Hen Party Ideas That Look Expensive (But Really Aren’t)

I feel like there’s this pressure now for every hen party to look like a full-on styled shoot… and while that’s lovely in theory, most of us are not trying to remortgage our house for a weekend away 😅

The good news is, you can get that “effortless, put-together, “how has she done this?”* vibe without actually spending loads. It’s just about being a bit clever with what you choose to focus on.

Here are a few ideas that always work — and don’t require a meltdown the night before. What’s better you can create them all yourself.

A Chic Picnic Setup (That Looks Way More Effort Than It Is)

This is one of those setups that *always* looks amazing in photos, but is actually very easy and inexpensive to put together.

You’re basically creating an aesthetic not perfection.

How to do it

• Layer up blankets, throws, cushions — don’t overthink it
• Use anything to make a low table (crates, pallets, boxes, even a suitcase works with a board across) something thats easily put together is best if you’re doing the picnic at a local park
• Add a grazing board (this is what makes it look “done”). Decorate the table with flowers + candles. Head to the supermarket or better yet, have a girls day out and pick some fresh flowers yourself. Keep the bunches simple and small and pop in a vase or tie them together with string. For the candles you could make these yourself or buy them really inexpensively online.
• For the seating Layer blankets, cushions and throws for easy and comfortable seating. There’s no need buy new, visit second hand shops, Facebook market place or even ask around for donations from friends and families

Tip: Stick to one colour palette to keep everything cohesive.

A Grazing Table (Your Shortcut to Looking Organised)

If you want something that looks impressive with minimal effort — this is it. No one ever questions a grazing table. They just gather around it and say things like “this looks unreal” while eating everything in sight.

Keep it easy:

• Mix sweet + savoury (cheese, fruit, crackers, chocolate)
• Use different boards/plates to add height
• Don’t make it too neat — slightly undone actually looks better
• Get yourself on Pintrest for loads of great ideas for how to decorate grazing boards. Better yet you can buy ready made open and go food for this, it doesn’t have to be time consuming or stressful

It’s one of those things where more is more… but it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Candles. Everywhere.

I can’t stress this enough — lighting will carry your entire setup. You could have the most basic table going, but once you add candles it suddenly feels like an event.

Simple wins:

• Purchased online very inexpensively, tea lights + a few taller candles mixed in.
• If you’re inside or in a marquee, Turn off the big light (please 🙃)
• Let it feel warm and relaxed, not overly styled

A Signature Drink Instead of a Full Bar Situation

Trying to cater for every possible drink choice is where things get unnecessarily complicated (and expensive). Pick one or two drinks and make them feel like a “moment” instead.

Ideas:

• A big jug of something fresh and pretty
• A cute little sign describing the signature drinks (doesn’t need to be fancy). You can easily create this using a template on a platform like Canva or Kittl
• Make sure you cater for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. You could even have the same drink with and without alcohol
• Nice glasses if you have them — if not, no one cares. Mixing and maxing glasses can even add to the aesthetic

It feels intentional, and you’re not running around topping up five different bottles all night.

Tip: give the drink cute names

Little Details That Pull Everything Together

This is the bit people don’t always plan for, but it’s what makes everything feel finished. Nothing over the top — just small thoughtful touches that sprinkle the table. 

Easy ideas:

• Name cards (even just handwritten). A simple piece of clean white card, with a hole punch at the top and attached using a piece of string or ribbon is effective
• Ribbon around napkins or glasses. If putting this round the napkin you can stick in a small bunch of flowers as well.
• A small note or favour at each place. This could be funny little facts about the bride to be, a joke or riddle that can be read out during dinner for a laugh

It’s subtle, but it makes the whole thing feel like you’ve really thought about it.

Truthfully

It really isn’t about how much you spend. If you getting planning in plenty of time and are willing to put some effort and thought into it, any of these ideas can create a wonderful bachelorette.

Tip: Don’t try to do too much otherwise you can end up spending the time running around and not relaxing and enjoying the time with your friends. Focus on the details that people will actually notice.

You don’t need loads of decorations or complicated plans — just a few things done well.

And once everyone’s sat down with a drink, chatting and laughing… that’s the part they remember anyway.

Everything else is just a bonus ❤️