best for light packers but limits outfit options.
Duffle bag - Great for a weekend hen do with efficient packing. Spacious, flexible, and easy to carry — perfect for road trips or if you’re travelling with a group.
The comprehensive hen party packing list
Travel abroad essentials
Toiletries - Don't forget to pack all your must-have travel-sized toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and hair styling products.
Travel documents - Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents such as passports, visas, and tickets, and keep them in a secure travel wallet.
Medicines - Pack any necessary medications, including painkillers, motion sickness pills, and allergy medicine.
Adaptors - If you're travelling to a different country, be sure to pack the right adaptors for your electronics.
Makeup - Pack essential makeup set and beauty items, such as foundation, powder, mascara, and lipstick.
Beach hen do packing list
A beach themed hen party is the perfect way to soak up some sun, sand, and sea with your closest friends. So, let's dive into our list of must-have beach hen do outfits and accessories:
Glamping hen do
Glamping girls, get ready to take your hen do to the wilderness! But if you’re all about fun-filled outdoor activities, you’ll need to pack accordingly.
Here’s a hen do checklist for a glamorous (and practical!) glamping experience:
One rain jacket or poncho
One pair of walking boots
Two or three tops
One lightweight jacket
One hoodie or sweatshirt
Backpack
One pair of comfy jeans
One pair of leggings
Night outfit (based on how many nights you’ll be getting dressed up!)
Pyjamas
Underwear (socks, knickers, bras)
Sports clothing
One pair of flip flops
Towel
Lots of snacks for the fire (Don’t forget the marshmallows!)
Spa day hen do
Hitting the spa with your hens? Whether you’re soaking in the hot tub or getting pampered with a massage, you’ll want to look your best.
So, pack these essentials for your spa day hen do:
Two swimsuits or bikinis
Pool sliders or flip flops
Spa robes (if not provided)
One pair of comfy jeans
One pair of leggings
Two or three tops
Two hoodies
One pair of slippers
One pair of comfy shoes
Hen night accessories
Themed hen do packing list
Looking to give the bride-to-be a hen do she'll never forget? Then pick a hen do theme and give her the send-off she deserves! And what better way to get everyone in the party mood than by dressing up in matching outfits?
Check out our top suggestions below:
Matching bride jumpers: Stay comfy and coordinated with matching women’s sweatshirts for your airport look; choose from colours and themes of your choice.
Coordinated hats: Think bucket hats for a festival-themed weekend away, or cowboy hats for a rodeo-inspired send off. Either way you can stay stylish while being protected from the sun too!
Matching hen party pyjamas: For a slumber party themed hen do, get bride squad pjs. Pick from cosy nightwear in satin, lace, or comfy cotton.
Disney-themed outfits: Why not sport a #throwback with a Disney theme, opt for Mickey Mouse-themed outfits that’ll have your squad looking 90s cool.
Hen party accessories
And, of course, no hen party is complete without some fun and stylish hen party accessories! Ensure your bestie’s pre-wedding celebrations are unforgettable with our range of bride-to-be accessories and goodies.
Personalised sashes
Balloons
Confetti
Balloons
Polaroid pictures
Disposable cameras
Photo props
Masks
Sunglasses
Piñatas
Drink toppers
Cake toppers
Headbands
Badges
Crowns/Tiaras
Stickers
Personalised inflatables
Headbands
L-plates
Matching toiletry bags
Whistles
Shot glasses
Hen party survival kit
Hen do gift bag ideas
Wondering what to put in a hen do party bag? From the traditional to the unique, we've got you covered with a range of party bag fillers for adults to suit any bride squad.
Traditional hen do goodie bags
This goodie bag includes all the classics such as hen party sashes, bride-to-be veils, headbands, and badges so the bride-to-be can really stand out from the rest of the group!
Bath & body hen party bags
For a more relaxing and indulgent hen do gift, consider filling the goodie bag with a hydrating face mask, bath bombs, scrubs, and moisturisers. These bath and body products will help the bride-to-be and her hens feel refreshed after a long day of celebrations.
Beauty hen do goodie bags
If your bride-to-be and the girls love all things makeup and beauty, a beauty-themed goodie bag is where it’s at! Fill it with a lip balm set, lip plumper, eye shadows, glitters, and powder or liquid blushes for a glamorous vibe.
Fun hen party goodie bags
For a party bag that’s all about fun and games, why not fill it with items like plush toys, water pistols, bubble wands, and travel party games to create a jovial and light-hearted atmosphere for the whole group to enjoy?
Bling hen party goodie bags
For a chicer and more stylish hen do party bag filler, add accessories like bracelets, necklaces, rings, hair clips, and other sparkly or glittery items to your hen do party bag.
FAQs
How to plan a hen party?
- To plan a hen party, decide on the location, theme, activities, and friends list. Set a budget and start organising early!
Who pays for hen party bags?
- Typically, the cost of hen party bags is split between all the attendees, but it ultimately depends on the group's preference.
What to do for the hen party?
- Anything and everything that makes the bride-to-be happy! Whether it's a spa day, a night out, or a weekend getaway, the options are endless.
Why is it called a hen party?
- A hen do, also known as a bachelorette party or hen party is a time-honoured tradition that every bride-to-be looks forward to. Let’s just say it’s the ultimate excuse to party with your best friends before the big day, so think fun-filled activities, matching outfits, Instagram-able décor and more!
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