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The Ultimate Hen Do Packing List

We’ve got the ultimate hen do packing list, from bride-to-be dresses, hen party accessories to hen do goodie bags and everything in between!

Apr 25 · 7 min read

*The prices included in the article below are correct as of the date of publication. These prices may change from time to time and may vary from the prices shown in individual Primark stores.

Hen Do weekend packing list

What is a Hen Do?

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!

What should I pack for a Hen Do?

From hen do dress-up ideas to hen do party bag inspo, there's so much to consider. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate hen do checklist for different types of hen weekends.

Here’s what you’ll need for all types of hen dos:

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 jumpers for your airport look; choose from colours and themes of your choice.

  • Coordinated bucket hats: Perfect for a festival-themed weekend away, stay stylish and 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 Do clothing

City Break Hen Do packing list

A hen do city break calls for some serious outfit ideas. You'll want to pack the perfect balance of chic and comfy so that you can explore the city during the day and party at night.

Here’s our hen do packing list picks for your city escapade:

  • Versatile jeans – choose from stylish flared jeans to trendy ripped jeans for a day-to-night staple.

  • Hen party dress – this is the ultimate hen party clothing item for a hen do in the city. Whether it's a satin slip on or a floral number, choose a hen party dress that suits your style best.

  • Comfy heels

  • Cross body or bum bag Keep your essentials close by with a practical bum bag or stylish cross body bag. They’re both perfect for keeping your hands free while you explore the city.

Hen Do pyjamas

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:

  • Swimsuit – hen party swimsuits are a beach hen do essential. From classic one-pieces to trendy bikinis, there are plenty of styles to choose from.

  • Sundresses

  • Sunglasses - no beach hen party is complete without stylish sunglasses. Whether you opt for cat eyed numbers or oversized shades, you’ll keep your eyes protected from the sun whilst looking stylish – it’s a win-win.

  • Sunscreen – Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, pack our sun creams so you can lounge on the beach safely.

  • Beach Bag - A chic hen do beach bag goes a long way in keeping all your essentials safe and in one place.

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:

  • Rain jackets – Don’t let the rain stop the fun! Stay dry and warm with a trendy rain jacket. Make it extra fun by all wearing matching rain jackets.

  • Boots – Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring outdoors, so pick from combat boots, trusty wellies or knee high numbers.

  • Tops: 2-3 Causal daytime and dressy tops

  • Backpack – Keep all your essentials and those all-important hen do accessories close at hand with a spacious backpack.

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:

  • Swimsuits - Don't forget to pack your swimsuit for a dip in the hot tub. Pick from fun hen do bikinis and colour co-ordinate so you all match.

  • Sliders or Flip Flops  - Keep your feet comfortable in pair of trendy sliders or matching flip-flops.

  • Spa Robes - A bride-to-be robe and matching bride squad robes are perfect for those unforgettable photos!

  • Hen night accessories - Keep the relaxing vibes going with some eye masks, heatless curler sets, and overnight face masks, so you can wake up feeling fresh the next day.

Blue lingerie

Essentials For All Hen Dos

Make sure your hen party is a success no matter where you go; here’s our top recommendations for hen party essentials:

Hen Do Essentials for Travel

  • Toiletries - Don't forget to pack all your must-have travel-sized toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and hair brushes.

  • 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 and beauty items, such as foundation, mascara, and lipstick. 

Hen Do 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. Make sure she feels like a VIP with our metallic slogan headband, silky hen party sashes, and bridal badge. Or, if your bride wants to sport something more subtle, accessorise with our glitzy hair slides. She’ll be able to sport the bride slide on its own post nuptials too! We’ve also got a range of bags if you’ve planned a weekend away, with a stylish matching straw clutch, tote, and hat trio for the sunseekers. Let everyone know the bride squad has arrived with our range of hen do goodies.

Hen Do accessories

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 face masks, 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 lip balms, glosses, 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 Goodie Bags

For a more chic and 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.

Hen Do Decoration Ideas

No hen party is complete without some fabulous hen party decorations. Whether you're planning an indoor or outdoor celebration, we have plenty of hen do décor ideas to create a festive atmosphere.

Indoor Hen Party Decor

For indoor celebrations, consider adding some festive touches like fairy lights, neon party signs, themed ornaments, and colourful tableware.

Outdoor Hen Party Decor

If you're planning an outdoor party, think about adding picnic accessories like blankets and cushions, faux flowers, and even a themed photo booth area.

Hang some outdoor fairy lights in the trees, set up a fun backdrop with colourful streamers and props for the girls to pose with and don't forget the matching tableware and decorations for your al fresco dining.

Bridal pyjamas

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?

The term "hen party" comes from the tradition of calling the bride-to-be a "hen" in the UK and Ireland. The term has since become a popular way to refer to pre-wedding celebrations with female friends.

 


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