...to ask for some alternative Hen Party ideas?

[Merryoldgoat]

Sorry for how boring this is - please move along and ignore if it's not your thing.

I'm Matron of Honour for my friend and I'm trying to organise a hen party but really stumped for the main activity and would love some alternative ideas...

We are a smallish group, London based and wide age range. One hen (me) will be 2 months post c-section abs at least one other will be heavily pregnant.

Bride is well into theatre and music but is very clear she doesn't want a load of nonsense and people to be spending loads of money - it's definitely just an one day event. She's vetoed afternoon tea and spa day.

We have:

'Activity'
Dinner and Drinks
More drinks and maybe dancing

I've looked at theatre shows but it's hard to find a reasonably priced show everyone will like. Any other ideas? I'm old and hardly go anywhere anymore so feel a bit out of my depth. Suggestions in the London/Clapham/Wimbledon area much appreciated.

Bread making workshop? There's somewhere in Borough Market that does it.

For my cousin we had a ride on a speedboat on the Thames. It was brilliant. For a friend we did cocktail making and it was really good. People still talk about it a year later.

We did an escape room with a heavily pregnant hen and she was fine.

"The play that goes wrong" matinee (cheap tickets) then drinks and dinner and dancing. The only problem is your c section will hurt from laughing!!

My friend had a sort of craft hen do in Islington where we had champagne and ate cake and sewed a fascinator each, that was great fun and cheap too.

The RIB speedboat trip on the Thames is amazing but you can't go if you're pregnant. Just thought I'd mention it as it's brilliant for any other time

Crystal maze IS awesome but you can't go at any stage of pregnancy, as I found out after organising a work do there, and then finding out I was pg! Might also be tough post c section, depending on speed of recovery.

How about something unconventional?
www.jacktherippermuseum.com

Not sure about London but there is a florist where I live that does flower arranging sessions. They have themes too eg wreaths at Christmas. Google might help you find one.

I second the Bedford in balham. Great comedy night and they follow it with a cheesy disco (tables cleared to the sides). Have an early dinner and cocktails beforehand - there's a few nice places around there.

Karaoke in a private room at a pub?

Depending on the time of year pop up cinemas/secret cinema and outdoor cinemas can be amazing.

Bedford is a great pub and reliable for comedy.

I've been to jewellery making upstairs in Camden Market before which was nice. The woman who did the workshop provided tea and cake, and took home some really nice jewellery

I went to a fabulous hen do once where there was a dance lesson. There was a dance teacher and a studio booked and we learned a dance routine together. Was such a laugh. I’m a dreadful dancer but that added to the fun!

I think the dance routine made it into the wedding do iirc!!

Was fairly cheap and followed by drinks.

8 weeks post section and pregnant hens - definteily not dancing or walking too far

Love the idea of the sing along show. We went to dirty dancing one and a Whitney one

Both were awesome. Could do a nice dinner after or lunch before.

Escape room! Love them and perfect for non mobile people as it's all in a room and not physically challenging. Afterwards you'll need a sit down a de brief and refreshments.
Or maybe then go to a restaurant?
Cocktail making is much more fun than it sound but part of the fun is drinking the alcohol, so although preggers mate can make mocktails, its not so much fun downing oversweetend fruit juice!

Or a comedy club. They are good fun.

Ever seen The Mousetrap?

Does there have to be an "activity"? What's wrong with just dinner and drinks?

Rebecca - see it and I think the bride has too - it was amazing. I'd actually see it again so that's a good idea... she'd love that I think...

I mean I've seen it. Bloody phone.

Lonicera - she wants something to include the MIL and aunts as they are not going to stay for drinks and she wants a full day.

I went to a hen do in Newcastle where we had rented a small recording studio for a couple hours that allowed you to bring your own drinks and nibbles.

We laid down two tracks it was bloody brilliantly!!! Plus we all had a keepsake to take away with us, a dreadful rendition of two fabulous songs! And if the hen is feeling particularly evil she could totally play one of the songs you record at the wedding! Hehe

Should also say the studio came with a chap who did all the knobs and buttons and directed us!

Nectarines - I'm wondering if I know you because I did that for MY hen night!! I think that might be a bit physically demanding for the 8 month preggers hen...

Pumplane - That's a FAB idea!!