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AIBU?

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Ideas for a relaxed hen do for three including meal and spa

21 replies

TheOpalFox · 03/08/2026 13:15

Any tips what I can do for my best friends hen

To make a hen party nice and good when there’s 3
Of us please ? Thank you

Also thinking meal and cocktails and spa

OP posts:
OneKookyPinkShaker · 03/08/2026 13:18

Not sure where in the UK you are but the south causey inn has new private spa suites where you have your jacuzzi and plunge pool, a butler to order cocktails to the suites, a balcony overlooking the countryside and you can get beauty treatments

patooties · 03/08/2026 13:20

Where do you live?

IggysPop · 03/08/2026 13:22

Establish the budget (including who is contributing what amount). Check and check again.

Agree parameters - see budget above as first step.

Decide food type (check) - Spanish, Italian, Greek? Anybody gluten free etc. check budget again.

Decide spa type - a spa day using pool and sauna or do you want treatments too (see budget).

Logistics - how are you travelling? Is somebody driving or do you need to book taxis (factor budget in).

in summary, I have found the key to making it relaxing is understanding expectations (including budget) and leaving nothing to chance.

TheOpalFox · 03/08/2026 13:26

IggysPop · 03/08/2026 13:22

Establish the budget (including who is contributing what amount). Check and check again.

Agree parameters - see budget above as first step.

Decide food type (check) - Spanish, Italian, Greek? Anybody gluten free etc. check budget again.

Decide spa type - a spa day using pool and sauna or do you want treatments too (see budget).

Logistics - how are you travelling? Is somebody driving or do you need to book taxis (factor budget in).

in summary, I have found the key to making it relaxing is understanding expectations (including budget) and leaving nothing to chance.

Also do I do games and goody bags etc?

OP posts:
TheOpalFox · 03/08/2026 13:27

OneKookyPinkShaker · 03/08/2026 13:18

Not sure where in the UK you are but the south causey inn has new private spa suites where you have your jacuzzi and plunge pool, a butler to order cocktails to the suites, a balcony overlooking the countryside and you can get beauty treatments

I’m near bham
also do I do goody bags and
games etc

OP posts:
Violet76 · 03/08/2026 13:42

I would focus on a lovely relaxed experience and not bother with games or goody bags.

IggysPop · 03/08/2026 13:56

TheOpalFox · 03/08/2026 13:27

I’m near bham
also do I do goody bags and
games etc

Think it’s a ‘know your audience’ thing - which should be easier with 3 people. Are the other two into games - and when would you play them (presumably not at the spa or at dinner). Goody bags (sorry I really dislike that term) - depends on your budget. But don’t do the adult equivalent of toddler party tat. That’s a waste of money. I have done a small gift bag before - small bottle of Nyetimber, Dior Addict lip glow and a nice card. But it was only for 4 people and I had a budget of £50 pp.

NoLifeguardOnDuty · 03/08/2026 14:00

What's your budget, and is the third guest a friend as well or relative?

IggysPop · 03/08/2026 14:01

Maybe come back when you have more parameters. The spa suggestions look great but if you have one day you’ll want to stay close to B’ham? Also wants the vibe - you guys like romantic countryside or modern? We can them help a bit more?

sittingonabeach · 03/08/2026 14:03

I would hate games and goody bags. I am old so just did a meal with friends for my hen, but this was years ago.

patooties · 03/08/2026 14:13

god no games or goody bags or dress up, if you must do some kind of ‘words of advice’ conversation but can’t it just be nice, relaxing and celebratory without fancy dress and plastic ?

MinnieMountain · 03/08/2026 14:18

Would the bride like that? Just ask her. I actually told my bridesmaid (sole) what I'd like and she sorted it.

Definitely no goody bags. I was given a shot glass with "Minnie's hen do" and the date on it, which I appreciated.

Katflapkit · 03/08/2026 14:33

What with the goody bag hate? I think it would be thoughtful.

patooties · 03/08/2026 14:46

It’s just more shit isn’t it? I was at a wedding years ago where guests were given as a ‘favour’ a miniature that the grooms little brother had designed the label for. As the night wore on people started to drink them - the bride was literally sobbing that they were keepsakes. what are you supposed to do with it afterwards? Nobody wants or needs reminders or tat do they?

AFigureWalks · 03/08/2026 15:37

The Belfry is near to you and does good overnight packages.

NoLifeguardOnDuty · 04/08/2026 01:52

As there's only three of you, you could spend a bit more on a keepsake/ favour than doing lots of goodie bags with lots of cheap things.

You could get a decent pair of pyjamas each and get them monogrammed, Wrap them in tissue paper and leave them on the beds, for when you arrive, or for when you get back after your meals. Or if you have sushi for example, you could get chopsticks engraved with everyone's initials and have them ready laid in a gift box when you get to the table.

MsAmerica · 04/08/2026 02:15

How exactly did this end up in AIBU?

Pieceofpurplesky · 04/08/2026 02:24

My friend had a hen night of 5. We booked a cottage with a jacuzzi for the weekend. We cooked and chilled with cocktails on the Friday, went to a nearby town Saturday morning, a lwalk to a pub for tea and back in PJs by 10! Was a fabulous weekend.
We did goody bags that contained a glass with Bob's Hen Night, a face mask to all do on the Friday night, a make up hair band, some love hearts and a mini tequila rose. All for use over the weekend.
Cost us no more that £150 for the weekend including food and drink.

andfinallyhereweare · 04/08/2026 02:52

@TheOpalFox if you’re willing to travelling down south a bit sopwell house is a great spa

CoffeeCantata · 04/08/2026 06:50

No specific suggestions OP but as an older person I’d just like to congratulate you on choosing such a lovely low-key, relaxed, small hen do. Gosh - the dramas we read about on here with friends expected to take a week’s annual leave and spend a grand to go abroad just for the Instagram!

Wishing you a lovely time.

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